skip to main content

Porches & Decks

Raised Level deck or the same level as patio?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Please see pictures below. I have a patio of 33 feet length and a deck for 14 feet length. Deck is at a 2 feet above the patio. The deck is not in a good shape, so I am trying to redo it. I am looking at various options. As you see from the pictures, the yard slopes down. What is the best option - Extending the deck as the same level as the patio or just keep it at the same level as it is now, which is 2 feet above the patio? If I keep the deck at the same level as the patio, I can still use the space below the deck, I may not be able to walk in as it is now, but I don't care much about the ability to walk below the deck. I have a big yard. I am purely looking at an option that adds value and helps in re-sale

Thanks for your suggestions

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

scrappy25
8 years ago
With such a large patio, do you need a deck at all? Extension of the concrete patio would be the most pleasing aesthetically, you could have the second patio a step down from the first to account for the drop in grade. that would give you a second activity area on your patio. You could add a please curved shape to the lower patio and landscape really nicely around it. Much better than a deck that looks somewhat out of place.

With regards to your question, I am no expert but did look into rules of thumb on lower decks.

Looks like that deck can be definitely lowered probably so that it is one step up from the patio. That would allow you to probably not have to have a railing which looks really out of place (varies but our township requires railing for over 30"). I found this on another website regarding the lower height of a low deck .

from http://www.doityourself.com/forum/decks-patios-porches-walkways-driveways-stairs-steps-docks/219090-whats-lowest-you-can-build-deck-off-ground.html#b

"Low level decks are more expensive. If I have 2' to work with, I can post up to a beam (or girder) and lay my joists on top of that. That means I can space the footings 6' apart or more. Eliminate the beam (or girder), and now I have to put a footing under EVERY joist! That's a lot of holes, and a lot of concrete.

Also, there are minimum requirements for composite decking to be above ground. For PT wood it seems that you can have a lower deck as long as the underside is ventilated well (ie not enclosed).

Probably best to forgo the underdeck storage. There are lots of freestanding storage options.
Love Trees thanked scrappy25
Love Trees
Original Author
8 years ago
Great ideas. Thank you. I will think on the suggestions
Related Discussions
Patio or ground level deck alternative? Think I found one, but ?
Q
Comments (6)
Interesting idea. This could be quite cool if you laid the 'sheets' down in a creative pattern but then you would need to figure out a way to connect the pattern so it interlocks. It may be more aesthetically pleasing, less expensive and more of a DIY'er project to put down a dry laid flat stone or concrete paver patio ontop of a sand base. If you are going for a more modern approach large square and rectangle pavers will work. Or if going for a more rustic or traditional look large thick pieces of bluestone could work. You have a variety of options in how to finish the edging depending on on how you space and back fill the joints and seam the edges. Try looking at the website Houzz. type in the search bar : dry lay stone patio and see what comes up to inspire you. It sounds like a permeable surface is going to fit the bill due to the tree roots. photo below shows a modern dry lay 3x3 concrete paver path surrounded by black river pebbles and seamed at the edges with metal edging.
...See More
Raising the level of lawn to match new concrete sidewalk
Q
Comments (1)
KBG roots not much deeper than 4" Other cool season grasses (e.g. fescues) can root up to 10-12". Be careful raising the soil level. Unless you have a swale between your properties to carry water away, a heavy rain may cause water to run down the slope and over the walk and reach your foundation.
...See More
enclosing and bringing a patio floor to level of inside of home?
Q
Comments (1)
Would pavers or bricks bring the porch floor to the same level as your DR floor? I can picture a sun room with this type floor.
...See More
Muddy Backyard and Dogs- Ground Level Deck vs. Patio??
Q
Comments (6)
Active dogs and a lush, healthy lawn are incompatible :-) If you wish to have a decent lawn immediately surrounding your patio area, then you must keep the dogs off of it. You could designate a dedicated (and fenced) play area for the dogs elsewhere that is surfaced in wood chips that will resist mud and destruction. Unless you need an enlarged patio, I would not recommend increasing the size or adding on to the existing one. You could also treat the disturbed area next to the patio with wood chips as well, but the aesthetics of that solution leave much to be desired.
...See More
weedyacres
8 years ago
The decision is really an aesthetic/utility one. Variation in heights can be a nice-looking alternative, or it can reduce the utility of the space by chopping it into smaller areas. So I'd start by examining how you use the space and how you want to use the space. What will be where? How will the traffic flow? Do you want/need shade? Are you going to add a hot tub or pool? What are the current problems with the layout?

Once you've got that figured out, then you can plan a wider patio or a larger/smaller/stepped up/level deck. Function first, then form.

scrappy brings up some good points to consider about a low deck (reduced space for framing, potential ventilation issues).
Love Trees thanked weedyacres
Love Trees
Original Author
8 years ago
Great questions weedyacres. After reading your post as well as scrappy25, i am thinking that I may not need a deck or Patio as we are not even using the existing patio effectively. What is the point in burning extra 6000$ without knowing the usage of it. May be I will remove the desk and put some shrubs?

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Sunken and Raised Areas Take Gardens Up a Notch

By Debra Prinzing

Altering a landscape's grade can create energy and excitement, offering different vantage points and moods depending on the level

LIVING ROOMS 15 Decorating Moves to Take Your Living Room to the Next Level

By Laura Gaskill

These tricks with furniture, lighting, color and accessories go a long way toward making a space fashionable and comfortable

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Garden Levels Transform a Steep Slope in Australia

By Elements of Style

From unusable to incredible, this outdoor area now has tumbled travertine, water features and mod greenery

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Garden Tour: Three Levels of Outdoor Living

By Annie Thornton

A Terraced Landscape Bridges Indoors and Out on Sydney Harbor

REMODELING GUIDES Step Up Your Split-Level Spec House

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Three off-the-rack split-level homes, three dramatically different renovations. Let your favorite be your guide

KITCHEN DESIGN The Kitchen Storage Space That Hides at Floor Level

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Cabinet toe kicks can cleverly house a bank of wide drawers — or be dressed up to add a flourish to your kitchen design

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Tall-Order Design for a Lower-Level Lounge

By Becky Harris

High ceilings and other custom-tailored features in this new-build Wisconsin basement put the tall homeowners in a good headspace

LANDSCAPE DESIGN This Hillside Garden Succeeds on Multiple Levels

By Bonnie Monte

Once a kids’ playspace, this terraced backyard now has a hot tub, dining area and other lounging spots for grown-up fun

REMODELING GUIDES Union Jack Balustrades Raise the Flag for Railing Style

By Rachel Grace

Do be cross with your porch and deck railings — this intersecting balustrade design shows admirable attention to detail

PATIOS Room of the Day: Raising the Outdoor Bar in Texas

A covered patio with bar seating gives a family a new party space while offering protection from insects and the sun

Sponsored

More Discussions

Any one used Panoramic Doors - please share your opinion

4

Small Patio Issues

4

would like to move furniture

3

Moving Deck Stairs- help!

0

hello Houzzers!

0