Under deck play space ideas
Under Deck Play Area: A Dry, Shaded Spot for Kids
The patio under a second-story deck can be a shaded, covered play area for rainy days and hot afternoons, as long as water is not dripping through the boards. With an AmeriDex deck, rain sheds off the top, so the play space below starts with a dry space overhead.
Why most under deck play spaces get wet
Standard deck boards are installed with gaps between them. Every time it rains, water drips through those gaps onto the toys, mats, and anyone playing below, and the patio stays wet long after the storm. AmeriDex boards lock onto the Dexerdry seal, so the deck surface sheds the rain instead.
How it fits together
Ideas for the space below
Gapped deck vs AmeriDex over a play area
| Standard gapped deck | AmeriDex deck | |
|---|---|---|
| Rain from above | Drips through the gaps onto toys and mats | Sheds off the top and past the drip edge |
| After a storm | Wet surfaces and puddles under the gaps | A dry space ready for play |
| What you add below | Covers, or a tray hung under the joists | Nothing required; soffit is a finish choice |
| Upkeep overhead | Periodic cleanout of a catch system | Broom, soap and water on the deck surface |
Play area planning checklist
- Slope the deck at least 1/8 inch per foot away from the house (see how much slope a deck needs).
- If boards run away from the house, the framing leaves room for a gutter at the house. Plan the play layout around it.
- Keep play mats, toy bins, and seating back from the outer edge, where rain sheds past the drip edge.
- Use a ground surface suited to play, and follow the play equipment maker's instructions for surfacing and setup.
- Do not hang swings or climbing gear from the deck framing unless a qualified professional confirms it is designed for that load.
- If you add a ceiling, use a vented vinyl or PVC soffit with at least 1 1/2 inches of continuous ventilated screen at the fascia. Wood ceilings are not recommended.
- Lights or a fan go in with outdoor-rated fixtures, installed by a licensed electrician.
- Keep it an outdoor space. Never install the system over interior living space.
More ideas for the space: a patio under a deck, under deck storage that stays dry, a screened porch under a deck, and under deck ceiling options. Building it? See contractor resources.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a play area under a deck?
Yes, when the deck above keeps the rain off. AmeriDex is made for decks, porches, and balconies with a patio, porch, or living space underneath. The boards lock onto the Dexerdry seal, so rain sheds off the top of the deck instead of dripping through the gaps onto toys, mats, and kids below.
Will the play area stay dry when it rains?
The deck overhead sheds rain off the top, so the space under it is a dry space. Wind-driven rain can still blow in from the open sides, and rain sheds past the outer drip edge, so keep play mats, toy bins, and seating back from that edge.
Can I hang a swing from my deck joists?
Only if a qualified professional confirms the framing is designed for it. A swing puts moving loads on the framing that a deck is not normally built to carry. Follow the play equipment maker's instructions, and when in doubt, use a freestanding swing or play set instead.
Do I need an under deck drainage tray over a play area?
Not with AmeriDex. The deck surface itself sheds the rain, so nothing has to hang under the joists to catch water. You can leave the joists open or add a vented vinyl or PVC soffit as a finished ceiling.
What ceiling should go over an under deck play area?
If you add a ceiling, use a vented vinyl or PVC soffit with at least 1 1/2 inches of continuous ventilated screen at the fascia. Wood ceilings are not recommended. A finished ceiling is also a clean place to mount lights or a fan, installed by a licensed electrician with fixtures rated for outdoor use.
Can I add a play area under my existing deck?
Often, as a re-deck, if the existing framing meets the pitch and overhang requirements. The old boards come off and AmeriDex boards with the Dexerdry seal go on. A new deck lets you plan the slope, gutters, and play space together from the start.
Planning a play area under your new deck?
Send us your deck size and how you want to use the space below, and we will send a written quote. Free color samples ship to your door.
Get a free quote Find a dealerRelated reading: Dry usable space under a deck · Second-story deck waterproofing · Outdoor kitchen under a deck · Under deck storage that stays dry · How the system works