how can i keep the area below my deck dry?

Answer 1

I can't remember where I seen it but there is a system that you install between your floor joists under your deck and it drains the water to a gutter and down spout which let's you drain the water away. Look on diy.com

Answer 2

I know you can purchase a clear plastic corrugated sheet, or a composite material. Ive provided a link to a photo of one of the composite types below. The clear plastic stuff is pretty cheap. (often used as 'skylights' in carports, or barns).

I would lay a row of 2x material, and step it...that is, make the succeeding rows taller....to screw the corrugated material to. This would allow for some pitch to the corrugate, promoting drainage. For example, I might screw the one end of the corrugate directly to the underside of the deck joists. Then I'd make a "nailer board", or row of 2x, about 1/4 inch thick, and tack that up about 2 ft from the end. Make another row, at another 2 ft, and make the 'nailer' thicker... say, 1/2" .. and so on, to the end of the deck. The more you put into those 'nailers' the faster it will drain... you'll end up with more pitch, to the corrugate, under the decking. It's inexpensive, doesnt take long to install, and doesnt require a lot of tools. You could probably have it done in a day, or weekend at the most.

Have Fun

Answer 3

Completely dry like a patio you need to cover. Dry as in removing sitting water use a french drain.

Answer 4

Install roof over it or a tent or tarp made from heavy sheeting under it.