If you have an elevated deck, you may be overlooking a useful space underneath. Transforming the area under your deck opens up new possibilities, whether you want extra storage, a shaded living area, or to screen an unsightly mess.
From gorgeous patios to storage solutions, these clever concepts will help you get the most out of your outdoor footprint.
The Appeal of Under Deck Spaces
The utilitarian area underneath decks often ends up wasted. While the space under elevated decks and porches provides shelter, many homeowners use it solely for holding up the deck itself.
However, the covered spot under your deck holds great potential for expanding your home’s livable footprint. Converting this previously disregarded place into a well-appointed patio, plant sanctuary or storage cachet amplifies your backyard’s overall functionality.
Transforms Unused Area into Functional Living Space
Rather than allowing the space beneath your deck to stay barren, you can outfit it for entertaining, storage, gardening and more. The covered area is prime real estate for adding a grill station, upscale seating area or extra storage space for pool toys.
With a little creativity, the unused zone morphs into a functional extension of your outdoor living quarters, perfect for kicking back with friends, housing your bicycles or potting plants out of the hot sun.
Expands Backyard Footprint
Converting the cavity below your deck into a fully-appointed destination enlarges your usable backyard area, providing room for more people, furniture or storage capacity. By waterproofing, lighting and decorating the covered spot, you essentially develop a built-in bonus space right in your own backyard.
Rather than building a whole new structure, simply transform the existing area below your deck into the perfect covered spot for dining, playing or storage. Enjoy all the perks without the effort and expenses of constructing a detached pergola, gazebo or storage shed from scratch.
Common Concerns About Under Deck Areas
Before embarking on an under deck makeover, consider why leaving the space unfinished may have appealed to you initially. Identifying potential drawbacks can help guide your design decisions.
Exposed Dirt/Mess
Without ground coverings, the cavity below decks gets filled with debris, sticks, leaves and more. The dark, dirty area tends not to photograph well for real estate listings either. Finishing the space keeps it tidy and photo-ready.
Pest Intrusion
Leaving the area below your deck open invites pests to sneak in and take up residence in the protected shelter. Enclosing the perimeter deters critters from getting cozy under your deck.
Lack of Privacy
If your elevated deck sits near property lines or overlooks personal backyard zones you’d rather conceal, an open underside provides little privacy shielding. Strategically screening the area prevents onlookers from peering into private garden sanctuaries.
Key Benefits of Under Deck Coverings
Transforming the cavity below your deck delivers beauty, joy and expanded possibilities across every season. Consider these prime advantages of conversions.
Enhanced Appearance
Rather than allowing a dark, debris-strewn area under your deck to detract from your home’s aesthetics, a polished makeover makes the space shine.
More Polished, Intentional Backyard Design
Outfitting the area below your deck with upscale finishes gives your outdoor area a custom, bespoke look and feel. The refined ambiance makes your entire backyard look well curated versus haphazard.
Complements Overall Landscape
Aligning the design features under your deck with the surrounding landscape ties everything together seamlessly. Matching construction materials, plants and color schemes promotes visual harmony.
Added Usable Space
Rather than leaving valuable covered square footage wasted beneath your deck, conversions allow you to capitalize on every inch of your exterior. This newly minted zone offers shelter from the elements perfect for both storage and living areas.
New Spot for Storage, Living Areas
Based on your priorities, install storage infrastructure perfect for tucking away bikes, pool accessories, patio furniture and more when not in use. Alternatively, construct a lavish living space ideal for parties, casual hangs or an outdoor office manned by Wi-Fi.
Protects Stored Items from Elements
Outfitting the covered area under your deck with storage solutions shields your belongings from sun, rain, snow and more. Your patio cushions, gardening tools and more stay tidy and dry across seasons.
Increased Privacy
For homeowners needing more seclusion in their backyard sanctuaries, under deck covers provide concealment when entertaining, gardening or simply enjoying the backyard.
