Do You Need a Membrane Under Decking?

Whilst it is not necessary to lay a membrane on the ground before laying wooden decking, it is always best to do so. Many people think that because their decking will be elevated above the ground, there will be no problems with moisture. This is not true. The wood will still absorb moisture and possibly rot if it comes into contact with the earth beneath.

If you are wondering whether you should use concrete piers or paving slabs under your new decking then I would advise against this. They both have the same problem of absorbing moisture and rotting over time. If you must use them then ensure they are raised off the ground by at least 15cm (6″) to allow air to flow around them freely.

It is not recommended to lay wooden decking directly on the ground.

It is not recommended to lay wooden decking directly on the ground. If you do, the wood will rot much more quickly than it would if laid on a membrane, even if this membrane were located above ground level. The reason for this is because when your decking is in contact with soil or concrete you are cutting off its ability to breathe. This means that there is no way for moisture and air to get into the timber and dry it out, which can cause a number of problems including rotting and warping.

A good alternative solution would be to use an under decking or trellis system that allows air into your timber surface but still keeps it elevated from any potential water infiltration below ground level

If you are laying timber decking, it is always best to use a membrane between the ground and the decking joists.

When laying timber decking, it is always best to use a membrane between the ground and the decking joists. This prevents moisture from getting through to your softwood decking joists, which will otherwise rot away in no time at all.

Your timber decking can be treated with preservatives but this doesn’t stop rot from happening if it makes direct contact with the ground below. The same goes for other types of wood such as softwood that are used for cladding or fencing – if there is no barrier between them and damp soil then they will start to rot away very quickly indeed!

If you want something that lasts longer than five years then it is essential that you build your fence or cladding onto a solid foundation – whether this means fixing directly onto concrete slabs or using sleepers underneath (as long as they don’t become waterlogged).

A membrane is an impermeable layer that will help protect the decking joists from moisture.

A membrane is a thin layer of material that covers the bottom of your decking, and it serves as an impermeable barrier to keep moisture from getting through. The membrane will prevent moisture from leaching into your joists, which can cause rot and degradation.

Maintaining your deck is essential for keeping it in good condition for years to come. When you are ready to begin construction or maintenance on your deck, you’ll need to decide whether or not a membrane under decking makes sense for your project.

This can be done using concrete piers, paving slabs or ground spikes.

  • Concrete piers: The most common method of supporting decking, concrete piers can be used in conjunction with a reinforced membrane, or on their own.
  • Paving slabs: Paving slabs are a popular choice for those who want an easy-to-install and affordable option.
  • Ground spikes or ‘nails’: For wooden decks that are not in contact with the ground, ground spikes can be inserted into the base of each joist to provide support.

There are also reinforced membranes available which will prevent weeds and local greenery growing up through the gaps in your decking.

There are also reinforced membranes available which will prevent weeds and local greenery growing up through the gaps in your decking.

These membranes are a little more expensive than standard ones, but they are worth it if you want to keep your garden looking tidy and neat. They’re slightly more difficult to install due to the additional layers of protective material, but this is a small price to pay for such an effective barrier.

If you want to maximise the life of your decking, then it is better to install a membrane under it.

If you want to maximise the life of your decking, then it is better to install a membrane under it. A membrane is a thin layer of plastic or rubber that protects the wood underneath from moisture and ensures that it stays nice and dry.

Membranes are usually made from plastic or rubber and are used on top of your subflooring to protect it from water penetration, insects and other forms of damage. They can be installed by professionals who have experience with installing decks but if you have time on your hands then this section will give you all the information necessary for doing it yourself at home!

Conclusion

Well, it seems that there are plenty of reasons why you would need a membrane under your decking. But at the end of the day, it really comes down to how much time and effort you want to spend on maintenance throughout the year. If you don’t mind spending some extra hours each week keeping your deck in good condition then by all means go without a membrane. However if like me you want to spend more time enjoying your garden than maintaining it then investing in some extra protection like this could be worth while.