Maximize Your Space with These 8 Under Deck Ideas

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Building an elevated deck is a great way to maximize your outdoor space. As its primary function, it can help you create a dedicated area for entertaining, relaxing, and a space to enjoy those gorgeous days. However, the area underneath that deck is often overlooked or not used.

Don’t let that secret spot go to waste. There are plenty of ways to transform your under-deck area into a usable space. Consider these great under-deck ideas to get your inspiration flowing.

Add Lattice or Skirting

Lattice or skirting can be a beautiful accent for your deck, especially when your deck sits closer to the ground. A lattice is usually built from strips of wood or composite materials, creating an eye-catching crisscross pattern, and allowing airflow beneath your deck.

When your deck sits lower to the ground, it may not necessarily afford you the ability to maximize your space in terms of entertaining. However, with a little camouflage in the form of deck skirting or lattice, it can provide you with a tastefully hidden storage nook. When you install a lattice or skirting, you can add an access door to use that space for storage. It’s a solution that’s both attractive and practical and can be a fun DIY project.

What Can I Put Under My Deck Instead of Lattice?

While a lattice is a great decorative idea, you may prefer functionality over aesthetics. A lattice looks nice, but it really doesn’t serve any other purpose. Luckily, there are quite a few other great ways to use the space under your deck.

It doesn’t matter if you want to expand your outdoor entertaining area or carve out a storage or an area for your hobbies. Check out our favorite under-deck covering ideas and how you can make the most of the space.

1. Landscape Underneath

If you don’t have much yard space, choosing to add landscaping beneath your deck can give you ample room to plant shrubs and flowers. Make sure to choose plants that don’t need constant sunlight, as your deck may block some of the sunlight.

You can even build a garden or garden box to grow fresh vegetables or herbs. Many greens like lettuce, swiss chard, kale, and spinach, and herbs like mint, chives, cilantro, oregano, and parsley are quite shade-tolerant and don’t always need direct sunlight to grow.

2. Create an Outdoor Dining Space

Your under-deck space is shady and protected, helping it to stay cool during hot summer weather and safe from rain. This creates a perfect spot for outdoor dining and entertaining.

This means you don’t have to worry about your outdoor party getting rained out. Instead, you can take the party below deck. There are plenty of great options for under-deck drainage, so the whole area will stay dry despite inclement weather.

Bring out the grill and add in some tables and seating to complete the look. An under-deck dining area can be romantic, relaxed, fun, or formal, depending on your needs.

3. Use as a Poolside Area

If you have a pool, you can use your under-deck area as a storage spot for all your pool toys, towels, and gear, for easy access. Install some deck boxes or other storage solutions to make the best use of this area.

Consider using this area for swimmers to towel off after they are finished with the pool, or consider installing an outdoor shower.

4. Create a Playground

Need more under deck space ideas to keep young children entertained? Transform your under-deck space into an oasis for your kids and their friends by building a playground or play space under your deck. The edge of your deck is a great place to hang swings or climbing ropes and can help create an area that’s protected from the hot summer sun.

Installing a few benches or a picnic table creates a great area for kids to hang out, eat snacks, and work on other activities while still enjoying the fresh air.

Can You Build a Finished Room Under a Deck?

Did you ever think about building an entire outdoor living space under your deck? Depending on where you live, the main area of your deck might not be usable all year round. However, the area below your deck is shaded and better protected from the elements. Use this to your advantage and build your dream room, whether that’s a sunroom, spa, gym, or any other idea you might have. There is a variety of under-deck enclosure ideas to explore that can help maximize its potential through rain, snow, cold weather, or blazing sun.

5. Build a Patio or Sunroom

If you have a deck, you probably love spending as much time as you can there, but the truth is, it’s not always possible to use that space. Sometimes it’s rainy or too hot, or your seasonal allergies may be acting up. Maybe it’s time for the mosquitoes to come out and attack.

There’s still an opportunity to enjoy a taste of the outdoors by getting creative with an enclosed under-deck patio. Enclose the area under your deck with full-length windows so you can take advantage of your outdoor space while protecting yourself from the elements.

Add some seating and you have a warm and welcoming space to chill on summer nights.

6. Build a Shed

If you’re an avid gardener or have a large yard to care for, you probably have a lot of tools and equipment to keep your outdoor area well-maintained. If you’re wondering what to do with space under a deck, consider transforming it into a storage area for easy access to lawnmowers, tractors, snow blowers, rakes, and shovels.

The space beneath your deck can also be used as an area for carpentry projects or crafting. If you’re into DIY projects but just don’t have the room to tackle everything you want, this idea is perfect for you.

7. Build a Spa

If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, a spa can be a great way to build out your under-deck space. Whether you decide to enclose the area and turn it into a room or not, it’s the perfect spot to install equipment like a hot tub or a massage table.

Add in some candles and relaxing music, and you’ve got refuge from your busy life. Can you imagine a better place to eliminate stress and wind down at the end of a long day?

8. Build a Gym

Gym equipment can be big and bulky, and hard to find the space for it in your home. Regardless of whether you have a rack full of hand weights or just a simple treadmill or stationary bike, an enclosed under-deck area is a great place to stash it.

Not only can this space keep your workout gear out of sight, it can also offer you a dedicated place to exercise. As an added bonus, you can consider installing an outdoor shower off of your enclosed under deck gym so you can cool down after your workout.

Build Out Your Under Deck Space Today

If you’re looking to make the most of your outdoor area, leveraging the space beneath your deck can give you a wealth of options that enhance the value of your home. Whether it’s a DIY project, or you’re looking to hire a builder, your under-deck area is an often-overlooked spot that offers endless potential and even more space to enjoy!