Modern concrete pool deck with cedar privacy screening, lounge chairs, and low planting.

Modern decks

Pool deck with cedar screening

A modern deck backed by cedar privacy screening turns an exposed poolside into a calm, enclosed retreat without walling it in.

Estimate a similar pool deck
Modern concrete pool deck with cedar privacy screening, lounge chairs, and low planting.

Modern decks

Pool deck with cedar screening

A modern deck backed by cedar privacy screening turns an exposed poolside into a calm, enclosed retreat without walling it in.

Estimate a similar pool deck

Conceptual design image. Use it to discuss layout and priorities. Measure the property and verify drainage, utilities, slab support, local approvals, safety needs, and site conditions before building.

Design decision

Why this idea works

A wood screen gives the deck a warm backdrop and blocks a specific sight line, a neighbor window or a road, without the heaviness of a full wall. Set behind low planting, it makes the pool feel private while still letting air and light through.

The tradeoff
The layout sets a clear direction, but it also commits the project to fixed relationships. Design the screen posts and their footings first; the deck slab should not be assumed to resist wind load on the screen.
How to measure it
Conceptual range: a rectangular deck plus separately planned screen post footings outside the walking loop.

On your property

Plan it for your site

Keep the deck a simple, cool-toned field so the cedar is the accent, not the competition. Detail the screen so its posts and framing sit clear of splash and standing water, and keep the wood from touching soil directly.

  • Set screen posts on their own footings sized for wind, not on the deck slab alone.
  • Keep cedar framing and fasteners out of splash zones and off direct soil contact so the wood can dry.
  • Position the screen to block the sight line you actually care about while keeping air moving.

Before forms are set

Build implications

  • Confirm before estimating Screen post foundations, wind load, and attachment details.
  • Confirm before estimating Clearance between the wood, splash zones, and irrigation.
  • Confirm before estimating Local fence, screen height, and property-line rules.
  • Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
  • Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
  • Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
  • Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.

Prevent these problems

  • Choosing the finish by appearance aloneA surface that looks refined may become slippery when wet or uncomfortably hot in full sun.
  • Draining toward the pool or houseSplash-out and rainfall need a deliberate route that avoids coping, thresholds, and low deck corners.
  • Adding barriers after the layoutRequired fences, gates, alarms, and clear walking routes should shape the deck from the beginning.

Next step

Turn the idea into your estimate

Enter measurements from the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.

Estimate a similar pool deck

Questions this idea raises

Does a privacy screen need its own footings?

Usually yes. A tall screen catches wind and can have structural demands separate from a deck slab, so confirm the post and footing design before pouring.

Will cedar last next to a pool?

Cedar handles weather well when it is detailed to dry out and kept clear of constant splash and soil contact. Choose fasteners and a base detail suited to a wet, chlorinated environment.

Best when
Modern decks
Reconsider when
Reconsider the idea if wet traction, surface temperature, drainage, coping, and barrier requirements cannot be resolved on the property.
Verify first
Design the screen posts and their footings first; the deck slab should not be assumed to resist wind load on the screen.
Professional input
Pool and concrete contractors; verify local pool-safety requirements

Sources and further reading

Read slab planning guide

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