Working with Trex composite decking has made me appreciate what’s on top of decks and what’s underneath them. Depending on your deck design, you may be lucky enough to have a generous under-deck space. It turns out that this is often the perfect place for quite a few uses!
Using valuable under-deck space to store lawn and recreational equipment is common among homeowners. But there are many more functions that resonate with both nature lovers and studious workers. From an entertainment alcove to a workspace nook, I’ll help you transform your under-deck area.
Before embarking on your under-deck makeover, I suggest you first waterproof that area. Installing Trex RainEscape, a system of troughs and downspouts, will make your project easier. Whether you want to store, swim (as in a hot tub), or set up a work or play space, we have you covered.
Deck Drainage System Under Raised Decks
If you are planning a new deck build for an elevated deck on your home, don’t miss the opportunity to add an under-deck drainage system. Installing Trex RainEscape will protect your deck joists from rain, snow, and other outdoor elements. The system ensures moisture doesn’t leak through your decking boards onto the space beneath your deck. Trex RainEscape will provide a barrier, thus waterproofing whatever you have under your deck.
With an under-deck drainage system, you have many choices for how to best use this outdoor space. We have seen beautiful outdoor kitchens, relaxing reading coves, and even spas in this serene sheltered space. Remember to do your due diligence by consulting your homeowners’ association guidelines and double-checking building codes for your local area.
Available Options for Deck Drainage Systems Under Raised Decks
You accumulate stuff! It happens. We totally get it. It can be lots of yard equipment – like a treasured riding mower, recreational equipment, perhaps a favorite kayak (or two), and that must-have game of cornhole. Where to put it? With an elevated deck with a drainage system, you have the ideal opportunity to store all these goodies. Use hooks, shelves, and vertical space pegboards to help organize all your outdoor stuff.
Playspace
The area under your raised deck can become a perfect play area for the kids. On a rainy day, it will shelter them, and on a sunny one, it will protect them from UV rays. Even if you only have a small part available because of under-deck storage, your child will feel like he or she has their own fantastical fortress.
Workshop
Are you a tinkerer? Admit it! You like being creative plus being outside. It’s a win-win situation. Now you can do both. Set up an area or small “shop” for you to work on some DIY projects. You could pot some plants, paint, do woodwork, or repair small engines. You would likely need a table, shelving, and outdoor storage cabinets. All of this would work well in an under-deck area. The possibilities here are endless.
Entertaining room
Now we’re talking! This fun option can be as elaborate as you would like. You could have an outside sound system, a waterproof TV set, and super comfy outdoor furniture for you and your friends to watch a movie or a sporting event. An outdoor kitchen or a food/beverage cart enhances this social setting. Install a ceiling fan to create a breeze for those hot days, or incorporate an outdoor fireplace for the chilly ones. This option can be an extension of your ground-level family room.
Office
Yes, we all have to work, too. Make it fun by insulating underneath your deck. Create an outdoor office by bringing out a laptop or handheld device so you can write and perform your work while enjoying fresh air and a beautiful view.
Under Deck Materials: Pros and Cons
Gravel
The pros of using gravel to fill in the space under your deck are that twofold Gravel provides a place for water runoff to drain., helping to divert moisture away from your deck. Another benefit of gravel is that it helps keep weeds at bay. Use landscape fabric to place the initial weed barrier, then put a three —to four-inch layer of crushed stone, pea gravel, or river rock on top of that.
The cons are generally not many, but it’s not a fully waterproof solution. You may have some moisture buildup, especially with pea gravel. It is recommended that you check this area after a rainfall to mitigate mold.
Mulch
The pros of mulching under your deck are twofold: first, it helps with weed control, and second, it will not break the bank! Plus, this inexpensive ground cover choice is sustainable and will give your deck a natural look and feel. Rubber mulch is a solid option for slowing weed growth and lessening the amount of moisture under your deck.
The cons of mulch are mainly that it can retain water. Additionally, weeds can come through the mulch layer without landscape fabric and rear their pesky heads. It’s important to note that you should change mulch regularly. Changing the mulch helps with the moisture content and provides aeration to prevent fungal growth.
Sand or Soil
The pros of using sand or soil are primarily the fact that both materials are widely available. It is not an expensive choice, and it is one of the easier materials to use. Similarly to the other under-deck material options, you would need to keep an eye on weed growth, as weeds sprout the fastest in soil and can eventually overtake this area.
Cons – yes, there are a few. Sand or soil isn’t the most visually appealing. Both substrates can retain moisture, thus leading to mildew. Rodents tend to like burrowing in this medium. You might find an occasional snake or two, as they are a mouse’s natural predator. Merely changing out the topsoil is only a temporary fix. As mentioned before, the possibility of accelerated weed growth would be a drawback for using sand especially soil.
What is the Best Material to Put Under A Deck?
What you want to put under your deck, how you plan to use it, and the type of deck built will determine how you choose the best material. Gravel, wood chips, mulch, and poured concrete are viable choices. Decide which is the most practical and has the best benefits.
Beyond Lattice
If you’re not ready to finish the space under your deck, then what? Skirting and landscaping this area can transform it from one with no visual appeal to something that will complement your home and provide privacy. Homeowners often use wood or heavy-duty plastic lattice to camouflage unsightly storage and/or bare dirt. Nowadays, there are more options:
Wood slats. Use the horizontal lines of wood panels or metal slats to create a modern design. You could paint the slats the same color as your home or a darker color for contrast. This is an attractive option for people who have wood decks.
Patterns. Today’s composite decking comes in a myriad of designs. Trex LatticeWork offers Moroccan, Tuscan, Imperial, and Pueblo designs, which are fully customizable and durable. The panels, made of lightweight PVC, can easily be cleaned and are weather-resistant.
Vertical lines. Vertical lines drive the eye upward and disappear when you use a dark color and/or plant shrubbery around them.
Stone or brick. Choose a natural material to give your home a well-grounded appearance. You can coordinate the colors and textures with your home.
Pavers. Using stone, pavers, and/or bricks, create a patio area around the base of your deck. You could also extend it underneath your deck for easy access. With this option, you will have a combined patio with your deck.
Shrubs or plants. An easy DIY remodel or refresh is to landscape around the perimeter of your deck or back porch. Check out this photo gallery for ideas to spruce up around the deck. Use edging or brick to outline garden beds and fill them with natural stone, river rock, or mulch. If you choose to mulch, consider how closely it’s placed to the wood around your house’s foundation to avoid attracting pests. You can also select plants or bushes which naturally repel bugs like mosquitoes.
A Few Final Thoughts
An elevated deck provides many advantages. You’ve got the potential to make an elaborate entertainment room or to design a handy storage space below. Whatever your deck design is, use the available space underneath it. At the very least, it will serve you well by decluttering your deck, garden, or shed. At the most, you will gain a beautiful room where you (and your guests) can relax and enjoy nature – and be entertained by a good movie or ballgame.
