A deck can be a great way to enhance your home and give you extra outdoor space. Decks can also add a lot of resale value to your home and enhance it visually.
However, most decks will have a small space underneath that can be unsightly.
If you don’t do something with this space, it can take away from the look of your deck. That ground can also start to grow weeds, which can then sprout up through the planks.
Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to cover the dirt under your deck. You can use this as an opportunity to enhance your backyard even more.
Covering Dirt Under a Deck: Basic Idea
While there are many ways to cover the dirt under your deck, there are a few that are more popular than others.
These include:
- Gravel
- Plants
- Storage Space
- Cover with Skirting
Why Cover Dirt Under a Deck?
There are a number of reasons why you should cover the dirt underneath your deck.
These weeds are very difficult to pick because they often grow way in the back of the deck. Because of this, it is best to lay down something that will keep the weeds from growing.
You should also cover the dirt because it is more visually appealing. Having raw dirt under the deck can make it look unfinished.
On top of this, the underside of your deck is a great opportunity to utilize some space. There are all kinds of things you can do to make use of this area.
Lay Down Gravel
Gravel is a great way to cover up the dirt underneath your deck.
You will need to lay down some anti-weed fabric before you lay down the gravel. This will keep weeds from popping up underneath the deck.
No matter what kind of method you use for covering the dirt under your deck, fabric is essential.
Plant a Garden
One of the most unique ways you can cover up the dirt under your deck is with a small garden.
You will still need to lay down the anti-weed fabric with this method. However, if your garden grows thick enough, you will not be able to see it.
Make sure to plant things in your garden that need little sunlight. While you will be able to get some light to these plants, the deck will block much of it.
Storage
You can use the underside of your deck for storage if you have a bit of creativity.
Things like garden tools and equipment can all be stored underneath your deck. If they can be laid flat enough, you can use this area to get things out of the way.
Rakes, hoses, and even lawn mowers can fit underneath your deck. If you like, you can cover this storage area with lattice or skirting.
Skirting
One of the other more popular ways to cover the dirt under your deck is to use skirting.
Skirting hangs down off the edge of the deck and covers the area underneath. There is almost no limit to what you can use for this and it can add a lot to your deck.
Lattice is often used for skirting because it allows for visual access. You can see if your footings are coming loose or if they are starting to deteriorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can you prevent soil erosion under a deck?
The best way to prevent soil erosion under your deck is to install drainage.
If water doesn’t collect under the deck, the soil won’t erode. Having a good drainage system in place will keep the soil in good condition and keep it from eroding.
- Can you build a deck on gravel?
You can build a deck on gravel as long as it is stable.
Floating decks can be a great way to keep from installing footings. However, you should make sure that the gravel can take the weight without shifting.
- Can you build a deck without digging holes?
Building a deck without digging holes can be done as long as the ground is strong.
Footings that are dug into the ground help stabilize the deck and support its weight. Before you install a floating deck, make sure the ground is sold enough.
Conclusion
Covering the dirt beneath your deck is an easy process as long as you know what you want.
Taking the time to think about what kind of method you want to use to cover your deck is important. Choosing wisely will give you many years of enjoyment out of your deck.
