Replies

1. 
   Steve_Joyce | Jul 13, 2001 07:22pm | #1

   *
   I just framed a porch roughly the same height off the ground. I laid some 18"x18" patio stones with sand under the floor for some flat storage. You can leave it bare if you want, after a while the lack of light will discourage growth of plants anyways.

   However I like a more finished look.

   Pro-Deck - any suggestions from you?

   SJ

1. 
   Pro-Dek | Jul 15, 2001 07:42am | #2

   *The grass(sod) will die under the deck and allow moisture to penetrate the soil so I would leave it alone.You should cut a 2' square from the sod where your footings will go. Piers should never set on the sod.We dig a 2'x2'x8" deep hole,set the pier with one bag of quick crete.Hope this helps, Bob

1. 
   bill_burns | Jul 15, 2001 04:34pm | #3

   *Mark, some additional things to consider: depending on frost line in your area, 8" deep concrete under pier may be inadequate. additionally, if you have any pitch that can allow water to flow quickly under the deck, i recommend that you put something down such as above mentioned stone blocks or gravel of some kind. I would also put down a weed barrier to stop growth. if not, you will get some weed growth . you will not get nice lawn growth under a low deck. if dirt is bare , the rushing water will cause erosion problems. I find 1/2" gravel to be an easy to use and maintain base under decks of this height. just put a landscape edge of some type if you want to contain it , or let it blend in by itself to surrounding area.

1. 
   Pete_Draganic | Jul 15, 2001 04:39pm | #4

   *Aside from the arising footer debate that looks like it may develope, I say that you can leave the ground/grass the way it is under the deck. you will have no problems with vetgetation as it will die off. No needs for cloths or plastic.Pete

1. 
   Rein_Taul | Jul 16, 2001 04:35am | #5

   *Landscape fabric and a couple bags of gravel to hold it down are a cheap way to avoid a really pesky weed later. It's worth it now.Even better, if you have cats or rodents around, they really like to go where you least like them too. Some of these critters are primitive enough to soil their own nests, and they will often nest under porches. A good odour preventer is to toss some kitty litter under there before you close it in.

2. 
   Mark_H | Jul 16, 2001 04:35am | #6

   *
   I'm building a deck that is very low to the ground (12" to 16" above grade). Is it OK to just leave the grass and bare dirt that is there under the deck or is somekind of ground covering (gravel,landscape fabric, ect) under the deck recommended.