Which Is Better: A Wooden or a Concrete Pool Deck?

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

When creating a pool deck for your Orlando home or business, you want to select a material that will look attractive, be long lasting, and fit your budget. Wood and concrete tend to be two of the most popular options, with wood being more common in areas at least several feet away from the pool. Each material has its own advantages, but if you are looking for something that will but up to the pool edge and surround the water, then a concrete pool deck will most likely be the answer.

Durability

Installing a pool deck on any Orlando property can be a significant investment, which is why you want to make sure that the deck lasts for a long time. Wood is a popular choice for decks because when properly cared for, wood is durable. The thing to remember, however, is that if you don’t maintain it properly, the wood will easily change color, crack, or split. Concrete is less likely to split or crack, and it is sturdy enough to resist heavy daily traffic. As a bonus, regular maintenance is incredibly simple, so you don’t have to worry about laziness causing damage to your concrete pool deck.

Choices

When it comes to options for your pool deck, wood and concrete will offer a similar number of choices. Wood can come in multiple board lengths and wood types and then can be stained or painted your desired color. Concrete is equally versatile, letting you select any color, texture, stamp, or pattern. In fact, you can actually install a concrete pool deck in Orlando that looks like wood or stone.

Pool-Specific Considerations

Wood decks do have the advantage of easily staying consistent temperature so your feet don’t get cold or hot when walking across them, but they also increase the risk of getting splinters. Concrete decks, on the other hand, offer no chance of getting splinters and depending on the color and surface used, can stay comforting on the feet as well.  In addition, concrete pool decks won’t be damaged by water like wood decks would be and textured options offer slip resistance, making them an overall better option.

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