Grass Under Deck

So, we have had a situation under our deck for some time.  Basically, there was a ton (or probably closer to 8 tons to be literal) of rock piled up below our back deck.  It was about 3 feet deep and 25 feet long and 10 feet wide.  So, there was ALOT of rock. This was a problem because all the rock would constantly roll down onto the grass.  Also, we had swings hanging from the deck, so we had to always worry about the kids falling off the swings into the rocks or onto the concrete curbing directly below swings..  Plus, it was just UGLY and HOT.  So, we thought grass would be a much more beautiful and practical material for beneath the deck area.

This is the only before picture I have.  Unfortunately it is not a close-up so it doesn't really give you any idea of how terrible this rock was, or how much there was.

BEFORE

 Well, my husband and boys moved ALL eight tons of that rock by hand with wheelbarrows and our neighbor's truck to give it to a  family up the street who wanted it.  It was ALOT of work!  I then went in and regraded the whole area by hand so it could drain water away from the house while still feeling relatively level to walk on. I also prepped the site for an extension to our concrete patio.  This is the only picture I have during that process.  Again, it gives you no concept of what was going on really, or how many boulders I dug up, or how much dirt I had to move (with my 9 year old son's help).  But, believe me, it was CRAZY!

BEFORE

I also had to cut the rebar that ran through those concrete curbs and dig up the cubs.  Do you know how HEAVY concrete is?!  It's out-of-control heavy.

With all that rock, and boulders, and dirt to dig up and move, prepping the site took us months.  But, once it was prepped, I built a wooden planter along the house (and a taller planter box under the stairs), added lattice in front of all the exposed concrete for our new clematis plant to grow on, layed sprinklers, poured and spread top soil, and finally was able to lay sod (which was our Family Home Evening activity that night).  Here is the final product.  We haven't planted anything in the taller, deeper planter box under the stairs yet, but we are loving finally having a shady spot for our hostas and daylilis.

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

All in all, this project was a huge amount of work, but oh so worth it.  The kids are loving having grass below-foot while on the swings.  I am loving having a grassy spot to relax in the hammock and take in the view, and my husband is loving his new planter boxes to tend.  It really is a great new space to add to our backyard.