For most Jacksonville and NE Florida pool decks, pavers are the better choice right around the water. They stay cooler underfoot than composite in our heat, won't get slippery the way a wet board can, and a cracked or stained paver can be swapped one at a time. Composite is the better pick when you want a raised deck, a wood look, or a low-upkeep surface set back from the pool edge.
- Pavers stay cooler in direct Florida sun than composite, which matters most for bare feet on a poolside surface.
- Composite (Trex/MoistureShield) is the highest-cost tier we install at $28-42 per sq ft installed; pavers are priced by project.
- Both can be built to meet Florida's 130-150 mph wind code across Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties when installed by a licensed GC.
For most Jacksonville pool decks, pavers are the better pick. They stay cooler underfoot in the Florida sun, give you good grip when wet, and handle our heat and humidity well. Composite is the better pick when you want a raised, wood-look deck around the pool with very little upkeep. Both are strong choices. The right one comes down to your yard, your look, and your budget.
| Factor | Pavers | Composite (Trex / MoistureShield) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | Priced by project | $28-42 per sq ft (highest tier we install) |
| Heat underfoot | Stays cooler in direct Florida sun | Warmer in full sun; better set back from the water |
| Upkeep | Occasional re-leveling and sand joints; rinse off | No sealing or staining; rinse off |
| Lifespan | Decades; individual pavers swap out one at a time | Long-lasting boards; full board replacement if damaged |
| Wet-surface grip | Textured, good traction when wet | Can be slick when wet; pick textured boards |
| Best for | Ground-level decks right at the pool edge | Raised decks, wood look, surfaces set back from water |
We are Jacksonville Deck Builders, a Coastal Outdoor Construction brand. We have built decks across Northeast Florida since 2013. That is 500+ decks and a 4.9-star rating on 70 Google reviews. We are a Florida-licensed general contractor and fully insured. Here is how these two materials really compare around a pool.
The quick answer for Florida pools
Pavers are pieces of concrete or stone laid right on the ground. They are great for the flat area that wraps around a pool at ground level. Composite is a wood-look board made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. It is great for a raised deck or a deck that steps up off the ground.
Around a pool, the surface gets wet and your feet are bare. So two things matter most: how hot the surface gets and how much grip it has. That is where this whole choice lives.
Heat: how hot does it get barefoot?
This is the big one in Jacksonville. Our summers are long and the sun is strong.
- Pavers stay cooler than you would think, especially light-colored ones. Travertine and lighter concrete pavers are easy on bare feet, even in July.
- Composite can get hot in direct sun, like any deck board. Lighter colors help. Shade helps more. If your pool deck bakes all day with no cover, this is worth thinking about.
For a wide-open pool area in full sun, light pavers usually win on comfort. If your raised deck gets afternoon shade or a pergola, composite is very livable.
Grip: will it be slippery when wet?
Safety matters most where kids run and water splashes.
- Pavers have a textured surface that grips well when wet. This is one of the main reasons people pick them for pool decks.
- Composite from quality brands has a textured, grooved finish that also holds grip when wet. We install Trex and MoistureShield, and we are an authorized contractor for both.
Both can be safe. Pavers have a slight edge for a true poolside walking surface at ground level.
Upkeep in our humid climate
Northeast Florida is humid. Mold, mildew, and algae love that.
- Pavers need an occasional rinse and a wash. The joint sand may need a top-off over the years. A single paver can be lifted and reset if the ground shifts.
- Composite resists rot, splinters, and bugs. It will not need staining or sealing. A simple soap-and-water wash a couple of times a year keeps it looking right.
Composite asks for less hands-on care. Pavers are low-effort too, just a different kind of care. Neither one asks much compared to old wood.
Not sure which fits your pool and your yard? We will come look, talk it through in plain English, and give you a real number. Book a free in-home estimate at (904) 944-9253.
Wind and water: built for Florida
Florida's building code calls for decks to handle 130 to 150 mph winds, depending on where you are. We build to code in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties.
Pavers sit on the ground, so wind is not really a factor for them. For a raised composite deck, the framing and fasteners carry the wind load, and we build that frame to hold. Near the coast in spots like Ponte Vedra and Atlantic Beach, salt air and storms are real. Both materials hold up well when installed right.
Cost: what you can expect to spend
Every yard is different, so think in ranges, not exact numbers. Here is the general picture for installed work in our area:
- Pavers: a popular and well-priced choice for ground-level pool decks. The price moves with the paver type you choose, the square footage, and any prep or grading needed.
- Composite (Trex, MoistureShield): roughly $28 to $42 per square foot installed.
- Pressure-treated wood: about $20 to $30 per square foot if you want a budget raised deck.
- AZEK (PVC) and Ipe hardwood: our premium material, priced at $20–30 per sq ft, for homeowners who want the best look and feel.
The only way to know your real number is an estimate on your property. Our in-home estimate is free, and demo plus haul-away of an old structure is free when we build your replacement.
Can you mix both?
Yes, and a lot of our favorite projects do. A common setup in Mandarin, San Marco, Nocatee, and Riverside is a paver area right around the waterline for cool, grippy footing, plus a raised composite deck or lounge zone off the back of the house. You get the best of both. If you are weighing a full outdoor plan, our pool deck builders in Jacksonville can map the whole layout with you.
Composite also shines for raised decks, walkways, and seating areas away from the splash zone. You can see your color and board options on our composite decking page. And if you want a hardscape patio to tie the yard together, look at our patio options in Jacksonville.
So which should you pick?
Here is the simple way to choose:
- Go with pavers if your pool deck is at ground level, sits in full sun, and you want cool, grippy footing right by the water.
- Go with composite if you want a raised, wood-look deck, very low upkeep, and a warm finished feel.
- Go with both if you want pavers at the waterline and a composite deck for lounging.
There is no single best pick for every home. The right answer is the one that fits your yard, your sun, and how you will use the space.
Talk to a Jacksonville deck builder
We build new pool decks and full replacements across Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties. If your old deck is past its life, we will demo it, haul it away free, and build you something new. Call Jacksonville Deck Builders at (904) 944-9253 for your free in-home estimate, and we will help you pick the right surface for your pool.