5 Homeowner Tips for Installing Under-Deck Ceilings

Decks can be great additions to homes. They expand your usable outdoor space and can be quite beautiful in their own right.

DRY-TOP Under Deck Ceiling

But no matter how well constructed they are, all above-ground decks have one thing in common – the space below. It’s not unusual for the area below decks to have a “no-man’s land” feel to them, especially if the deck above isn’t protected from the elements by an under deck ceiling.

Now that you’re spending more time outside enjoying your deck and patio, you might notice that anything that sprinkles above, filters below. This is especially true when it rains.

So, what would you think if I told you that you can reclaim this often-ignored space and create a beautiful outdoor living room, which can be enjoyed even when it rains?

Greg Simon, of Deck and Patio Living in St. Louis, wants you to know that this isn’t a pipe dream – but a reality that his company specially creates everyday. While the idea of deck ceilings isn’t new, the designs and capabilities have definitely improved over time. But don’t let that fool you.

An under-deck ceiling that is beautiful, functional and warranted first requires hiring an expert installer. Second, the under deck-ceiling material used, more than any other ceiling decision, impacts the project’s functionality and beauty the most over time. Aluminum is the best material because it doesn’t rust like steel, or sag and crack like vinyl.

Standard or Classic Under Deck Ceilings add functional space

Greg’s company has installed more than 700 under-deck ceilings, so he’s definitely an industry leader who’s earned his stripes in this contracting specialty. He’s so passionate about under-deck ceilings, in fact, that he originally named his company Dry-B-Lo of St. Louis, a name that definitely says it all.

Because he knows his stuff, we asked Greg to share his best tips tips for homeowners who want to install an under-deck ceiling:

1. When you hire a contractor, ask how many underdeck ceilings they’ve installed. If it’s fewer than 20, that’s not enough to know the ins and outs of the best installation methods.
2. What material is used in their construction? An aluminum nder-deck ceiling system is the material of choice because it holds up better than other materials.
3. Is there a warranty for the product and the workmanship? You should always ask for a warranty on any home improvement project, especially ones that are subjected to nature.
4. Can the contractor offer proof their under-deck system works as stated?
5. How is water channeled? If a under-deck system simply dumps water off one side of the deck, you’ll quickly have ruts and erosion where the water hits the ground.

Regardless of the design you select, reclaiming unusable or unsightly space under your deck improves the overall value of your home and increases your outdoor living space. If you’re considering a do-it-yourself under-deck ceiling installation, give Greg a call first. When you compare the cost of a DIY project in time, materials and workmanship to a professionally installed under-deck system you may be pleasantly surprised how affordable the “done for you” system can be.

If you had this space available, what kind of room would you create?

Originally posted 2009-07-17 09:00:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Tagged as: deck and patio living, decks, Dry Top under-deck ceiling, under deck, under deck ceiling systems, Under deck ceilings, under-deck patio, under-deck system, underdeck ceilings