Raised Level deck or the same level as patio?

11 years ago

last modified: 11 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

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Comments (4)

scrappy25
11 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
11 years ago
Great ideas. Thank you. I will think on the suggestions
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weedyacres
11 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
11 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?