Screens View Under Deck
Strategic under deck conversions prevent neighbors and passersby from peering into your private affairs. Opaque skirting, lattice and privacy wall installations keep your business from prying eyes.
Deters Pests from Entering Space
Securing the perimeter of your under deck area with screens, panels or other barriers discourages squirrels, rodents, spiders and other undesirables from infiltrating the covered area to build nests.
Idea #1: Build an Under Deck Patio
One brilliant way to capitalize on covered space below your deck is installing a posh patio perfect for unwinding solo or hosting happy hours. Follow these tips for constructing your dream under deck entertainment Mecca.
Materials/Design Elements
First, decide which ground covering and aesthetic details suit your entertaining vision. Choose materials that weather well across seasons while delivering the desired visual punch.
Gravel, Pavers, Poured Concrete
Gorgeous under deck patios get built from gravel, interlocking pavers, flagstone, poured concrete and more. Neutral gravel promotes versatility for arranging furnishings while pavers and slabs provide firm, gorgeous footing.
Integrate Lighting, Ceiling Fans
Create ambiance and illuminate gatherings once the sun goes down by installing fixtures for both general and task lighting purposes. Adding overhead fans keeps air moving on sultry summer nights for unbeatable comfort.
Tips for Installation
When executing your under deck patio vision, keep these key pointers related to drainage and construction in mind for success:
Allow for Drainage Slope
Whether you choose porous gravel or concrete slabs, ensure runoff flows away from your home’s foundation and deck supports with proper sloping techniques.
Account for Support Posts
Map out the footers and vertical supports upholding your deck above to allow adequate walkways and conversation pits that won’t get blocked by columns.
Ideal Usage Scenarios
Once built, enjoy your stunning under deck patio oasis in a variety of ways across seasons. Prime suggestions include:
Entertaining Guests, Outdoor Kitchen
With ample square footage, weatherproofing, lighting and electricity, the covered spot allows year-round gatherings. Install cabinetry or a full outdoor kitchen for convenience while grilling up feasts.
Idea #2: Install Decorative Deck Skirting
For homeowners needing more privacy below their decks, secured skirting conceals the cavity both functionally and fashionably. Consider what facade suits your personal style.
Types of Skirting
Numerous aesthetically-pleasing skirting options exist for enclosing the nether regions of your deck elegantly across budgets.
Natural Wood, Composite, Metal, Stone
Complement your deck’s finishes by choosing site-built or factory fabricated skirt boards in materials matching or contrasting decking planks. Durable PVC composites, aluminum and natural stone also please.
Perforated/Solid Panels
Opaque boards keep the space utterly concealed and protected while lattice skirting allows airflow and filtered light for plants. Modern metal meshes bridge both worlds artfully.
Factors to Consider
Selecting the ideal skirting material involves weighing variables like local conditions, maintenance, costs and personal priorities.
Climate Conditions, Durability Needs
In regions with heavy moisture, materials less vulnerable to warping, rotting and rust like plastics and metal make sense. Otherwise, authentic wood skirting adds undeniable charm in protected placements.
Matching Overall Aesthetic
Keep proportions and finishes cohesive across deck flooring, railings and skirting. Rustic woods, cool contemporary metals and tactile stone each set distinct moods. Choose what flatters both home and landscape.
Installation Best Practices
Install deck skirtings properly by following essential guidelines regarding structure and airflow considerations:
Allow for Ventilation
Particularly with wood skirting prone to moisture damage, enabling airflow underneath prevents premature rotting and hazards like mold growth.
Secure Firmly to Framework
Attach skirt boards or embellished panels along the deck’s rim joists using galvanized brackets and corrosion-resistant screws. Sturdy foundations prevent buckling or detachment over time.
Idea #3: Add Storage Units Under Deck
For homeowners needing more spots to organize seasonal accessories, equipment and gear outside the elements, the covered area under decks suits storage solutions amazingly.
