Planning a Deck: 2 Questions

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

We live on a gentle slope and are building a deck out from the north face of the house. So part of the height of the deck will be 18 inches off the ground. And, one side of the deck will be 48 inches (4 feet) off the ground.

1st: should we enclose the sides of the deck or not? And, if so do we do it all the way down to the dirt on all sides?

Things we think we need to consider:

- We have skunks, voles, raccoons, turkeys, chickens, and cats in the "neighborhood." We do not want to encourage any of them to set up home under the deck.

- We have a Dalamtian dog. He likes to "investigate" after several of these above mentioned critters. He also plays with the deer that come "close enough."

- is there more we ought to be considering when we try to best answer this question? And if there is a right answer, what is it? Using the same considerations, we came to different conclusions.

2nd: How do you create a coordinated landscape for both heights off the ground?

Given the drought and our allergies, so far, we are at a loss.

thank you all for replying!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

User
10 years ago
It would be a lot easier to unseat any animals with open access under the deck. grading the area under the deck and layering gravel will make the area less attractive to critters.

The gravel will also minimize erosion from water coming through the deck floor and would tend to minimize any mold/etc.

You could use decorative rock(lava stone/river rock/etc.) instead of grey gravel.
Tom Ray thanked User
PRO
Precision Carpentry
10 years ago
I agree with Handymac.Just to add.If you do decide to enclose they space ,no wood should be within 6" of ground contact so you may want to look into pvc or vinyl materials.You did not say what part of the country you live in or what material the deck will be constructed of which would help the discussion.
Related Professionals
Norfolk Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Reno Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Spanish Fork Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Evansville Home Builders · Petersburg Home Builders · Harrisburg Home Builders · Las Cruces Home Builders · Amherstburg Home Builders · Carbondale Home Additions · Terre Haute Home Additions · Southaven Home Additions · Stamford Home Additions · Brainerd Home Additions · Ogden Home Additions · Queens Home Additions
Tom Ray
Original Author
10 years ago
Precision, sorry. I thot the old GardenWeb used to give your location but this new one, I guess, does not. Good to learn.

We are in the East Bay hills of the San Francisco Bay Area. As such, our materials are dictated to us by California State requirements and local ordinance requirements (Alameda County, our city too). The bottom line is that we are using flame retardant-treated and pressure-treated woods. The deck top itself will be Redwood. The plans have to be approved by the city too. And the wood is / will be "6 inches or more" off the ground. And, attached by bracket to concrete footings 24 in.² or diameter and 12 inch in the ground.
weedyacres
10 years ago
I tend to prefer unenclosed decks. Keep in mind that if it's hard for critters to get in, it's also harder for them to get out. Your dog sounds like he'd do a good job preventing permanent lodgers.

For landscaping help, I highly recommend the Landscape Design forum.