Landscape Design – Gaining Living Space With Raised Decks, Multi-Level Decks, and Freestanding Decks

Decks turn yards into functional outdoor living areas, especially when you connect them to living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms or family rooms. You can use a deck with a variety of terrains, including slopes, hills and level lots. The type of deck you have often dictates how you can use it. When you want to build a deck, consider which type will work best in your yard.

Grade-Level Decks

A grade-level deck, sometimes called a ground-level deck, sits just a few inches off the ground. It can provide the perfect area to set up a grill or lawn chairs in yards that retain water. This type of deck works well when you have a level lot, and it won't require railings or structural bracing. Most DIY fans can build a ground-level deck in a day.

If you opt for a freestanding deck, you won't have to attach the deck to your house; you just build a platform. This can be a great way to make a portable deck if you are renting a house or you can't attach a permanent structure to your home. Even a freestanding deck will need footings or a foundation to support the deck.

Raised Decks

Raised decks can transform sloped or hilly yards into outdoor havens. By using support beams of varying heights, you can create a level wood deck. Unlike freestanding decks, raised decks must attach to a ledger board secured to your home. The support structure you need will depend on your local building codes. Since raised decks connect to your home, they work well as outdoor kitchens or sitting areas.

Decks that are 8 inches off the ground or higher will need steps, railings and other supportive structures, but you can incorporate your landscape design into these features. For example, using a vertical railing can create a privacy screen for your deck while acting as a safety feature. You can hide unsightly support beams with trellises, trees or other landscape elements.

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Multi-Level Decks

Multi-level decks take raised decks to a new level, literally. These deck types work best when you have a narrow yard but you want to maximize the space. You can connect the upper levels of your home to a ground-level deck, or you can use multilevel decks to divide different areas of the deck.

Many landscape designers will incorporate a multi-level deck with an above ground swimming pool. One level of the deck will provide room to move around the pool or create space for sunbathing, while another level of the deck can serve as a place to grill or relax. It's possible to combine a raised deck with a ground-level deck to provide access to your lawn.

Picking the Right Deck Style

The type of deck that will work the best for you will depend on your landscape design, the type of yard you have, your local building codes, and personal preference. No matter what type of deck you pick, you can customize its appearance. Use a unique building material, select a formal or informal floor pattern or choose a railing style that blends with your other design elements. No matter what you choose, you'll love the versatility a wooden deck can add to your outdoor living space. Read our DIY blog for more landscaping ideas.