Fun at Each Floor Expert Design Tips for Your Multi-Level Deck
Multi-level decks can provide you with different outdoor areas for different purposes. This is a great way to increase the value of your home and also provide you with more outdoor living space. With a multi-level deck, you can connect different levels of your home or take advantage of a sloping yard.
It doesn’t matter if the deck has only a few steps between levels or a full flight of stairs. You’ll need to create a plan that works for you and use deck materials that will last. Read on to learn how to plan your deck and choose the best materials for a multi-level deck project.
Table of Contents
Build a Deck that Fits Your Lifestyle
Before you start building your deck, consider how your family will use the space. Make a list of the things you want your new backyard to have. Remember that a multi-level deck is an extension of your home, whether you want a small area for family gatherings or a large gathering place.
When people plan a deck, they usually consider whether the deck has a place to sunbathe, an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, or a living room with an outdoor fireplace.
Once you know what features a multi-level deck design should have, you can plan its layout and dimensions. You can then pick the right materials for your needs and determine the final price of the build. Before you start building your multi-level deck, consider the following three points:
Easy to Install Capped Composite Decking CPD-03
The wide variety of composite deck boards from EVODEK makes it easy to find the right match for your outdoor style and design.
Consider the Orientation and Position of the Deck
Different types of decks are built differently. Multi-level decks need strong structural support to remain safe and stable over time. This depends on factors such as the height of the deck, soil conditions, and existing foundations. Some of the things that need to be considered are different for multi-level decks. This is because the lower decks have more water intake, while the higher decks require additional safety measures.
If you want to change the look of your deck, you should have a deck builder, architect or engineer look at the deck base to make sure it can hold enough weight. If the ground is rocky or unstable, it may be necessary to change the form or location of the deck. DIY homeowners need to check local building regulations to find out if permits are required, as well as setback requirements and safety standards.
Depending on the orientation of the deck, it may have sunny areas or areas shaded by trees and plants. Observe the yard during the day to see how the sun moves. Then, use the shade of trees or the house to create places to rest in the hot sun. The upper portion of the deck is usually the coolest place because the house blocks the sun.
If your deck gets full sun, you may need to add shade with a pergola, awning, or shade sail. The strength of the sun also affects the amount of UV rays and water on your deck. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing deck colors and materials.
Planning Activity Areas and People Flow
Activity areas help you make the most of all the space on your deck. For example, the upper level of the deck is a great place for a dining area or barbecue grill because it is close to the kitchen. The lower level can have a sitting area with a great view. The bottom level is a great location for a fire pit or pool deck.
Adding just a few steps can make a deck more interesting and rewarding. Adding a few steps between each level will also connect the rooms better than a long flight of stairs.
Open areas are easy for guests to walk around and are perfect for people who have a lot of friends visiting. To set off each area, you may need to use different colors and shapes. See how curved decking boards edge each table. You can create this effect with composite decking boards, which can be bent into any shape you want.
Stair landings are a great way to separate stairs. You can make it easier to transition the stairs from one level to the next. On the other hand, deck railings are an important safety feature. So be sure to plan ahead and incorporate them into the overall design of your deck. With EVODEK’s composite decking materials and deck railing solutions, you can get the look you want.
The pass-through bar between the indoor and outdoor kitchens is a great place to hang out while you feed the hungry kids and cook dinner. When not in use, you can stow stools under the bar to make the most of the space. Keep in mind that each level is different, but it’s easy to move from one level to the next.
Multi-level decks make the most of the space. You can have the coffee table and benches facing the grilling area. This is a great way to add variety and interest to your outdoor space when it’s not very large.
When setting up your activity area, consider how people will be moving around the deck. You also need to consider how the furniture will be placed to make the deck easier to use and more comfortable. Try to find a balance between open areas where people can hang out and private areas where people can relax.
Pick the Right Materials for Your Deck
A very important part of designing a deck is picking the right materials for the deck. Multi-level decks are not only expensive, but they also require much more maintenance than single-level decks. In addition, a deck built on a hill is more prone to moisture and is harder to reach when repairs are needed.
Therefore, high-quality and cheapest composite decking is the best material for multi-layer decks. This is because they have a long service life and do not require much maintenance. In addition, they come in a variety of colors and surface textures to better match your home.
For a more classic look, some people choose cedar decks or hardwood decks. Natural wood decks, on the other hand, need to be stained and sealed every few years. On multi-level decks, especially on high decks that are difficult to reach, this is a major project that can be both time-consuming and costly. Composite decking does not have these problems because it does not need to be sealed or re-stained.
While composite decks may have a higher upfront cost. However, when you add up the cost of building them and the cost of maintaining them over time, they are the most cost-effective option. Wood decks can last 10 to 20 years if properly maintained. Composite decks can last up to 30 years.
Five Different Multi-Layer Deck Designs
Multi-level decks can be built and designed in many different ways. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you build your own deck, ranging from different architectural styles to lots of fun things to do.
