Under decking - do you need to remove turf?

[Graphite]

Just about to make a start on my decking project and realised that there is a huge amount of turf to remove - and get rid of somewhere...

Does it need to be completely dug out - or will the membrane and gravel kill it anyway - does seem like a waste of effort and cost if not really required...

 

[Matty35]

consider removing the grass completely underneath or covering it with a weed barrier will prevent grass coming through and weeds. Remember to create a drainage system under the area so it doesnt flood.

 

[Graphite]

I am planning to put down a weed supression membrane, support deck posts with 2' square slabs and cover the area with a layer of 20mm limestone gravel...

Drainage is good in this area as about 2 feet below topsoil is all sand - not so good for the plants...

 

[WabbitPoo]

If you put slabs onto turf, the latter will rot down over a month or two and your lovely level deck will end up a pile of crock. Make sure you do the posts properly, although you could indeed leave the turf if you want to.

 

[Graphite]

If you put slabs onto turf, the latter will rot down over a month or two and your lovely level deck will end up a pile of crock. Make sure you do the posts properly, although you could indeed leave the turf if you want to.

Ah yes - good point... but - with all this dry weather the grass is all but dead and has pretty much come off scraping with a hoe

I was going to sink the slabs for the front posts anyway so that they can be covered with the gravel - so I guess that's another reason to do it! LOL

Thanks Wabbit

 

[WabbitPoo]

Just make sure they are sunk and supported enough - dont rely on topsoil not moving over time.