Under-deck storage is a good way to get the most out of the space you have available at your home. From a simple place to keep the lawnmower and yard tools readily available to a place out of the sun for pool testing supplies and cleaning equipment, you can even go all out with a completely enclosed secure storage area. So, according to your taste, if the space fits build it.
Getting to Know Your Space
Getting to know your space is the best way to get started on project. After measuring your space to see what kind of area and volume you are dealing with, decide what you want to store. If you're just interested in getting some belongings out of the sun and straightening up your property a little, then a simple area is all you need. Just cover the outside of your existing support beams with some lattice or some six-foot privacy fence sections and store your belongings behind it. However, if you're looking to store items that need to be kept out of the weather and reasonably secure, then you may want to consider building an enclosed unit under your deck that can be securely locked.
Keeping Things Dry
When storing things under a deck, the deck is transformed from a floor to the ceiling of your storage space, so when it rains your storage items are subjected to getting rained on. There are many ways to keep the water out of the area. You can go with a simple plan such as attaching a tarp, heavy duty plastic or panel to the existing rafters. If you have the room, you could build a frame under your deck with a slight pitch at the top and cover it with corrugated plastic panels to catch the water and direct it away from your storage area. Some manufacturers have started making kits that are designed to completely wrap the bottom of the deck leaving your area not only dry but also with a smooth, finished look on the bottom.
Fully Enclosed Under-Deck Storage Areas
An enclosed can range from the simple covering of the existing deck supports and rafters with plywood sheeting and adding a door all the way to finishing the walls with drywall boards and adding power for a light. Storage is improving all of the time; there are now places that manufacture free-standing storage containers in a variety of shapes and sizes. In essence, if you had the money and space, your under-deck storage project could be as easy as measuring for size and having a storage container delivered and slid into place.
Tags: storage area, your storage, your under-deck storage, corrugated plastic, storage project, under your, under your deck