Thinking of timber, perhaps hardwood. The gravel underfill is how i'd
intended to deal with drainage as the yard itself drains pretty well.
I'm somewhat concerned with the board edges and whether they'll rot if
in contact with grass or soil. Might need to protect timber ends with
a metal or plastic strip, sunk level with the deck. I'm sure the
overall design will change about a hundred times between now and spring


Good suggestions - its got me thinking. Many thanks, all for your
feedback (except the erudite Pied Piper)

- o

George.com wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to install a new decked area this coming spring that will
replace part of an existing lawn. I don't want to have to step up onto
it so would like to build it so that it sits completely flush with the
adjacent lawned area. My guess is that I will need to excavate to a
certain depth, pour footings and then backfill with gravel over a
weed-proof membrane. Any thoughts or suggestions re things I might be
missing?

depends what you use for decking. Treated timber, gravel, paving etc. One
thing to consider is drainage. Will having it at ground level cause minor
flooding, surface water sitting. Slightly higher than ground level will
avoid this unless you are building on a slope. Also likely need for a mowing
strip between existing lawn and deck.

rob