What is The Best Stone Product for Exterior Pool or Patio Decks? When it comes to pool patio and deck materials, there are so many possibilities that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But there are many considerations to keep in mind when a client comes to you looking for material recommendations and options. Appearance, cost, durability, and ease of installation may be some of the first factors that come to mind for both you and your client; however, you won’t want to overlook other key factors when deciding on a pool patio stone and deck material. Comfort and safety should be taken into account when choosing the right material for your client’s pool decking. Anybody who has ever spent time near a pool during a northeast summer knows just how uncomfortable it can be to step barefoot onto a hot pool deck, or one with a wooden surface. And when it comes to safety, some pool deck materials aren’t slip-resistant, opening up the opportunity for all kinds of accidents. Fortunately, there are several materials that are great for exterior pool decks—but one in particular stands out. Consider our popular and versatile Jerusalem Grey™ Limestone as a pool deck option for your client’s project. What is Jerusalem Grey Limestone? Our Jerusalem Grey Limestone is imported from Israel and has been used since ancient times. Specifically, this is a sedimentary limestone that comes in a beautiful light color. Because it is formed at the basin of the sea, sand, fossils, and shells combine to make unique slabs each time—and if you look closely, you’ll see small fossils inside each one. We offer it in a random rectangular pattern and in two different finishes, sandblasted or sandblasted and brushed. Which one you choose will depend on how much slip resistance you need and if you want to see more or less color in the product. For example, sandblasted is lighter but more slip resistant, and sandblasted and brushed is smoother but shows more of the natural color of the stone. Benefits of Jerusalem Grey Limestone for Pool Decks Many residential and commercial clients will opt for Jerusalem Grey Limestone for pool decks, and for good reason. For starters, the light-colored stone stays cool to the touch, even on the hottest summer days. As a result, pool dwellers can enjoy their time on the deck without having to worry about burning their feet on concrete, wood, or stone that’s too hot. And unlike many other stone options, it doesn’t need to be sealed, so maintenance is a breeze. Furthermore, depending on the application, some people like to combine the two types of finishes. For example, when Jerusalem Grey Limestone is sandblasted, it has an anti-slip finish that makes it ideal for slick areas around pools. However, some will combine sandblasted and brushed to get a deeper color and will put it in areas where they want a smooth surface for their feet or a place to sit when hopping out of the pool. While adults and children should still exercise caution and never run poolside, Jerusalem Grey Limestone can provide added traction and friction even when wet, which can help to prevent accidental slips and falls by the pool. Treads are even available for stairs and for coping/wall caps; these are typically available in thicknesses of 1 3/4″ and 2″. Most limestone is not durable enough to withstand the harsh freeze-thaw cycles that the northeast climate tends to bring on—that’s what make Jerusalem Grey Limestone so unique. As a result, your clients can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that this pool deck material is made to stand up to the test of time no matter where they are in the country. Combine these comfort and safety benefits with the truly unique and beautiful appearance of Jerusalem Grey Limestone, and it’s easy to see why so many clients want to choose this product for their exterior pool deck needs. If you’re looking for a product to offer your clients for their exterior pool patio project, Jerusalem Grey Limestone truly checks off all the boxes. We have this available in a rectangular pattern in tiles ranging from 12″ x 12″ up to 24″ by 36″. We also have standard rectangular paving sold at 1 1/4″ thick that can be set dry in stone dust or set in concrete. Interested in full slabs? If you’re looking to create a continuous seam for a barbecue countertop, radius pool coping, or stair treads, full slabs are a great way to achieve this look. Stop by our showroom or check out our website to find out more about this excellent stone option and be sure to keep it in mind for your other exterior projects as well. Are you looking for more exterior stone options? Our team at Connecticut Stone is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our products or schedule a visit to our showroom. We look forward to providing you with the jaw-dropping stone materials you need to make your client’s outdoor area the place to be.