Materials That Actually Work for Sunshine Coast Pool Decking
Choosing What Won’t Let You Down
Here’s the thing about pool decking materials — what looks good in a showroom doesn’t always hold up when it’s getting splashed with chlorinated water every day and baking under our coastal sun. We’ve tried just about everything over the years, and there’s a reason we stick with what we recommend.
Composite decking has become our go-to for most pool installations around the Sunshine Coast. It doesn’t splinter like timber, it stays cooler underfoot than you’d expect, and when the kids spill their drinks or drag wet towels across it, you’re not stressing about water damage. Plus, it’s designed to resist the chemicals from your pool maintenance routine without losing its color or texture.
For clients who want that natural look, we work with treated hardwoods that can handle the moisture. But we’re upfront about it — timber around pools needs more care than composite. You’ll be resealing it every couple years, and you’ve got to stay on top of any wear before it becomes a problem.
Safety Features Built In
Every surface we install comes with anti-slip texturing. Not the kind that tears up bare feet, but enough grip that nobody’s sliding around when they jump out of the pool. We also make sure the drainage is spot-on — water needs to flow away from your pool area, not pool up where someone could slip. These aren’t extras we charge for; they’re standard because your family’s safety isn’t negotiable.
How We Install Your Pool Decking Right the First Time
The Process Nobody Tells You About
Most decking companies will give you a quote and show up ready to build. We do things differently because we’ve learned the hard way that pool decking isn’t like building a regular deck. There’s engineering involved that most people don’t think about.
Before we lay a single board, we’re checking how water drains around your pool, looking at the existing structure underneath, and making sure everything meets Sunshine Coast Council requirements for pool safety barriers. That last part trips up a lot of DIY jobs — your pool decking has to work with your pool fence and safety barriers, not against them. Get it wrong and you’re looking at expensive fixes when council comes knocking.
The actual installation takes longer than a standard deck job, but there’s good reason for that. We’re creating proper falls for drainage, making sure every fixing is marine-grade stainless steel that won’t rust out in three years, and building in ventilation underneath so moisture doesn’t get trapped. Around Mooloolaba and the canal estates, where you’ve got salt air on top of pool chemicals, these details make the difference between pool decking that lasts twenty years and decking that needs replacing in five.
What Happens After Installation
Once we’re done, you’re not on your own. We walk you through exactly how to maintain your new deck, what to watch for, and when to give it some basic care. Most of our composite installations need nothing more than a hose down and occasional scrub.
Pool Deck Transformations Across the Sunshine Coast
Real Projects from Real Homes
Last year we completely rebuilt a pool area in Pelican Waters that’d been there since the estate was first developed. The owners had been patching and repairing for years, but the deck had reached the point where no amount of fixing would help. What we pulled out was a mix of three different repair attempts over the years — none of them done properly.
We replaced it with composite decking that matched their home’s modern coastal aesthetic, added built-in seating along one side, and designed the whole thing to flow seamlessly into their outdoor kitchen area. Now they’ve got a space that handles their weekly family gatherings without them worrying about someone getting hurt on loose boards or splintered timber.
From Dated to Resort-Style
Up in Minyama, we worked on a canal property where the pool deck was original to the house — built in the early 2000s and showing every year of it. The brief was simple: make it look like something you’d see at a high-end resort without losing the character of their established garden.
We kept the footprint mostly the same but upgraded to materials that could handle the canal environment. Added proper lighting that doesn’t glare off the water, integrated their existing pool fence into the new design, and created dedicated zones for lounging versus active entertaining. The transformation took their property value up significantly, but more than that, they actually use their pool area now instead of avoiding it.
Safety Standards and Council Compliance
What You Need to Know About Pool Safety Regulations
Getting your pool decking sorted on the Sunshine Coast isn’t just about making it look good — there’s a whole stack of regulations you’ve got to meet. Pool safety laws in Queensland are strict, and they should be. We’ve all heard the stories, and nobody wants their pool area to be anything less than completely safe for kids.
When we design your pool decking, we’re building it to work with your pool barrier requirements from day one. That means the deck height, the fence attachment points, the gates — everything has to meet current Australian Standards. Sunshine Coast Council doesn’t mess around with this stuff, and neither do we.
The tricky part is when you’re renovating an existing pool area. We’ve turned up to properties where previous contractors have built decking that actually made the pool fence non-compliant without the owners realising it. Changed the deck height just enough that the fence no longer meets the minimum requirements, or created climbable zones that shouldn’t exist. It’s not always obvious until you get an inspection.
Anti-Slip Requirements That Actually Matter
Beyond the barrier regulations, there’s the practical safety aspect of slip resistance. Australian Standards require specific slip ratings for pool surrounds, and we test every material we install to make sure it meets those ratings when wet. Because let’s be honest — around a pool, it’s always going to be wet somewhere.
FAQs About Pool Decking on the Sunshine Coast
Most pool deck projects take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the size and complexity. We’re not just slapping boards down — there’s prep work, getting materials that can handle our coastal conditions, and making sure everything’s built to last. Weather can slow things down too, especially during our storm season.
Composite decking wins hands down for coastal properties. It doesn’t absorb moisture like timber, won’t corrode from salt air, and handles pool chemicals without breaking down. We’ve got clients in Mooloolaba whose composite pool decks still look new after eight years of constant exposure.
Usually yes, especially if you’re changing the deck height or modifying anything near your pool barrier. Sunshine Coast Council wants to make sure pool safety standards are met. We handle all the paperwork and approvals as part of our service — you don’t need to chase anything yourself.
Composite decks need a hose down every few weeks and maybe a scrub with mild detergent a couple times a year. Timber requires more — you’ll be oiling or sealing it annually at minimum. We give you a maintenance schedule specific to whatever material you choose.
Absolutely. We design around pumps, filters, heating systems, whatever you’ve got. The goal is to make everything accessible for maintenance while keeping it all looking clean and integrated.
Get Your Pool Deck Sorted Properly
We’re Ready When You Are
If your pool area’s seen better days, or you’re planning a new pool and want the decking done right from the start, we’d love to come take a look. We service the entire Sunshine Coast — from Noosa down to Caloundra and everywhere in between.
We’ll come out to your property, have a proper look at what you’re working with, and give you an honest assessment of what needs doing. No pressure, no sales pitch — just straight advice from people who’ve been building pool decking on the Sunshine Coast long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.
Our quotes are detailed so you know exactly what you’re getting, and we stick to our timelines because we know how disruptive construction can be when you’re living in the house. Most of our work comes from referrals these days — people who’ve had their pool decks done and then tell their neighbours, their family, anyone who’ll listen.
Whether you’re in Buderim looking at a complete renovation, or you’ve just bought in Minyama and want to upgrade before summer hits, we’ve got the experience and the materials to make it happen. Pool decking is what we specialise in, and we take pride in building something that’ll keep your family safe while turning your backyard into the entertaining space you’ve always wanted.
Give us a call and let’s talk about what’s possible for your property.
