What is a DrySpace System?
Threshold Decks installs the TimberTech DrySpace under-deck system for homeowners across Leicester, MA and the surrounding Central Massachusetts area. DrySpace is an under-deck water management system that takes the space underneath an elevated deck and turns it into a much more usable area. The system attaches underneath the deck joists and catches water as it comes through the decking above – so instead of rainwater dripping onto a patio or onto people sitting underneath, it gets directed away from the space entirely.
Made of solid extruded vinyl designed for exterior durability and weather resistance, DrySpace is built to handle New England conditions year after year.
"Your deck stays a deck above, but now the area underneath can be usable outdoor living space instead of a wasted space that gets wet when it rains."
Whether you’re building a new elevated deck or already have one, DrySpace is designed to fit. That’s one of its biggest advantages – it’s equally well suited to new construction and existing decks, and it doesn’t require removing the deck boards above to install.
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How It Works
DrySpace is installed below the deck boards and underneath the joists. The vinyl components create channels between the joists that catch rainwater as it passes through the gaps in the decking above. That water is then directed outward to the edge of the deck, where it can be collected and discharged through a gutter and downspout – away from the space below.
Unlike above-joist drainage approaches, DrySpace doesn’t cover the framing. It attaches from underneath, leaving the structural members exposed and accessible, and creates a clean finished ceiling appearance when viewed from below.
Step 1 – Rain Passes Through the Deck: Water enters through the gaps between deck boards and is immediately caught by the DrySpace vinyl channels below.
Step 2 – Channeled to the Edge: The system directs water laterally toward the outside edge of the deck rather than letting it fall into the space below.
Step 3 – Discharged via Gutter: Water exits the system through a gutter and downspout, discharged away from the patio area and the home’s foundation.
Step 4 – Dry Space Below: The area underneath is significantly drier and ready to function as an outdoor room – with furniture, lighting, fans, or a TV.
New Decks and Existing Decks - Dryspace Works for Both
One of the most common questions we get is whether DrySpace can be added to an existing deck. The answer is yes – and it’s one of the biggest selling points of the system.
On a New Deck Build: When DrySpace is part of the original build plan, we can design the entire under-deck space from the start – ensuring proper pitch, optimal gutter placement, and any electrical rough-in for lighting or ceiling fans is coordinated before the deck boards go down.
On an Existing Elevated Deck: Because DrySpace attaches from underneath the joists, we can often install it on an existing elevated deck without removing the deck boards above. This makes it a practical upgrade for homeowners who already have a deck and want to reclaim the space below – without a full rebuild.
The key requirement in either case is that the system needs to be part of a complete water management plan – properly pitched, directed to the right discharge location, and connected to a working gutter system. Getting that right is what separates a functional under-deck space from one that still gets wet at the edges.
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Dryspace vs. Rubber Membrane: Which is Right for Your Project?
These are two different waterproofing approaches that work at different points in the deck assembly.
Where installed: DrySpace – Below the joists, installed from underneath. Rubber Membrane – Above the joists, installed before decking goes down.
Best for new builds: Both work well for new construction, though rubber membrane is easiest to incorporate before decking.
Best for existing decks: DrySpace installs without removing deck boards. Rubber membrane requires the deck boards to come off first.
Ceiling appearance: DrySpace panels create the ceiling look directly. A rubber membrane opens up more ceiling material choices below it – vinyl, Versatex, tongue-and-groove, or other materials.
For homeowners deciding between the two systems, when the installation is happening is often the deciding factor – along with what they want the ceiling underneath to look like.
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What the Space Underneath Actually Becomes
Once DrySpace is properly installed, the area underneath your elevated deck stops being a wasted, wet zone and becomes a genuine outdoor room. Homeowners use it for outdoor seating and dining, entertainment setups with TVs and ceiling fans, storage, outdoor kitchens, or a covered retreat for hot tubs and fire tables.
The finished appearance from below is one of the reasons homeowners choose DrySpace. Instead of looking up at exposed joists and the underside of deck boards, you see the clean profile of the DrySpace system – a real ceiling, not an afterthought.
Lighting, ceiling fans, and electrical outlets can all be incorporated into the under-deck space as part of the installation, turning it into an extension of your home’s outdoor living area rather than a place where the lawn mower lives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will it actually keep the space underneath completely dry?
DrySpace is a water management and drainage system – its job is to capture rainwater coming through the deck and direct it away from the space below. When it’s properly installed and pitched, it keeps the area underneath significantly drier. It’s not designed to be a fully sealed, interior-grade waterproof environment, so wind-driven rain from the sides will still come in if the space is open. Think of it as creating a dry outdoor living area rather than a weatherproof room.
Can DrySpace be installed under my existing deck?
Yes – and this is one of the system’s biggest advantages. Because DrySpace attaches from underneath the joists, we can often install it on an existing elevated deck without disturbing the deck boards above. We’ll evaluate your deck’s framing and pitch during the consultation to confirm it’s a good candidate.
Does DrySpace require maintenance?
Maintenance is relatively minimal. The most important step is keeping the drainage path clear periodically and inspecting the system and gutters each season to make sure water is discharging properly. TimberTech’s own deck cleaner is approved for use on DrySpace; other cleaning products should be confirmed as safe for vinyl before use.
Does installing DrySpace require a permit?
It’s a meaningful step up – this is a premium product. The right answer depends on the scale of the project. On a higher-end covered porch or screen room, the ceiling upgrade is a relatively small percentage of the total investment and makes a significant visual difference. We’ll show you both options and give you honest pricing for your specific project.
Ready to Put That Space to Work?
If you have an elevated deck with wasted space underneath, DrySpace may be one of the simplest upgrades you can make, and we’ll assess your deck and give you an honest answer about whether it’s the right fit. Call Threshold Decks at 508-735-9671 or visit us at 102 Huntoon Memorial Hwy, Leicester, MA 01542. Proudly veteran-owned and family-operated, Threshold Decks is an authorized TimberTech dealer and home to Massachusetts’ largest TimberTech showroom.