What should I do with this outdoor space?

[Night Elf]

Okay, we had the hot tub removed. Under it was a layer of pavers. We're going to take them up, but they are in the pictures. I don't think we want to replace the hot tub, but it is a possibility. Or I can plant some bushes/plants in that space. But I'd like something green year round. What about the deck above it? Look at the short railing on that side. Should I hire someone to come build a new railing to go all the way across to the steps? Will it look stupid if we just leave it the way it is? DH was thinking we can put a bench right there. Maybe one with a back? What do you think? What would you do with this space?

 

Deck photographs  Let me know if this link doesn't work. I'm not sure since it's on my account.

[marbel]

The area doesn't look as bad as I was expecting, based on your past comments. 

 

I think you have to either extend the railing or put something permanent there - install a bench with a back, or put some large urn planters that completely block the area so no one can fall off the deck.  Looks like you also need to put a railing along that side of the stairway.   I know you don't have small kids, but you still need to have some sort of barrier. 

 

Once the tiles and the wood surround (I'm not sure what you call it) are up, could you just put in some topsoil to level the area and put grass there, since there is a grassy area adjacent?  Or you could have a small planting area.  Is the sunlight right for an herb garden?  

 

ETA: I forgot about the green  year 'round part.  There are lots of shrubs that are evergreen.  Your local garden store will probably have lots of ideas for you. 

 

Hmm... would you like have a little separate patio down there?  Are the pavers in good shape?    It's hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like that area is slanted?    Or you could put in more decking so it's more like an extension of the existing deck, maybe.  Maybe it could be a cozy little spot for 1-2 chairs and a small table.  I realize that could be a terrible idea.

[Ravin]

I would want to close off access to under the deck so critters don't take up residence. Dark spaces like that creep me out.

 

I wouldn't worry about the lack of railing unless you've got littles under four.

[Night Elf]

I was thinking of leaving the pavers too. There is one row that really slants but DH said he could add more gravel underneath which is what is there right now. We don't understand how they decided to use gravel and sand with pavers to support a hot tub. No wonder it was leaning. If I put a table and a couple of chairs, I would still need to extend the railing, although we'd rather not if we can find a way around it. Would it look weird to have big potted plants there if there is a table and chairs down below them? DH said he could rake the gravel and sand out to get down to the dirt if we want to plant a bush. There is one row of pavers that goes beneath the steps though. I want to leave those. If I plant some hostas near them, the big leaves will probably cover those pavers.

[Night Elf]

I would want to close off access to under the deck so critters don't take up residence. Dark spaces like that creep me out.

 

I wouldn't worry about the lack of railing unless you've got littles under four.

 

The underside of the deck can be seen all the way around already. My dogs go under there. We do not have small children, but I worry about the resale value. I wonder if that would be a turnoff to young families? Of course, we have no plans to move anytime soon. We figure to stay in the house until one of us can't navigate the stairs to get into the house.

[marbel]

The underside of the deck can be seen all the way around already. My dogs go under there. We do not have small children, but I worry about the resale value. I wonder if that would be a turnoff to young families? Of course, we have no plans to move anytime soon. We figure to stay in the house until one of us can't navigate the stairs to get into the house.

 

Probably, unless they would want to make changes to the deck anyway.   But it could also be a code issue?  And I'm pretty sure it would be a liability issue for you if anyone were to fall off the deck. 

 

ETA: I don't have young kids, but it would be a turnoff for me, because it would be something I'd have to deal with pretty quickly.  I don't mind a house with non-urgent work to be done, but if there were other choices, I'd skip a house that had a deck without railing.  Of course YMMV on that.

[MBM]

I would be surprised if the area without railing met code. Extending it is not a big job. You could probably even do it yourself if you wanted to for maybe $50-100 or so. Family Handyman would likely have some good articles explaining how to do it. Or you could just hire someone.

 

Most people just nail on wood lattice to prevent animals from hiding underneath. You can buy that at big box hardware stores or lumber companies. But it won't keep out critters that can dig, like skunks. To keep them out, you'd want to bury folded sections of galvanized wire that are about 8" deep in the ground and that run about a foot or so away from the outer wall. You would screw them onto the lattice.

 

Here is an article that explains what you should use under pavers. Yours look like they might be sagging toward the house because it appears to be negatively graded or possible over time the water tended to puddle there and the area sunk? Either way, you want water to drain away from your house's foundation, so it's a good idea to pull up those pavers and regrade that area just a bit. You don't need much of a slope. Keep in mind that you want to squish down the new soil. Put it down and then walk all over it. I usually place a big section of wood over the soil when I do that. When you go to plant something, then you can loosen up the soil a bit.

 

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rock-dust-vs-sand-under-paving-89696.html