Do you love the look of a multi-level deck? Two or even three-level decks are a popular choice in today’s custom deck designs. Often clients have seen multi-level decks on Pinterest, Houzz, or in our deck gallery and love the look. Other times they need the design to meet their home and family’s unique needs. There are many benefits in choosing a multi-level deck, such as creating separate but adjacent living spaces, making a smooth transition from the home to the yard, or creating that dramatic look you’ve been dreaming of for your outdoor space.
Great for Outdoor Family Entertaining
Decks are an extension of a home’s indoor living space. Building a multi-level deck is similar to the open floor plans of modern homes, which typically feature a kitchen, dining area, and family room that all flow together. By creating one large space with multiple functions, families can spend more time together while still having enough space to separate as needed. For example, when a family is entertaining outdoors, the adults can enjoy the view, cook, and chat on the upper level while keeping an eye on kids playing on the next level down.
Meet a Variety of Individual Needs Simultaneously
Multi-level decks offer something for everyone. Choosing a multi-level deck with a porch on one level is a great way to provide both covered and open-air living in one structure. This versatile combination space will meet the needs of the UV-averse people in your life while still allowing the sun lovers their space in the light. Different architectural settings can also create spaces with different ambience. A pergola or covered porch can be the perfect spot for a cozy reading or dining nook whereas a large open deck can allow seating for large groups or special features like a fire pit around which friends and family can gather.
Gentle Transition into the Yard
When designing outdoor spaces, we are keenly aware of the surrounding landscape. At Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham and the Greater Triangle, we aim to create outdoor spaces that really complement the natural environment. When a home’s main living space is on the second level, or their backyard is on a steep slope, creating a tiered multi-level deck leading to the yard can give the transition between elevations a smoother flow.
One of our favorite designs is to create a private upper deck, enclosed almost entirely with railings, with a wide sprawling staircase down to a lower level deck requiring no railings. We add stairs around the lower deck leading to a lovely paver patio. The organic texture of the pavers bridges the gap between nature and the decking (whether using natural wood or composite materials) while creating a lovely view from the yard of a gradual rise to the home.
Stunning Design Details
With Archadeck of Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle, you’ll receive a sophisticated custom design that meets your dreams of creating a designer outdoor living space. Multi-level decks provide us an opportunity to use design elements that are elegant yet subtle, such as alternating the pattern of the decking boards on each level for an eye-catching variation (while acting as a visual cue for safety in stepping up or down). We often use the transition between levels to frame staircases with built-in planter boxes or built-in benches. We can even create wide stairs between levels that act as additional seating for entertaining.
If you love the look of a multi-level deck and know your outdoor lifestyle could benefit from the functional benefits of having several outdoor living spaces, call us for a design consultation: 919-973-1523. We look forward to working with you!
