How to Landscape the Area Under a Raised Deck

Plants

• 1

  Remove all weeds and debris under the deck. Avoid using herbicide, as it can harm the flowers after you plant them.

• 2

  Lay down plastic sheeting or landscaping fabric over the area. The material prevents weeds from growing.

• 3

  Grow shade-tolerant plants under the deck such as hosta, ferns or ivy. Cut out a hole in the plastic. Plant the greenery according to the information that comes with the plants

• 4

  Cover the landscaping material with gravel or rocks to help the water drain under the deck.

• 5

  Place edging around the area to enclose the space.

Patio

• 6

  Remove all debris and weeds under the deck. Spray an herbicide over the area if you do not plan to grow any plants.

• 7

  Place landscaping fabric or plastic over the area to prevent weeds from growing.

• 8

  Place edging around the area to contain the patio. Select edging taller than the patio stones.

• 9

  Measure the patio stones before you prepare the site. Measuring the stones helps you to determine how much crushed granite to add under the pavers so that they do not sit taller than the edging.

• 10

  Level the area with crushed granite. Pack the crushed granite down, and go over it with a screed to level the surface. Pour a small layer of the granite at a time so that you can level the area properly.

• 11

  Place patio pavers over the crushed granite. Space the pavers according to your personal preference. Level the pavers with a rubber mallet if they sit too high, or add more granite under the stones if they sit too low.

• 12

  Pour sand over the pavers if you spaced them close together. Sweep the sand over the pavers to fill in the small gaps.