What coping does
Coping covers the top of the pool wall and finishes the edge where the deck meets the water. It also takes more wear than any other part of the deck, so it is worth getting right.
Using the same stone for the coping as the deck makes the edge read as part of the patio rather than a separate border. That is why we stock coping in the same stones we sell as pavers.
Bullnose
A bullnose edge is rounded over on the front face. It is soft to sit on, comfortable to grab and forgiving on knees and elbows, which makes it the usual pick for family pools. The rounded line suits traditional, Tuscan and Spanish style homes.
Modern edge
A modern edge is squarer and straighter, giving the pool a crisp, clean outline. It suits contemporary architecture, large format pavers and pools with long straight runs.
Which stones come in which profile
Coping is stocked to match the stone it sits on. Here is what is listed for each stone. Where no profile is listed, call the yard to confirm what is on the ground.
| Stone | Coping profile | Coping sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Travertine | Bullnose, Modern Edge | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Light Ivory Travertine | Bullnose, Modern Edge | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Shell Beige Limestone | Bullnose, Modern Edge | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Alaska Gray Travertine | Bullnose | 12" x 24" |
| Malibu Travertine | Bullnose | 12" x 24" |
| Perla Blanca Limestone | Call to confirm | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Light Mocha Travertine | Call to confirm | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Noce Travertine | Call to confirm | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Walnut Travertine | Call to confirm | 12" x 24", 12" x 12", 6" x 12" |
| Ice White Marble | Call to confirm | 12" x 24" |
| Tundra Gray Marble | Call to confirm | 12" x 24" |
| Sky Gray Marble | Call to confirm | 12" x 24" |
Sizes
Every stone we stock coping for comes in 12" x 24", and several also come in 12" x 12" and 6" x 12". Longer pieces mean fewer joints along the edge, which looks cleaner on a straight pool. Shorter pieces follow a curve more easily.
Measuring for coping
Measure around the pool edge in linear feet, count the corners and note any curves, then allow a few extra pieces for cuts. If the deck is going in at the same time, our guide to measuring the whole project covers the square footage too, and our coping page lists profiles and sizes by stone.
