Stone and Landscape Fabric Under Deck

by Jay
(White City, Sask. Canada)

I am building a deck on my two level house. I put weed blocker material and pea stone under where the future deck will be. Now that I am done I am wondering if I should have leveled the earth prior to doing so. Should I pull off the pea stone and level it?

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Sep 05, 2013
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Slight Grade
by: Mike

I agree with the other commenter. The property should be graded away from the house to allow proper drainage and to prevent water building up next to the foundation.

Not doing so can lead to water leaking into the basement and the worst case, over time, it eventually can cause your foundation to sink.

If your house is relatively new, I would bet your property is already properly graded, but older homes may be suspect.

May 02, 2011
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Water build-up
by: MK\urray

I'm wondering whether it would allow water to collect in pools. Then you would have a problem with mosquitoes.

Sep 24, 2010
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Grade Under Deck Slope Away From House
by: INNOVATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

I am a contractor in Illinois and have done lots of decks. You should always make sure the grade or flatness of the ground is higher at the house to keep water away.

Apr 22, 2008
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Preparing Underneath Your Deck
by: Editor - Rich Bergman

Hello Jay,

It is not critical that you did not perfectly smooth out the stone and earth underneath your deck. The landscape fabric should provide a good barrier under the pea stone.

However, it would look nicer if you did try to smooth it out. And I suppose if the soil is really rough and bumpy then you might be at greater risk or have a sharp stone or stick poke up against the material.

This could possibly result in a tear. But probably not as no one will be walking around under the deck likely.

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