[Excerpted from Pool Idea Book. © 2004 Taunton Books]

Decking materials are chosen primarily for budget and style preferences. Concrete and wood are the most affordable materials, while cut stone and tile are the most expensive. Even concrete can be affordably upgraded, however, with the addition of brick, tile or stone bands. By selecting matching or complementary paving materials, you can visually unite your home's architecture with your pool area. A brief description of the advantages of each material follows:

WOOD is a popular choice because of its reasonable cost and ease of installation. You can choose from domestic woods such as cedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine, or imported woods such as ipe or Malaysian red meranti. Keep in mind that you'll need to regularly paint, stain or seal a wooden deck to maintain its beauty.

COMPOSITES are man-made materials that look like wood and may contain a mix of recycled wood, plastics, minerals, polymer resins or other materials. They cost more than wood, but they resist warping, splintering, rotting and the wrath of termites better than wood does. Most composite materials do not need to be painted, stained or sealed.

POURED CONCRETE is one of the most affordable decking options, although it is best suited to warm climates. In extremely cold climates, it may crack during winter's freeze-thaw cycle. You can finish poured concrete in a variety of colors and textures or stamp it to look like brick, stone or tile.

CONCRETE PAVERS are precast modular units that are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. You can lay them in a variety of patterns.

CAST STONE is a specially formulated concrete that is precast in factory molds and then set in place on site like stone. It has a clean, classic look. Because it is porous and light colored, it is cooler underfoot than most other paving materials.

STONE comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and textures and is the most natural-looking decking materials. It costs more per square yard but is virtually indestructible and complements most architectural styles.

BRICK lends a traditional look to pools and especially complements homes with brick siding or foundations. It is moderately priced and can be laid in a variety of patterns and is easily combined with other paving materials.

UNGLAZED PORCELAIN OR STONE TILE is an elegant choice for pool decks, especially when used both indoors and outdoors to create a unified look. Although most tiles are square, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.