Why Our Soggy Yard Needed a Deck Overhaul

For years, our backyard was a swampy mess every spring. We tried regrading, French drains, even planting thirsty shrubs—nothing worked. Then a neighbor suggested raising the whole area with a properly designed deck. Enter: Hunt Home Remodeling’s Services page, which opened my eyes to how decks can solve drainage issues.

The Problem with Soggy Soil

Eastern Nebraska’s clay-heavy soil holds water like a sponge. Without proper elevation, patios (and decks) can sink or rot. A contractor explained that a floating deck (with proper airflow underneath) could keep our outdoor space usable year-round.

How a Deck Fixes Drainage

Unlike pavers or concrete, a well-built deck:

• Elevates living space above wet ground

• Allows water to flow beneath (no more puddles)

• Uses rot-resistant materials (like composite or treated lumber)

Their team even suggested perforated skirting to improve airflow—a small detail I’d never have thought of.

What We Chose

We went with a low-profile composite deck (no splinters, no staining) and added a slight slope to direct runoff away from the house. Six months later, no more mud, no more mosquito breeding ground—just a dry, functional space.

Lessons Learned

• Address the cause, not just symptoms (a deck won’t fix grading issues, but it can work around them).

• Consult a pro early—we wasted years on Band-Aid solutions.

• Think long-term (materials that withstand moisture pay off).

Final Thought

If your yard’s a swamp half the year, a deck might be the answer. Check out this resource for more on how outdoor living spaces can adapt to tricky landscapes.

Tags: #DrainageSolutions #DeckIdeas #BenningtonHomes #YardProblems #OutdoorLiving