How Much Does a Pool Deck Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

When planning for pool deck costs, expect to pay an average range of $3,000 and $12,000, depending on materials, size, and labor. The average total is $5,000. Set a realistic budget upfront and talk with a qualified pool deck pro so the finished deck meets your needs and upgrades your backyard.

Pool Deck Cost Factors

Materials, pool and deck size, local pricing, and terrain are the primary variables that drive pool deck cost. Here’s a closer look at a pool deck cost breakdown.

Deck Size

There are two main kinds of pool decks: walk-around decks, which simply enclose the perimeter of your pool, and proportionate decks, which are about the same size as the pool and offer a larger recreation space for time spent poolside. The deck style you choose—and your pool’s footprint—can raise overall costs.

Location

Where you live matters for determining your pool deck cost. Labor and material rates vary regionally for both above-ground and in-ground pools. If you live in a warm, sunny state in the Southern part of the country, pools are likely common in your area. This translates to lower prices for all pool-related services, including pool deck costs. If you live somewhere where pools are less common (especially in Northern states), local pool deck contractors will have less competition, meaning prices will probably be higher.

Terrain

The underlying terrain plays a major role in the overall pool deck cost. For example, if the terrain is particularly rocky, it will likely be more expensive to prepare the land for pool deck installation. Hardscaping costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of the area and the extent of the hardscaping.

Permits

Pool deck contractors often include permitting costs in their fees, but you should still account for them when determining your budget. Permit prices vary by project size and location, so you can expect to pay between $450 and $2,400 for building permit costs.

Prep

Beyond hardscaping, you may have to pay for additional site prep to get the area ready to install a pool deck. Since a deck needs a flat, obstacle-free surface, prep costs vary widely from site to site. Depending on the area, you may have to pay for land leveling, which ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on how much excavation is needed.

Labor

Hiring a pool deck builder costs $15 to $35 per square foot, and labor accounts for 35% of the total project cost. These costs will go up if you’re in an area where pools are less common, if you need extensive hardscaping, land leveling, or tree removal, or if you’re installing a more uncommon material, such as aluminum.

In-Ground Pool Deck Costs

Pool decks for an in-ground pool cost between $3 and $40 per square foot, which makes them more expensive on average than above-ground pool decks. The price of your in-ground pool deck will vary greatly depending on the material you choose:

• Pavers: Ranging from $3 to $7 per square foot, prefabricated pavers are one of the most budget-friendly options for an in-ground pool deck. They’re also easy to install, reducing labor costs. However, they’re much less durable than other materials, such as poured concrete.

• Poured Concrete: This is a more durable option than pavers, and only costs slightly more. A poured concrete slab pool deck costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, though you’ll need to hire concrete experts to get the job done.

• Stamped Concrete: This is the same process as pouring concrete, only the surface is stamped before drying to give the appearance of natural stones, bricks, or anything else you might want. Stamped concrete pool decks cost between $12 and $20 per square foot, including labor.

• Precast Concrete: Precast concrete offers the durability of poured concrete and a lower price, similar to pavers. The only downside is the limited customization options compared to poured concrete. Precast concrete pool decks cost $5 to $12 per square foot.

• Coral Stone: This material is derived from coral, offering a luxurious look and natural water-resistance. It’s also slip-resistant thanks to the bumpy, irregular texture. Coral stone pool decks are more expensive than other materials, at $15 to $40 per square foot. 

• Wood: Wood can be a good choice for in-ground pool decks thanks to its luxurious, natural look, but it needs more intensive maintenance to prevent rotting and peeling. Depending on the type of wood you choose, it can cost anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot.

• Composite Wood: This material is a combination of wood and plastic, offering superior durability and low maintenance requirements. Composite pool decks cost $8 to $35 per square foot, including installation.

• Brick: Though not the most durable choice for a high-moisture pool deck area, brick can add a classic look to your poolside. Brick pool decks cost $20 to $35 per square foot, with installation included.

• Tile: Outdoor ceramic tile offers great slip resistance and is naturally strong against water damage, but can be prone to cracking with temperature changes if you don’t maintain it regularly. Tile pool decks cost between $3 and $40 per square foot.

Above-Ground Pool Deck Costs

Above-ground pool decks cost less than in-ground decks on average, and have a more limited range of available materials. The most common options are wood, plastic, and composite combinations of both wood and plastic.

• Wood: Building a wood deck (using pressure-treated pine) costs $15 to $20 per square foot, with material costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

• Plastic: Plastic pool decking materials cost $500 to $2,000.

• Composite: Composite decking costs between $4 and $12 per square foot for materials.

Pool Deck Replacement vs. Repair

If damage is limited, repairing the deck can be more cost-effective than a full replacement. Repairs cost far less than a new deck, but think long-term. If your deck requires frequent repairs, a full replacement may be a smarter investment. Compare projected repair costs with the price of building a new deck to decide which option delivers the best value.

Does Installing a Pool Deck Increase Home Value?

A well-designed pool deck upgrades your backyard and can boost resale value. Because a quality deck can last for decades, many homeowners view the upfront cost as a long-term investment.

Budgeting for a Pool Deck

Plan your pool deck project and avoid unexpected costs and going over your budget with these tactics:

• Building a new pool as well? Shrinking the pool’s footprint slightly lowers both pool and deck costs.

• Choose a walk-around deck instead of a proportionate design to limit materials and labor.

• Select budget-friendly materials such as pressure-treated pine, concrete, or plastic.

• Keep the design simple; extra curves and angles add cost. If you want unique shapes, poured concrete keeps the price in check.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.