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Is There a Canada Code for Under Deck Landscaping?

Published: 03/05/2010 by Patsy Hamilton

While there is no specific Canada code for under deck landscaping that I am aware of, there may be certain rules or by-lines in your community. You could contact your homeowner’s association or a local landscaper to get the details. Here are a few suggestions that should be acceptable in any locality.

Getting anything except weeds to grow under most decks is difficult. There is not enough sun and too much moisture.

The better landscapers put down a fabric mesh, rather than plastic sheeting to keep weeds down and insure proper drainage. You can always add the mesh at a later date, if your deck-builder failed to do so.

Shade-loving plants such as hostas and sedges will grow around the outer or borders, but they cannot survive on full shade. There must be some access to sunlight.

What to do with the dark recesses depends largely on how high it is. If there is enough room to walk around comfortably, you can build a patio or hang a swing. On hot summer days and nights, you will find the area very cool and quiet.

Although you do not have to worry about a Canada code for under deck landscaping, you will need to make sure that your materials, support beams, height and size adhere to the provincial or municipal codes. Decks that have already been built should not be a problem, as long as the construction was done by a professional.

If you buy an older home, your insurance provider may have questions about the age of the decking and whether or not it was installed professionally. Older decks must sometimes be replaced when ownership changes.

Some cities (and some homeowner’s associations) have regulations concerning the deck’s appearance and maintenance, as well as items that may be attached to it or placed upon it. In many urban communities, for example, hanging clothes on the rails or installing a clothesline is prohibited.

If you are a busy person that has little time for outdoor maintenance, using large decorative stones beneath your deck should take care of all of your problems, especially if you install landscape fabric beneath them.

It is hard to make specific recommendations without seeing your home. Existing decks vary greatly as the building codes have changed over the years.

If you are planning for new construction, hiring a contractor that does decks and landscapes is a good idea. Some contractors will install the fabric, stones and other items for you. That way, you won’t have to worry about things like a Canada code for under deck landscaping.

Patsy Hamilton is a home improvement journalist at HomeImprovement411.ca. For more great useful home improvement articles please visit: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca/

Article Source: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca/article