Decks provide a versatile outdoor living area where you can relax, entertain guests, dine, or simply enjoy the outdoors. It extends your usable living space and allows you to connect with nature without leaving your home. When a deck is raised, it can also add the bonus of more useful square footage to your outdoor space. Maximizing the unused space under your deck can significantly enhance your outdoor living area and improve the overall functionality of your backyard. Here are three under-deck ideas to help you make the most of this often-overlooked space:
Construct a Functional Storage Area:
If you need more storage space, use the area under your deck to build a functional storage area. Install shelves, cabinets, or storage bins to keep gardening tools, outdoor equipment, or seasonal items organized and out of sight. You can also hang hooks for hanging bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear.
Close it Off to Unwanted Pests:
If your under-deck space isn’t large enough to set up as a functional space, it’s often helpful if it’s critter-proofed. Closing off the under deck area with lattice skirting or vinyl cladding will deter critters like raccoons, skunks, rodents, and neighborhood cats from making a home under the low deck. Composite cladding is a lovely, more modern alternative to traditional lattice, but both make the under-deck space look more finished, adding some style to the deck rather than leaving an empty space underneath.
Turn It Into a Cozy Outdoor Living Room:
A large and finished under-deck area can double as an outdoor living room, turning one deck into two useful living spaces. The top of the deck offers a lovely spot to host dinners and parties on sunny days, while the under-deck patio can keep the party going if it starts raining or if you need a cooler, shaded spot to avoid intense summer sun. For this waterproof living space, your deck will require an effective deck drainage system, such as DEKDrain. This upgrade is a system that captures and channels water away from your house, which keeps the area under your deck dry for a usable space.
To be safe, install weather-resistant furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Add some outdoor cushions, throw pillows, and rugs to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also hang outdoor curtains or install outdoor blinds to create privacy and shade Indoors or outdoors, string lights can make any dining space feel more cozy and inviting.
If you think it’s time to upgrade and “deck out” your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get your project started. The summer busy season is winding down, which means quicker installation times for our Maryland customers! Contact Fence & Deck Connection at 410-757-5511 to learn more about our many fence and deck options customizable to your needs!
*This article was also published in the 2023 Severna Park Voice – Fall Home and Garden Edition