No. 31 Decks · Desert & Southwest
Desert Pool Deck with Cushioned Loungers
Wooden loungers rest poolside on a pale composite pool deck beside a rectangular lap pool with concrete coping, framed by desert succulents, olive trees, and boulders under bright daylight.
Design notes
Desert and Southwest design is shade, earth and sky. Look for stucco or adobe in earthy tones, flat roofs with deep overhangs, decomposed granite and gravel instead of lawn, and planting of agave, yucca, saguaro, ocotillo, palo verde and desert wildflowers. Corten steel, concrete and rammed earth handle the sun; ramadas, shade sails and pergolas make midday usable; and lighting stays low so the stars can compete.
What to look for
- Board direction and how it changes the apparent size
- Edges: built-in benches and planters instead of rail where allowed
- Stairs wide enough to double as seating






