Project Story & Overview
In the hillside community of Waialae Iki in Honolulu, we met a couple who love to swim, run, and entertain. Their pool deck should have been the centerpiece of their outdoor living space, but instead it had become a source of frustration. Built 15–20 years ago with a mix of wood and older composite materials, the deck had warped and deteriorated. The railings felt bulky and unsafe, and worst of all, the surface absorbed so much heat that it was impossible to walk barefoot in the afternoon sun.
Because of this, the homeowners told us their top priorities were simple but critical: a deck that stayed cool enough to use barefoot, construction by a highly qualified contractor, and an updated design that would not block their hillside and ocean views.
“By mid-afternoon the old deck was too hot to even walk on barefoot.”
Waialae Iki Pool Deck Rebuild: Project Summary & FAQs
What materials were used for this pool deck?
We used TimberTech Advanced PVC in Vintage Coastline for the decking and Feeney DesignRail stainless steel cable railing. These premium materials were chosen for their cool-to-the-touch comfort, durability in Hawaii’s climate, and sleek modern design.
How long did the project take to complete?
This project took 6 weeks to complete, with an additional week for final touch-ups and detailed carpentry work. The extra time was due to the challenging site access in Waialae Iki, hillside conditions, and the specialized craftsmanship required to detail out the deck. Altogether, the project duration was 7 weeks, which is typical for custom hillside decks in Honolulu where accessibility and precision carpentry play a big role.
Why did the homeowner replace their old pool deck?
Their original deck became too hot to walk on barefoot. The new PVC decking stays cooler in direct sunlight, creating a more comfortable and family-friendly poolside space.
What custom design features were added?
This project includes diagonal deck boards, a double picture-frame border, a built-in bench, and a reinforced substructure. These upgrades enhanced both the safety and the overall look of the deck.
How does PVC perform compared to wood in Hawaii?
PVC resists termites, rain, and UV damage far better than wood. Around pools especially, it won’t warp or rot — making it a smart choice for Honolulu homeowners who want low-maintenance, long-lasting decking.
Do you handle similar projects across Oahu?
Yes. Hawaii Deck Builders specializes in premium pool deck replacements and hillside deck rebuilds throughout Honolulu, Kaneohe, Kailua, and beyond. We work with top materials like TimberTech, Trex, and Ipe for custom pool decks and outdoor living spaces.
Client Needs and Our Solutions
Homeowner Priorities
Barefoot Comfort
Their number one complaint was that the old deck made moving from pool to deck almost impossible without slippers—and even those became too hot to touch. Our solution was TimberTech PVC Vintage Collection in Coastline, a light, neutral color that reflects heat and remains cooler underfoot. The homeowners even tested free sample boards themselves, leaving them out in the sun to compare. Coastline won out, and now they can enjoy their deck barefoot at any time of day.
Safety & Longevity
During demo, we discovered additional posts and beams with decay that needed replacement. We worked with the homeowners on a change order, reinforcing the structure by adjusting joists to 12 inches on center, applying butyl joist tape for moisture protection, and using stainless steel fasteners throughout—an essential upgrade for Honolulu’s coastal climate.
Maximized Views
The old wood railings blocked their hillside and ocean scenery. To preserve safety without sacrificing the view, we installed a Feeney stainless steel cable railing system. This sleek, modern solution is engineered for durability in salt air and virtually disappears into the horizon.
Custom Finishes
To make the deck truly theirs, we collaborated on custom features: built-in bench seating, subtle post lighting for evening ambiance, and heat-bent trim for a clean finish around the pool. Mid-project, the homeowners decided to upgrade their pool handrail, replacing a worn piece with a new stainless option that complemented the refreshed deck.
Our Process
Consultation & Planning
The homeowners were highly engaged and decisive working with our team. Together, we refined the layout, selected materials, and planned the details.
Demo & Inspection
We removed the existing deck boards and railing, then paused with the homeowners to review the exposed framing. After discovering rot and undersized members, we discussed options and agreed on structural upgrades.
Substructure Reinforcement
Using our training as NADRA Deck Safety Specialists, we determined which framing could be preserved and where replacement was required. We reinforced the structure, adjusted joist spacing, applied joist tape, and secured everything with stainless steel hardware.
Deck Installation
With the substructure sound, our in-house carpentry crew installed the TimberTech Coastline boards with precision, creating a seamless, barefoot-safe surface.
Custom Features & Finishing Touches
Our team built a custom bench, added integrated post lighting, trimmed the pool edge for a seamless finish, and installed a sleek Feeney cable railing system. We also upgraded the pool handrail to complete the transformation. Explore our services to see how we can bring the same craftsmanship to your project.
Materials & Features
Decking: TimberTech Advanced PVC – Vintage Collection (Coastline color).
Railing: Feeney CableRail with aluminum posts + stainless cables.
Location: Designed for island living in Waialae Iki (Honolulu, Oahu)
Lighting: Post lights for safety & ambiance.
This project included premium products selected specifically for Honolulu’s climate:
Decking: TimberTech Advanced PVC – Vintage Collection (Coastline color).
Railing: Feeney CableRail with aluminum posts + stainless cables.
Substructure: Reinforced beams & joists, adjusted to 12” O.C., joist tape applied.
Fasteners: 100% stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Lighting: Post lights for safety & ambiance.
Custom Carpentry: Built-in bench seating and heat-bent trim around pool.
Upgrade: Stainless steel pool handrail.
Final Oahu Pool Deck Transformation
“Now we can finally walk barefoot from the pool to the deck — even on a hot sunny day.”