Learn how to blend function and design with underdecking! We took an under-utilized space in our lake cottage and added an under deck ceiling so that we could enjoy the patio year round.

Creating more outdoor living space with an under deck drainage system is an incredible investment for your home.

Keep reading to find out how the system works, and take a tour of this updated exterior space!

A white hammock hanging under a porch with an under deck ceiling.
Want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it to you!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

*This is not a sponsored post, just sharing a product we love!

When we purchased our the little cottage that we’ve turned into a more modern lake house, we knew there was work to be done. This much-loved lake escape is several hours from our home in St. Louis, though, which can make large projects a difficult undertaking.

While this house is perfectly livable and not too old (it was built in the 90s), we wanted to make it our own and we’ve enjoyed doing that over time. No rush, because we really want to spend our time there relaxing and enjoying friends and family!

One year, we replaced the roof. The next year, it was landscaping and drainage solutions. If you’ve ever remodeled a home, you know how it goes!

One year it was a new vinyl deck with a glass railing and under deck ceiling. We recently updated our siding and added new carriage garage doors. Today, we’re sharing all the details of how the underdecking gave us another outdoor living space to enjoy our lake view.

A white house with a swing on the porch featuring under deck waterproofing.

What is Underdecking?

While adding the new white deck and pretty see-through glass panel railings made an incredible impact here, we took it a step further. We created an entirely new family entertaining space with an under deck drainage system.

Underdecking is a system (generally modular) that creates a ceiling under your second story deck. It moves water out and away from your home with a built in drainage system, giving you a dry covered space below.

While this process seems complex, it’s actually quite a simple concept that’s a real game-changer! Under deck waterproofing is the most incredible way to create a new outdoor room in your home.

Join me for a tour and learn why this might be a game-changer for you, too!

A white porch with white furniture and a mirror, with underdecking ceiling.

Why You’ll Love an Under Deck Ceiling

  • An under deck drainage system helps pull water away from your home.xz
  • This particular system (called Inside Out Underdeck) creates a truly finished feeling – the gutters even look like crown molding!
  • It gives you an entire outdoor room – an under deck patio.
  • It automatically creates a cooler (shaded), dryer living space to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Boosts your home value because it protects your deck and creates more outdoor living space with the space below your deck.
A white living room with a white coffee table.

Under Deck Waterproofing: How it Works

An under deck waterproofing system is actual quite simple! When you have a second story deck on your home, it’s easy to create a patio space below the deck.

Panels that carry water are hung from a bracket system, which holds the panels in place. These panels collect water run-off from rain or snow that would normally seep through your decking.

This system channels the water into a gutter system and away from your home. The under deck roof is completely waterproof and made of aluminum, preventing water accumulation. This actually helps to strengthen the structural integrity of the deck.

A white porch with wicker furniture and a mirror enhanced by an under deck ceiling.

Why we Chose Inside Out Brand Underdecking

  • Maintenance free deck ceiling
  • Aluminum, weather proof
  • Bright white wood-look finish option
  • Looks like real wood
  • Excellent trim finish that creates the look of crown molding
  • Lifetime warranty
A porch with white furniture and a glass door featuring underdecking.

Under Deck Drainage System

Underdecking is a seamless system that not only creates an extra outdoor living room under your deck. It also helps alleviate drainage and moisture issues within your home by pulling so much water out and away through the gutters.

In our lake home, we have been plagued with water and drainage problems even though our home sits on a sloped lot that should pull water away naturally.

With water and drainage upgrades in mind, we have replaced our roof, changed our landscaping, and added new gravel and paths for water run off.

A covered porch with wicker furniture and an under deck drainage system.

Under Deck Ceiling Uses

Replacing our existing deck with a new vinyl deck was one of the biggest upgrades we’ve made. At the same time, we replaced much of the flashing that was damaged under the siding where the decking was attached.

Adding this underdecking system was a no-brainer for us, because it was just one more step to ensure that water never enters our home again. Any time a system can help pull water away from our home, count us in!

This newly dry space is one where we plan to spend lots of family time, playing games and swinging around, making memories.

A white living room with wicker furniture.

Where to Buy Underdecking

Shop this Post

  • A rattan swing with a wooden seat for under deck relaxation.
  • A tropical-themed pillow with blue and white colors and palm leaves design.
  • A circular gold mirror with a white background design.
  • A white wicker sofa with white cushions perfect for under deck seating.
  • A piece of wood on a surface.
  • A white swivel chair on a white background with under deck ceiling.

More Outdoor Inspiration

Outdoor Living

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Comments

  5. Thanks for the link, Julie! I think the pendant you chose is just perfect. This is going to be such a great space.

    Reply