Backyard grading

[Patt]

I am set to replace a concrete block patio with a raised wooden one, but have a problem. My yard slopes towards the house, and as such, each spring, or after huge rainfalls, the current patio puddles up big time. I want to grade away from the house a bit so at least it doesn't puddle up and rot the deck supports.

Anyone have any experience doing something like this?

 

[nwfsnake]

That is a good idea, as you always want drainage away from the house. In addition, consider pouring concrete footings with the tops a little above grade and setting your deck supports on those. No rot problems then! 🙂

 

[NightTrain]

I had a similar situation in my backyard. There was a depression running through the middle of it and the water flowed from my neighor's yard across mine and on it's merry way. I got a backhoe and went to the back of my lot and dug down about 4 feet and moved all the dirt towards my house....basically moving the depression from the middle of yard to the back. I fashioned another depression around the side and connected it under my fence and all the water flowed down the side and across the back of my lot.

 

[squeeg22]

You could call a landscaper to get a quote on the work needed. Then, just listen to what he says and do it yourself. Who knows, the estimate might not even be expensive and you can save yourself a lot of work. Usually if there is no need for soil/fill to be brought in, the grading of the land can be done for relatively cheap. All it'll take is a laborer or two and a skidloader/case.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Originally posted by: Patt
I am set to replace a concrete block patio with a raised wooden one, but have a problem. My yard slopes towards the house, and as such, each spring, or after huge rainfalls, the current patio puddles up big time. I want to grade away from the house a bit so at least it doesn't puddle up and rot the deck supports.

Anyone have any experience doing something like this?

Here is the general principal:

Drive 4 poles into the ground, one at each corner, about a foot above the ground. Tie a string from the poles next to the house out to the poles away from the house.

Take a level and rest it on the middle of each string so you can see which way it tilts. Beat down the appropriate pole (or slide the string up or down) to make the string slope one way or the other. You have now formed your slope.

When building up the dirt, keep it the same distance under the string all the way out to the far poles, and you'll have your desired grade.

I'm no landscaper or construction expert, so there might be a better way, but that will work.

 

[FoBoT]

i have a low spot right behind my house. i am considering turning it into a water garden/fish pond