Storage Options
Deck owners enjoy numerous possibilities for incorporating custom storage areas underneath their decks. Popular infrastructure ideas include:
Waterproof Deck Boxes
Plastic deck boxes endure tough weather while sheltering cushions, gardening tools and more securely behind latching lids. They stack for multiplying storage capacity.
Built-in Cabinets, Drawers
Permanent custom cabinetry, shelves and rolling drawers built from rot-resistant woods, metals and composites keep everything tidy. Integrate locking mechanisms for security.
Hanging Shelves
Vertically mounted shelves, racks and slatted panels allow accessing stored items conveniently without claiming floor space. Great for awkward corners!
Construction Tips
When installing storage solutions underneath your deck, incorporate these vital construction pointers for optimal performance:
Use Rot/Weather Resistant Materials
Prioritize exterior-grade lumber, waterproof plywood, galvanized metals and heavyweight plastics indoors soggy conditions without rapid deterioration.
Incorporate Lighting Inside Storage
Illuminate the sheltered area with LED lighting so you can easily locate stored objects in dark conditions while preventing hazards from stumbling over clutter.
Ideas for Use
Not sure what to store below your deck? The protected sanctuary suits these categories of possessions wonderfully:
Pool Toys, Gardening Tools
Keep soggy swim gear, long hoses, rakes and more neatly corralled off wet grass for grab-and-go convenience once duty calls.
Extra Seating, Decor
Shelter rattan chair cushions, ceramic planters, weatherproof pillows and surplus furniture from the elements in custom cabinetry built to neatly house the overstock.
Idea #4: Create an Under Deck Garden
By backfilling soil and compost beneath your deck, you gain the perfect sheltered spot for cultivating shade-loving species happily. Get planting!
Best Plants to Use
Certain vegetation flourishes under the canopy of shade and protection afforded by elevated decks. Suggested green varieties include:
Native Shade Plants, Ferns
Woodland perennials, hostas, bleeding hearts and fiddlehead ferns thrive without full sunlight. Support local pollinators with native selections adapted for low-light settings!
Mosses, Vines, Herbs
Lush mosses fill spaces nicely without maintenance while productive herbs and vining ivies climb vertical infrastructure naturally. All condition and stabilize the soil beautifully.
Tips for Planting
When preparing the land below your deck for planting, employ these vital strategies for getting greenery off to a healthy, vibrant start:
Test Soil, Amend if Needed
Get your dirt tested to determine pH and nutritional deficiencies needing amendment with composts, manures or fertilizers tailor-made to site conditions.
Add Gravel Pathway
Incorporate stepping stones or pea gravel pathways between planting beds and storage areas for safer traverse without compacting soil. They also tidy the scene visually.
Usage Considerations
Before installing an under deck garden, weigh factors like maintenance, wildlife and your own enjoyment against the botanical beauty achieved through planting.
Ongoing Watering/Care
Nurturing most plantings requires consistent moisture and pruning for optimal performance and appeal. Are you prepared to provide needed upkeep?
Can Attract Wildlife
While birds and pollinators mutualistically aid gardens, also expect increased potential for nuisance creatures like rodents with plantings. Weigh tradeoffs accordingly.
Key Takeaways
Previously barren territories below elevated decks readily morph into functional, visually-cohesive extensions of homeowners’ usable backyards with a little TLC. Converting these covered spaces allows adding living areas, storage solutions, plant sanctuaries or screening dams seamlessly.
Gaining added physical space and increased privacy dwells among top motivations for installing under deck covers. But even smaller patio or planting installations introduce invaluable joy.
Before sealing off the area below your deck completely, consider leaving select portions open to preserve tree canopy views. Integrating vertical design elements like pergolas and post lanterns also prevents confined feelings.
Additionally, deck skirting serves utility beyond merely improving aesthetics. Waterproof paneling protects framing from moisture while blocking dust and debris from accumulating inside. Keep practical pros in mind!
