What to do with the low, dark space under the deck?

Because our yard is high, our soon-to-be reconstructed and expanded rear parlour-floor brownstone deck will have a space underneath it that will be only about 4.5′ high. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with such an odd, dark space? It will be completely sunless (north facing yard). Digging out is not an option. Thanks!

BrooklynChicken

in Decks and Porches 10 years and 3 months ago

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anotherposter | 10 years and 3 months ago

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Storage bins on wheels could be useful for storing gardening or other outdoor supplies under there. Run a gas line to the exterior of the house, then a hose to a gas grill, and you can store it under the deck and pull it out for use (depending on how long the distance is from the house to the edge of the deck). I agree with MH about putting down hardscape. If you can, put a drain in it to the sewage line to help guide water that way instead of against the house and eventually inside the house. If you’re doing any electrical outside, I’d run a couple of lights and an outlet under there–we’ve never regretted any added outlets or light fixtures. Besides just wanting to see things stored under there, you might have times when you’d like to just be able to turn a light on under there from inside to scare off or discourage animals. Grow mushrooms? 🙂

marie-helene | 10 years and 3 months ago

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I think you should have a concrete pad poured. This sort of space, dark, unused, and protected from rain and snow would make a perfect rat burrow otherwise. You can then install lattice, leaving some access to be able to store gardening tools and equipment.

BobMarvin | 10 years and 3 months ago

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It could be storage space for garden tools and equipment, as well as garden furniture in the winter. Also, as discussed in a thread last week, it could be a storage space for your garbage cans, if you find them unsightly in your front areaway.

GreenThinker | 10 years and 3 months ago

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Chicken coop?