WEEKS CONST.
Menu

Under Decks

Under Deck Systems in Hickory & Catawba County, NC

That dark, muddy area under your elevated deck is wasted potential. An under deck system transforms it into dry, finished outdoor living space you'll use every day.

Licensed & Insured
Free Estimates
NC License #107176

Get Your Free Estimate

We respond within one business day.

Stop Wasting the Space Under Your Deck

If you have a second-story or elevated deck, you already know the problem. Every time it rains, water pours through the deck board gaps and turns the area below into a muddy, unusable mess. Patio furniture gets soaked, stored items get ruined, and the space sits empty because nobody wants to be dripped on during a summer shower.

An under deck drainage system captures water at the joist level and channels it away through a hidden gutter network, giving you a completely dry ceiling underneath your deck. The result is a new outdoor room — perfect for a second seating area, an outdoor kitchen, or just a dry place to store your grill and furniture.

We install industry-leading systems including DrySpace and Trex RainEscape, as well as custom-built ceiling solutions using vinyl, aluminum, or tongue-and-groove wood. Each system has different strengths, and we'll help you choose the one that fits your priorities for appearance, budget, and maintenance.

How It Works

Our Process

1

Assessment & System Selection

We inspect your deck's framing from below to evaluate joist spacing, height clearance, and drainage requirements. We'll discuss the differences between above-joist systems like Trex RainEscape and below-joist systems like DrySpace, and recommend the best fit for your situation.

2

Proposal & Scheduling

You'll receive a detailed proposal covering the selected system, any modifications needed to your existing deck framing, gutter and downspout routing, and the total installed price. We coordinate scheduling to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

3

Installation

Our crew installs the drainage membrane or ceiling panels between or below your deck joists, connects the integrated gutter system, and routes downspouts to direct water away from the space. For finished ceiling systems, we install the panels or boards to create a clean, attractive overhead surface.

4

Testing & Completion

We test the entire system with water to verify proper drainage before calling it complete. You'll see exactly how water flows through the system and exits through the downspouts. We walk through maintenance tips and make sure the finished space meets your expectations.

Under Deck System Options

We install multiple under deck systems and can recommend the right one based on your deck's construction, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. Here are the most popular options we work with in the Catawba County area.

Trex RainEscape (Above-Joist System)

Pros

  • Installs above the joists, keeping the drainage layer hidden from view
  • Allows you to finish the ceiling below with any material you choose
  • Trough-and-gutter design handles heavy rain volume
  • Backed by Trex warranty when installed by a qualified contractor

Cons

  • Must be installed before or during deck board installation (or boards must be removed)
  • Requires careful slope alignment for proper drainage
  • Higher labor cost if retrofitting to an existing deck

DrySpace (Below-Joist System)

Pros

  • Can be installed on existing decks without removing deck boards
  • Creates a finished ceiling appearance from below
  • Available in multiple panel styles and colors
  • Integrated gutter system collects and directs water

Cons

  • Reduces headroom clearance by a few inches
  • Visible from below (which is the point — it becomes your ceiling)
  • Panel style may not match all home aesthetics

Custom Tongue-and-Groove Ceiling

Pros

  • Premium appearance with real wood or composite beadboard
  • Fully customizable stain or paint color
  • Creates the look of an interior ceiling in your outdoor space
  • Can integrate recessed lighting and ceiling fans

Cons

  • Highest cost option
  • Requires a separate drainage membrane above the ceiling
  • Wood options need periodic refinishing

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Below-joist systems like DrySpace are specifically designed to retrofit onto existing decks without removing the deck boards. Above-joist systems like Trex RainEscape require access above the joists, which means either installing during a new deck build or temporarily removing sections of decking. We'll evaluate your deck and recommend the best approach.
For comfortable use of the space below, we recommend at least 7 to 8 feet of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the deck joists. Below-joist systems reduce this clearance by 3 to 6 inches. If your clearance is tight, an above-joist system preserves every inch of headroom since it installs on top of the joists.
Yes. The systems we install are engineered to handle significant water volume. The integrated gutters and downspouts channel water efficiently, even during heavy Catawba County thunderstorms. Proper slope during installation is critical, which is why professional installation matters — we verify drainage with a water test before completing every job.
Absolutely. We can wire for recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and electrical outlets in the under deck space. This is best planned during the system installation so wiring can be routed cleanly behind ceiling panels. We rough in all electrical to code and coordinate with a licensed electrician as needed.
Under deck system costs typically range from $15 to $30 per square foot installed, depending on the system chosen and the complexity of the installation. A standard 200-square-foot under deck area runs roughly $3,000 to $6,000 for a basic panel system, or $6,000 to $12,000 for a premium finished ceiling with lighting. We provide exact pricing in your free estimate.
Minimal maintenance is required. We recommend clearing gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris once or twice a year, similar to your home's roof gutters. Panel and membrane systems can be rinsed with a garden hose if they accumulate dirt. There are no coatings to reapply or parts that wear out under normal use.

What Our Clients Say

Under Decks Reviews

Jeff installed a DrySpace system under our second-story deck and it completely changed how we use that area. What used to be a muddy mess is now a dry patio where we keep furniture and the grill. He tested it with a hose before he left and not a single drop came through. Really solid work.

B&TP
Brian & Tammy P.

Conover, NC

Get a Free Under Deck Estimate

Get a free, no-obligation estimate from a licensed contractor who takes pride in every build. Call today or fill out our contact form.

Call NowFree Estimate