Selecting Larch Wood for an Economical Yet Luxurious Poolside Deck

Creating an Oasis at Home: The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Poolside Deck

For many, owning a home with a pool on the property is the pinnacle of aspiration. As the summer days grow increasingly warm, an outdoor pool transforms into a coveted oasis of coolness and a source of pure delight. It becomes a special place where the hustle and bustle of daily life can be forgotten, allowing one to fully immerse in the joy of the moment—joy that is enhanced with every ray of sunlight. Integral to this idyllic setting is the area surrounding the pool. It must meet various criteria: it should be beautiful, safe, and practical. As pools have become more accessible and no longer considered an exclusive luxury, the surrounding area also needs to be economically viable and not require excessive maintenance. In this context, choosing the right decking material becomes a crucial aspect of creating the perfect leisure space. Today, we'll explore how to make this choice both consciously and harmoniously, turning the poolside area into a realm of magic and joy.

Project Overview and Details

When our clients first approached us with the idea of designing a poolside area, they were looking for more than just material—they sought a solution that combined beauty, durability, and moisture resistance. It was then we recommended larch decking as the ideal choice for creating an aesthetic and functional terrace around the pool.

The choice of larch was deliberate. Renowned for its natural beauty, decay resistance, and moisture tolerance—critical for high humidity areas like pool zones—larch represents the choice for those valuing eco-friendliness and naturalness.

Material

Siberian Larch decking, grade AB, size 28x140 mm, with main lengths of 2 and 3 meters, and additional boards of 1 meter for specific area finishes. This variety allows for a significant cost reduction compared to standard options, enhancing economic efficiency.

In designing the pool and terrace areas, we considered using short-length materials for finishes, providing economic benefits. It's important to consult with experienced lumber sellers or, even better, directly with manufacturers. As manufacturers, we offer more than just sales; our aim is to provide the material best suited for your project. We meticulously review each order to offer the most appropriate board sizes, minimizing the need for unnecessary expenditure on excess length and cutting waste.

Material Selection: Why Not Composite or Pine?

In searching for alternatives, our clients encountered the option of using wood-plastic composite (WPC). However, solid WPC is incredibly expensive, costing much more than larch, while the hollow variant, though cheaper, is far less durable in pool environments, especially in warm regions. Our experience has shown that in such climates, WPC can become unusable by the end of the first season.

Pine was not considered due to its tendency to deteriorate and rot upon contact with water. Marketing claims often present pine as a viable alternative to larch, citing lower costs and attractive appearance. However, scientific research and practical experience from large construction projects prove otherwise. Larch boasts unique characteristics that make it a more suitable choice for high-moisture environments.

Installation and Fixation

The poolside project for a single-story home promised to be a highlight of the entire property, but achieving the vision required not just quality material but also the right approach to its installation. We opted for an open fixation method using screws, ensuring maximum strength and stability for the deck, crucial in the constantly moist environment near the pool.

Choosing the right screws was paramount. They needed to match the board thickness, have anti-corrosive coating, and a sharp end with deep threading for a secure connection. Stainless steel A4 screws, though more expensive, provide excellent corrosion resistance and connection strength, essential for our project.

Larch Care: Basics and Recommendations

Maintaining a larch wood deck is key to preserving its beauty and longevity. Larch, despite its increased resistance to external factors, requires regular care, especially in high humidity and direct sunlight.

Using Oil with Wax

We strongly recommend treating larch with oil that includes wax. This not only protects the wood from moisture and UV rays but also highlights its natural texture and color. It's important to treat both the face and inner sides of the board for comprehensive protection. Applying one layer of oil on the inner side and two layers with sanding in between on the face side enhances penetration and absorption, significantly extending the deck's lifespan.

The Importance of Resanding

Resanding the surface before reapplying oil removes the top layer that may have become dull or damaged. This ensures deep penetration of protective substances into the wood structure, enhancing water repellency and wear resistance.

Avoiding Varnishes and Non-specialized Coatings

Using varnishes and coatings not intended for wood can severely disrupt its natural processes. These materials create a dense film that prevents the wood from "breathing," trapping moisture within its structure, leading to rapid aging, cracking, and ultimately, rotting. In contrast, surfaces treated with oil are much easier to repair after mechanical damage. Scratches or stains can be easily removed through localized sanding and reapplication of oil, not only restoring the wood's original appearance but also extending its service life.

In conclusion, selecting oil as a protective and decorative medium for a wooden deck not only ensures a natural and attractive appearance but also maintains the health and longevity of the wood. Remember, natural wood, whether larch or any other type, requires special care to remain beautiful and reliable for many years.

 Let's cherish every moment spent in harmony with nature and the surrounding world, basking in the sun, summer, water, and warmth. We're eager to share this incredible experience with you, offering our knowledge and skills to create similar projects filled with beauty, comfort, and naturalness.