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How to transition between low-level deck and lawn?

glenn666

Hi all, im looking for the best transition solution between my deck and the soil, to protect it against the moisture. I understand i will need to leave a 10mm gap between the deck and the limestone blocks. What would be the best way to do this? Or might it be better to put down some kind of edging material and gravel between the deck and the blocks?

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MitchellMc

Hi @glenn666,

I think you would be best using a material that won’t wick moisture across to the timber, while still providing a solid backing for the blocks to rest against. Something like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-115-x-16cm-black-garden-edging-4-pack_p0373009 could work well, as it could be placed against the timber joist and even screwed into it to maintain your drainage gap.

The limestone blocks could then be positioned hard against the edging without sitting directly against the deck framing.

For the gap between the blocks and the lawn, you could simply fill it with soil and grow turf right up to the blocks. Alternatively, a secondary edging against the grass with decorative pebbles or drainage gravel between it and the limestone would probably give you a neater finish and help keep moisture away from the area.

Here's a helpful guide on How to choose garden edging.

Let me mention @diy_hausdesigns, @Jimi, @EuroKiwi, @SMUCKY and @rebeccayiru to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

glenn666

Thanks Mitchell, the link you provided says the edging item is no longer available. I'll pop into bunnings and have a look for something similar.

So im okay to put the gravel directly touching the blocks without any separation between them?

EricL

Hello @glenn666

Yes, it's perfectly ok to have the gravel touching the blocks. In regard to the garden edging, visiting your local store is a good idea. You'll get a better idea on what's in stock or at least find an equivalent to the black garden edging.

Eric

MitchellMc

Hi @glenn666,

This https://www.bunnings.com.au/gardenwise-2-4m-black-garden-edging_p3321448 would be an alternative or even https://www.bunnings.com.au/lattice-makers-220mm-x-3m-black-ezy-edge-garden-edging_p0135901 . Given you appear to have painted the side of your deck joist, which will prevent moisture transfer through it, you could even use a treated pine plinth, though those will be around 25mm thick.

Mitchell

R4addZ

Hi @glenn666

Perhaps an alternative solution would be to forget the blocks, you are going to have to accommodate the retic pipe anyway, and mix and pour your own concrete in there but using a waterproofing agent in the concrete mix. That way, the entire edge becomes a moisture barrier and there is no cutting around awkward bits. You would only need to set up a simple formwork (possibly using some left over decking) and use masking tape along the edge of the deck. You can also use Cream cement and crushed limestone to make the concrete giving the same appearance as the blocks. Oh and if you decide to go with the blocks, don't forget to seal round the retic pipe as the hole it comes through will likely not be painted inside.

glenn666

Thank you for the answers, the plastic edging looks good, my only concern would be how to keep the 10mm gap between the wood and plastic so moisture doesn't get trapped there and gives the wood a bit of ventilation? Could I use plastic stakes at an interval of every 500mm for example?

R1addZ, that's also a good idea however I already purchased the blocks! 😀

EricL

Hello @glenn666

I was trying to think of a material that would not rot despite being exposed to heavy moisture. The only item that comes to mind that is strong enough is Ekodeck panels. The drawback of course is that the panels are 23mm thick not the 10mm you are after. Another possible item you could use would be the https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-280mm-slate-grey-garden-edge-peg_p0108776 . The edge clip of the head would need to be cut off in order for the peg to go down in size.

Eric

MitchellMc

Hi @glenn666,

The idea would be that the plastic garden edging is hard up against the timber and then the blocks against it. It's sandwiched between them and is what establishes the gap. You've sealed the side of the timber and the plastic wouldn't hold water. I think that's enough to create breathability in that space.

Mitchell

R4addZ

Hi @glenn666

The Bunnings people are nice and understanding if you wanted to return the blocks :-)

MitchellMc

Hi @glenn666,

Just checking in to see how you went with the transition between your deck and lawn.

Did you end up using the garden edging and limestone blocks, or did you come up with another solution? I'd love to see how it turned out.

If you have any questions about the next stage of the project or any other landscaping plans, please let us know.

Mitchell

glenn666

Hi Mitchell, i used polyethylene garden edging https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-150mm-x-10m-black-garden-edge-10m_p0111368?store=2442&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23022021534&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9PIZiGqg2DGaxyuDhbM5Luq&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jl3iqJd7is0hPtPP6UH5EX7urQ0VrYT7osy87XDRDdSQea5hDxd140aAhVbEALw_wcB and limestone blocks. I did however leave a 10mm gap between the edging and the timber where I momentarily used expansion joint filler foam https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-10-x-75mm-6m-abelflex-expansion-joint-filler-foam_p1063358?store=2442&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_rVCw9d-YU9eqQB44sxLqfb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jmE_OZddifhR3mvminUXiukOCO95GDlXi4tp6wyHqobOPtaGZa6UyEaAsZOEALw_wcB to stop the gap from closing until I secure the stones together. What product should I use between the blocks to join them together?

And my next step will be the transition between the lawn and the blocks, im thinking dwarf hedging or a line of native plants to disguise the height level (lawn is slightly higher at the start).

EricL

Hello @glenn666

I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-415g-liquid-nails-landscape-stone-concrete-adhesive_p1231856 . It has a weather-resistant, high-strength, flexible and shockproof bond, making it ideal for bonding pavers to concrete, stabilising stone and interlocking masonry retaining walls, and stabilising loose stone steps. My best advice is to not over apply it at the top of the paver so that it will not overflow at the joints. Please make sure to give it a full 24 hours to properly cure before covering it.

In regard to the dwarf hedge, it's a good idea and will disguise the lawns height difference neatly. I suggest visiting your local store to see what is in stock.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

glenn666

Hi All, just a little update. I covered the side of the blocks with self adhesive flashing and planted alternating snowmaiden en rajah indian hawthorns to hopefully give me a low profile hedge over time..

JacobZ

Hi @glenn666,

The garden bed looks neat and tidy, and the red mulch matches the deck quite nicely.

I imagine it will look even more lovely once the plants grow in.

Thank you for the update.

Jacob