This two-level canyon view deck with cable railing uses extra-heavy lumber and connecting hardware to comply with San Diego fire codes in canyon areas. Most of the deck girders and joists are fastened using hangers and straps to create extra headroom between the upper and lower levels. This single family home has an attached studio with rear entrance. The lime colored door adds a touch of fun and whimsy to the otherwise sophisticated modern color palette. In drought-stricken California, playground wood is used in the back yard as a cost-effective, easy maintenance ground cover.

This stunning two-story deck is the perfect place to host many guests - all with different locations. The second-story provides an excellent place for grilling and eating. The ground-level space offers a fire feature and covered seating area. Extended by hardscaping beyond the covered ground-level space, there is a fire pit for even further gathering.

This eco-friendly deck is made from Fiberon composite decking. The step-up design helps define different areas of the space. The planting beds at the perimeter of the deck also frame the space and add extra color. The home owner found a creative use for the deck boards... matching built-in bench seats! The product used is Fiberon's ProTect Advantage, in the 'Western Cedar' color.

This house was designed as a second home for a Bay Area couple as a summer retreat to spend the warm summer months away from the fog in San Francisco. Built on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot home is spread over 3 floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the views. The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge that extends across the double height entry. This bridge area acts as a gallery of light, allowing filtered light through the skylights above and down to the entry on the ground level. All living space takes advantage of grand views of Lake Washington and the city skyline beyond. Two large sliding glass doors open up completely, allowing the living and dining space to extend to the deck outside. On the first floor, in addition to the guest room, a “kids room” welcomes visiting nieces and nephews with bunk beds and their own bathroom. The basement level contains storage, mechanical and a 2 car garage. Photographer: Aaron Leitz

This low maintenance two level deck is located in Scotch Plains, NJ. The decking is Trex Transcends in their Tiki Torch color. The railing is TimberTech Traditional Walnut. The lower deck features an open layout with angled stairs to the yard and pool patio. The upper deck features a grilling area and access to the side yard.

Deck - mid-sized modern backyard deck idea in New York with no cover

Amazing multi-level deck in warm, rich ipe in Newton, NJ. The first level has large area for grilling and eating. Built-in planters at either end of the the stadium stairs leading to the second level, providing a more intimate cocktail area. The stunning 2 tiered pergola with box lattice provides all the privacy these homowners need to enjoy this luxurious outdoor living space.

Minimalist side yard area with an in-ground pool, level with a deck stained with PPG ProLuxe Stain. The glass panel railing seamlessly ties your surroundings in with nature and the outdoors. Enjoy this rich and durable stain on your deck too with PPG ProLuxe Stains.

Photography by Steve Knetig ©2013
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D & L Photography
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Amazing multi-level deck in warm, rich ipe in Newton, NJ. The first level has large area for grilling and eating. Built-in planters at either end of the the stadium stairs leading to the second level, providing a more intimate cocktail area. The stunning 2 tiered pergola with box lattice provides all the privacy these homowners need to enjoy this luxurious outdoor living space.

These Leander clients were looking for a big deck upgrade in a tight space. They longed for better usability of their outdoor living area by way of a dual-level, low-maintenance deck. On each level, they wished for particular accommodations and usage. A gathering area on the upper level and a hot tub on the lower. The result is a tidy Leander TX deck with room to move!

Back Trex deck with diagonal decking and picture framing. View from the front/side yard.
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Ipe decks and stonework. Blind fastened with Ipe hardwood plugs; Photo--Margaret Lopatriello
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This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Horizontal cedar deck skirting brings the space together from the ground to the roof. We included an access door for storage under the deck.
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