Before you start your new deck project, take a moment to think about what is below the deck. If you don’t take care of it, animals and insects may make their homes there, or weeds could grow. To prevent this, put a gravel bed under your deck. But first, learn how to properly install the gravel so that it will stay in place.
First, spread the gravel after putting down the landscaping material. Get the gravel thickness by using many 4-inch boulders. Then use a wheelbarrow after placing a plank beneath its wheel guard to secure the fabric. Avoid making a depression where water could collect. Use a spade and shovel to level and disseminate the gravel once it has been thrown into the area.
Well, that’s not the whole solution. There is more than just spreading the gravel on the floor. Extending the stone beyond its margins is necessary to keep the area free from weeds and aesthetically appealing for more time. The DIY project needs attention, care, and careful step following. So, if you want a step-by-step guide, don’t stop here and continue reading.
What Is The Step-By-Step Guide To Putting Gravel Under The Deck?
Gravel is the best material to put under your floating deck. It prevents moisture seeping and weeds growth while keeping under deck space best for use. Well, layering gravel is a simple yet tricky task to do at home. So following are the few steps to help you create the perfect under-deck gravel layer in a few hours.
1. Clear Out Surrounding Area: Start by cleaning the area around the deck to clear out any obstacle that could obstruct your work later.
2. Fill Foundation with Gravel: Now fill the foundation with about one foot of gravel, sand, or pea rock. It will enable you to create a flat platform on which to lay the stones.
3. Fill Any Remaining Spaces: The remaining hole must be filled with topsoil or sand, which should resemble the sand in your yard. As you finish filling the gap, incorporate the compost into the ground and firmly press it down with a rubber mallet or the flattened side of a shovel.
4. Secure Stones Into Place: Tighten the stones deep at the gap’s end. It is crucial to prevent the deck’s weight from dangling in the deck and forcing the wharves downward.
5. Confirm the Material in Base Aperture is level: Attach a pole to the paver with square-cut closures prior to beginning construction of your gravel layer.
6. Determine The Pier Length: Choose the wharf length once the paver has reached this stage. There are many different factors in this field. The pier’s actual length depends on the location of installation and the time needed to gather accurate measurements.
7. Cut Gravel To Size: The gravel should be cut to length using an outspread or hacksaw. And, assess the stature laying, level record, and pier’s head after the port has been reduced.
8. Locate Pier: By evaluating two observed centres, locate the wharf and record the pier’s base using a felt pen if you know exactly where you want to be.
9. Fill with Loose Dirt: Fill the hole with loose dirt slowly until it’s 4 inches deep throughout and firmly press it down to prevent ground from shifting.
10. Create Sloping Around Piers: Use the extra soil to create a sloped spot around the pier to prevent water from accumulating near the dock. Therefore, your efforts should result in a level resting place for the shaft.
Essential Things To Keep In Mind When Installing Gravel Under A Deck
It could be necessary to eliminate any existing ground cover and prepare an area of the crushed aggregate mix before placing gravel beneath a deck. A lever or sledgehammer powered by a compressor and put on wheels so they can be readily pulled about is used.
The thickness of the gravel layer will depend on how much frost insertion there generally is in your area. If it is just under 15 inches, you can quickly assemble it one inch deep. If it is between 18 and 16 inches, two inches of depth should be sufficient. And if it is well over 18 inches, three-inch thick layers may be needed.
Also Read: Deck Blocks Vs Post Holes: Which One To Use And Where?
Lay down a four-inch layer of subgrade material on top of the foundation coat of gravel or other material (if necessary), then compress it with a shovel.
Necessary Precautions Before Do The DIY Project Of Gravel Layering
It would help if you took the necessary precautions before layering you under deck ground with gravel.
- Wear gloves and protective eyewear throughout all times to shield yourself from loose gravel and other small debris in the ground before installation.
- Because the gravel is heavy, it is preferable if two persons assist with this process.
- Once the items are in place, check that there are no spaces where water could puddle or seep through while maintaining the capacity to allow air to pass beneath. If necessary, add additional stones to the area so they are even with one another, or use soil rather than dirt for the top layer.
Final Words:
Gravel is an inexpensive solution to solve all the problems beneath your deck. Besides, its resistance to moisture absorption and weeds growth made it an option to fill the ground under your deck. The above guide details everything, including a step-by-step procedure guide, preventive tips, and expert tips. Just make sure you follow it carefully with precision to avoid any lacking and keep your ground beautiful and usable. Besides, make sure to keep it clean and maintained.