The Old-Fashioned Double Deck
If you want to build a two-tiered deck in your backyard, this is the best option for you. Each level of the house and deck will have its own look and feel. You can also get creative by mixing materials and adding activities for people of all ages.
Stacking Multiple Layers
If you have plenty of space, make the most of it. These stunning multi-level options give a large house an outdoor feel that’s perfect for hosting parties.
Even if you don’t have a lot of garden space or enough room to build a staircase connecting the levels of your deck. You can still utilize the vertical space in your home to create an outdoor oasis with some privacy on each level.
Water Wonderland
What’s better for outdoor entertaining than a splash zone at the bottom? This is the main reason why pools look so beautiful on multi-level decks.
This combination is perfect for outdoor designers with tools and ideas. It allows you to grill outside on a scenic elevated spot in the summer and switch easily between swimming and sunbathing.
Wrap-around Decks From Saturn Circle
Wrap-around designs and multi-story buildings are often found in rural and wooded areas. Its unique Saturn ring look is instantly recognizable. The view into the distance from the overhanging roof is one of the highlights of this style. The large space under the deck can be used for storage as well as a cozy hideaway throughout the year.
Low-level Design Saves as Much Space as Possible
The best split-level or multi-level deck designs don’t necessarily require a whole floor. If your house has only one level, these low and wide designs allow you to build a multi-level deck.
With just a few well-placed steps on the deck, you can allow different scenes to intersect on the property. This also works well in areas with fewer hills.
Color Choices for Multi-level Decks
The best deck designs blend in with the architectural style of the house and the surrounding natural landscape. Once you know the layout of the deck, you can choose the colors and other artistic elements. For wood decks, you will have to stain or paint them.
PVC and composite decking, on the other hand, come in a variety of colors that look like real wood. EVODEK’s composite decking is popular among homeowners because it comes in a variety of colors that can be mixed and matched for a unique look.
Shades that look like rich wood go well with many trees. You can choose the deck color you want to connect the deck to the house.
Light-colored composite decking or PVC decking will be cooler on a sunny deck with bare feet. Dark gray boards are used to draw attention to the edge of the pool, which is a beautiful way to make the pool safer. It’s easy to see why the creative use of color is a favorite way for many to showcase the technical design of a deck.
Planning a Shade Cover for a Multi-Level Deck
It’s wise to build a shady spot on your deck. Building a built-in shade structure is better than a sunshade. This is because it lasts longer and also allows you to use the deck when it is hot. If you have a multi-level deck, you can keep one level shaded and the other sunny. If you want shade, here are some common options:
- Awnings: Awnings are usually made of stretched fabric with a frame that is secured to the house. Some awnings can be pulled back to partially shade a porch, patio, or deck from the sun.
- Pergola: This is a building with a slatted roof and corner posts. It can be shaded by hanging shade cloths or plantings on top.
- Attached Elevated Building: This is a building with a roof that is attached to the house and supported by posts, like a porch.
- Roof extension: An addition to the roof of the house to provide some shade for the deck. This may require the help of an architect to harmonize the addition with the style of the house.
Use Barriers to Privacy
For decks with nearby neighbors, it’s a good idea to install privacy screens. You can use the screen as a focal point or to separate the area into outdoor rooms.
Trellises hung with vines, beautiful latticework, or a solid wall made of the same material as the deck can protect your privacy. A privacy screen designed by a builder or landscaper can take your custom deck to the next level.
Deck Lighting for Every Level
Installing lighting outside allows you to use your multi-level deck in the evening and makes stairs and platforms safer. EVODEK offers a variety of options for built-in deck lighting:
- Install lights on risers to illuminate stairs
- To mark the edge of the deck, deck lights emit a soft light
- Additional lights on the posts to brighten them posts
- Post cap lights to give a soft glow to each post
- Lights under the railing to give the deck a soft glow
Summarizing
Multi-level decks can give your home character and purpose, and are also a great way to connect different levels. Keep in mind that composite decking boards are the best option for multi-level decks. This is because it offers you the most options and requires the least amount of maintenance.
If you want to combine multiple levels of decking together, composite decking materials are a good choice. You’ll also like the design options and long warranty that EVODEK offers.
FAQ
How can you make decking more fun?
Use pavers, landscaping edging, and rocks (around the pavers) to make a walkway to the deck. Put two lattice screens on the back edges of the deck and one extra supporting beam in the front corner. Then, for visual appeal, put some twinkle lights outside.
What is the greatest way to design a deck?
For instance, make separate spaces for eating, relaxing, and cooking. Add things like built-in seats, lighting, and planters to your deck to make it more useful and look better. Space planning that takes into account all the details makes sure that your deck is always cozy and welcoming.
How much would it cost to build a 20×20 deck?
A 20×20 deck might cost a lot or a little depending on the materials, the work, the location, and any extra amenities. If you hire a professional to do this scale of work, you should expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000.
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