Travertine Pool Decks & Hardscape in Scottsdale, AZ

Ground conditions change a lot from one end of the city to the other. Old Town lots are compact, so a deck or patio project there is mostly about fitting good material into limited space and getting it through a gate. North of the 101, the soil turns to decomposed granite with buried boulders, and it is common to hit rock while digging out for a paver base. We remove or break that rock rather than building over it, because a hard spot under the base eventually shows up through the pavers as a hump.

Hillside and view lots bring their own planning. A deck that wraps a negative-edge pool facing the McDowells has to account for the fall of the land, and we pay close attention to where runoff goes during a monsoon storm so it is directed away from the pool and the house rather than across the stone. Where the grade drops, we use retaining walls, steps and landings set on solid bases so every level feels stable to walk.

Most master-planned communities here run design review, and DC Ranch, Grayhawk and Troon require HOA architectural approval before work begins. Front-yard driveways and entry walks face the street, so expect the committee to look closely at material and color. We assemble the specs, samples and layout drawings they ask for. On luxury remodels of 1990s pools, the original deck often comes out along with the dated finishes, and we replace it with travertine or porcelain chosen to complement the new pebble interior.