Our installers spend their weeks on pool decks and lanais around Sarasota, and they see which ideas homeowners are still happy with years later. These are the ones that keep proving out.
Extend the deck, not just the pool surround
The most common regret we hear is building the deck too tight to the pool. Carrying the same paver a few feet further buys you room for loungers and a table without a single extra structure. If the budget forces a choice, square footage beats upgrades.
Run one surface from lanai to pool
Using the same paver and pattern from the covered lanai out to the open deck makes both feel larger and removes the awkward transition strip. It also means one maintenance schedule for the whole surface.
Pick the surface for bare feet first
Looks matter, but July matters more. Travertine and shellstone stay cooler than standard concrete pavers, which is why they dominate pool decks here. We keep both on display in the showroom so you can judge them full size.
Plan the extras into the deck, not onto it
A fire pit, a seat wall or a grill area works best when it is set into the deck layout from the start, with the pattern and drainage planned around it. Added later, the same feature sits on top of the design instead of in it.
Border courses do the finishing work
A contrasting border course around the deck edge and the coping is the cheapest upgrade with the biggest visual return. It frames the pool the way trim frames a room.
If you are weighing a deck remodel, start on our pool decks page or call (941) 922-2442. Estimates are free.