Poolside Brief for a Working Lodge in Franschhoek
The client needed a neat outdoor surface around a lodge pool where guests move between the water, seating, and dining areas throughout the day. The old surface had started to look tired and it was becoming harder to keep clean after busy weekends and summer turnover. The brief was simple enough on paper: improve the look, make day to day cleaning easier, and use a material that would hold up in a mountain valley climate with strong sun, cool evenings and regular moisture.
Because this was a hospitality space, the finish had to work for bare feet, wet towels and frequent service access. It also had to fit in with the lodge setting, so the look needed to feel tidy and practical rather than flashy. We worked from site measurements and layout planning through to installation and edge finishing, with a focus on neat lines and minimal disruption to the property.
- Client type: lodge and guest accommodation
- Town: Franschhoek, Western Cape
- Area: poolside entertainment space
- Project goal: update the surface with a lower maintenance decking solution
Why Recycled Plastic Lumber Suited This Site
Recycled plastic lumber is a solid choice where timber would normally need sanding, sealing and regular touch ups. Around a pool, that matters. Water, pool chemicals, damp towels and strong sunlight can all shorten the life of softer materials. In this case the lodge wanted something that could be hosed down, kept tidy with basic care, and left to do its job without constant attention.
It also suited the local setting. Franschhoek summers can be hot and dry, but the surface still has to cope with moisture, cleaning water and the occasional winter soak. Recycled plastic lumber does not absorb the same way timber does, so it is a practical option for an outdoor entertainment area where upkeep time matters. It can be used in residential and commercial spaces, and for a lodge that sees frequent guest turnover, that is a real benefit.
- Suitable for pool surrounds and guest walkways
- Low day to day maintenance compared with timber
- Useful where moisture and sun exposure are both factors
- Works well for hospitality spaces that need a tidy finish
What We Supplied and How We Set It Out
We supplied recycled plastic lumber decking boards in a layout that followed the existing pool and entertainment zone, with edge detailing to keep the perimeter clean. The material was selected for a consistent finish and reliable performance in an outdoor setting. We also planned the board direction and join positions so the area would look orderly from the main guest approach and from the pool side.
The installation included site measures, layout planning, delivery coordination and deck installation. Where the existing level changes needed attention, we adjusted the build-up so the finished surface sat neatly and flowed better around the pool edge. The result was a surface that looked well put together without drawing attention to itself, which is exactly what a lodge usually needs.
- Recycled plastic lumber decking boards
- Edge finishing for clean boundaries
- Layout planned around pool access and guest movement
- Delivery arranged to suit the lodge schedule
Installation Details, Access and On-Site Constraints
Working at a lodge means planning around guests, housekeeping, deliveries and quiet hours. Access to the pool area was controlled, so we kept the work sequence tidy and moved material in stages. That helped reduce disturbance and kept the site clear for the lodge team. The installation was completed over two weeks, from final measure through to fitting and finishing.
We also had to account for the practical side of a poolside build. The finish needed to drain properly, sit comfortably underfoot, and leave enough room for cleaning and maintenance access. Because the site was in a hospitality setting, we kept cut edges neat and paid attention to the transitions where the decking met existing surfaces. A small misalignment in a guest area stands out quickly, so the detail mattered.
- Project timeline: 2 weeks
- Access managed around lodge operations
- Work sequenced to limit disruption
- Finishing checked at joins, edges and transitions
The Finished Poolside Area and Day to Day Use
The finished area gave the lodge a cleaner and more current look around the pool without changing the character of the property. It now reads as a proper entertainment space rather than a patchwork of old surface repairs. For staff, the main change is ease of care. For guests, it is a more comfortable place to walk, sit and move between the pool and seating zones.
One of the stronger points of this material is that it does not need the same regular maintenance cycle as timber. There is no sanding between seasons and no repeated sealing schedule to keep up with. In a lodge environment, that means less time spent on upkeep and more time spent on the rest of the property. It is a practical choice for a busy site and one that ages in a steady, predictable way.
- Cleaner appearance around the pool
- More comfortable for guest movement
- Reduced upkeep compared with timber
- Suitable for regular washing and daily hospitality use
Key Specs from the Franschhoek Lodge Project
The lodge project was shaped around practical site conditions rather than decorative extras. Below are the main details that mattered for planning and delivery.
- Product type: recycled plastic lumber decking
- Project location: Franschhoek, Western Cape
- Use area: poolside entertainment zone
- Works completed: site measures, layout planning, delivery coordination, deck installation and edge finishing
- Project duration: 2 weeks
- Main benefit: low maintenance surface for a busy lodge setting
For hospitality clients, that combination is often the deciding factor. The surface has to look right, cope with repeated use and not create extra work for the maintenance team. This project ticked those boxes.
What We Would Do Again on a Similar Lodge Project
If we were doing a similar job again, we would follow the same approach: measure carefully, plan the layout around guest movement, and keep the installation sequence tight so the site stays usable. On a lodge property, the best result usually comes from simple choices made well, rather than trying to overcomplicate the finish.
We would also keep the focus on durable materials and clean detailing at the edges and joins. That is where a pool deck either feels finished or it does not. With the right planning, recycled plastic lumber gives a lodge a solid, practical surface that holds up in daily use and still looks in order when the season gets busy.
Clients in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Paarl, Cape Town and further afield can reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page for site measures, material quoting, delivery coordination and installation support.
Key facts
| Project | Franschhoek Lodge poolside decking |
|---|---|
| Location | Franschhoek, Western Cape |
| Client type | Lodge and guest accommodation |
| Material | Recycled plastic lumber decking |
| Timeline | 2 weeks |
| Scope | Site measures, layout planning, delivery coordination, deck installation and edge finishing |
