Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in New Concord, OH

What goes under your floating deck depends on your preferences. Some homeowners put landscaping fabric underneath their decks to prevent weeds from popping up through the boards. Others choose to build a floating deck over grass or gravel. However, it’s best not to set your deck directly on the ground. Instead, set your deck on blocks to keep it elevated enough to prevent moisture from rotting the wood.

Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation. 

Whether composite decking is better than wood depends on your priorities, especially regarding budget and maintenance. Composite decking offers superior longevity (30 to 50 years) and durability, and it is low-maintenance, requiring no sanding, staining, or sealing. In contrast, wood decks typically last 10 to 30 years and need refinishing every few years. While the upfront cost of composite is higher than wood, the reduced maintenance can lead to long-term savings. If a lower initial cost is the primary factor, wood is the more affordable choice.

In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.