The covered space below a deck or balcony can offer more than storage. It also offers the opportunity to create a secondary outdoor oasis with plenty of shade and reprieve from the elements.
A second story deck or balcony can provide a beautiful vantage point and luxurious outdoor living space, but what about that unused area below?
The covered space below a deck or balcony can offer more than storage. It also offers the opportunity to create a secondary outdoor oasis with plenty of shade and reprieve from the elements. But as with all home renovation projects, there are several things to consider in advance to ensure this space is pleasant and protected. Here are a few tips to make the most of your under-deck space.
Moisture Protection
Since most second-story decks and balconies are built with traditional deck boards, which necessarily have small gaps in between them, the problem becomes rainwater, snow, and debris falling onto the potential usable space below. Fortunately there are some simple, elegant and effective ways to avoid this issue and essentially double your outside living area.
The DrySpace system, made by TimberTech, collects and channels moisture from the spaces between boards with a hidden, under-deck drainage system. DrySpace is made of solid extruded vinyl which provides strength, durability and most importantly – weather resistance. The system can be easily attached to most under-deck outdoor space, preventing moisture, mold and mildew damage. It also creates a more polished, finished look to the living space below that is easy to clean and maintain.
Easy Access
To ensure the space below your deck is actually used to its greatest potential, it is helpful to create an access point between the upper and lower levels.
If you’re starting from scratch with your outdoor project, make sure your architect or builder designs a staircase between the two. If you’re working with an existing deck renovation and don’t have the space for a full staircase, there are many good exterior spiral staircase options, which minimize the access footprint. In either case, the additional access options will make the space as useful as possible.
Screen It In
Once an under-deck living area has been waterproofed through proper ceiling materials, you may want to consider screening it in. With some basic framing, a screened-in porch can be easily achieved and offers bug-free, outdoor living with additional protection from the elements. With an open deck or balcony above, you get the best of both worlds – open air and protection – in one vertical space.
Incorporate Lighting
While it’s great to have an outdoor living space with built-in shade, it also means your under-deck area can get dark. Consider ways to bring light in – whether you have your contractor install ceiling lights, or simply hang some string lights that can be illuminated after dark to provide a cozy atmosphere. Whatever you use, just ensure the fixtures are weather resistant and properly installed.
Outdoor living in Central Virginia is a year-round activity, so make the most of it with your home, whether that’s a two-story deck, patio, pool or porch. Whatever way you go, you won’t regret the investment in your home’s expanded outdoor living space.