Deck - mid-sized transitional backyard deck idea in Philadelphia with a fire pit and no cover

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Balcony - large contemporary balcony idea in San Francisco with no cover

This multi level deck was originally all wood and failing. We kept the foot print and upgraded materials for longevity and low maintenance.
Transitional deck photo in Baltimore

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!

Elegant and modern multi-level deck designed for a secluded home in Madison, WI. Perfect for family functions or relaxing with friends, this deck captures everything that an outdoor living space should have. Advanced Deck Builders of Madison - the top rated decking company for the Madison, Wisconsin & surrounding areas.

This custom designed, multi-level deck in Madison, NJ has every element needed for one to never want to come indoors. The upper deck incorporates a large dining and lounge area with a stacked stone kitchen. To the left is an inviting sunken hot tub and to the right is a step down to the amazing blue stone inlay lower deck with a unique fire feature. When finished, it easily became the “favorite room” of the house. Deck Remodelers are dedicated to creating much more than just a deck. Custom designs and features are individualized for the wants and needs of each client.

This gorgeous multi level custom deck build features an upper deck area with stairs leading the main deck. The main deck area offers privacy with a covered cabana with screen. Just off the cabana is the main sun bathing area with steps leading to a beautiful pool.

This multi level deck was originally all wood and failing. We kept the foot print and upgraded materials for longevity and low maintenance.
Example of a transitional deck design in Baltimore

This Tuscan inspired outdoor space features Fiberon composite decking in the 'Rosewood' color. Fiberon's Horizon line comes in 5 colors; each are multi-chromatic, with realistic streaking and grain patterns which emulate the look of real wood, minus the upkeep. Fiberon composites offer easy outdoor living, and great looks that last.

This multi level deck was originally all wood and failing. We kept the foot print and upgraded materials for longevity and low maintenance.
Inspiration for a transitional deck remodel in Baltimore

Upper and lower level deck
Large trendy backyard outdoor kitchen deck photo in Providence with no cover

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Tri-level aluminum deck with firetable. LED rope lighting was used under the handrails to provide ambient lighting. A cable railing system was installed to allow for a more broad visual sight line from any point on the deck. A matching deck skirt was added to conceal the framing and create a dry storage area for the homeowners. Holly Needham and Carl Christianson

This two level deck in Summit, NJ transitions to a pool and patio. The flooring is Ipe hardwood. The upper deck has a custom cedar bench.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard deck remodel in New York

Trek decking means this multi-level back deck is built to last. The see through railing gives full line of sight to the lovely back yard and woods beyond.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard deck design in Ottawa

Here we used Trex’s Rope Swing boards for the deck and designed its multi-levels around the clients’ new hot tub. Because it’s a good idea to take breaks from long stays in a hot tub, we added a bench and private screened seating area — also made from Trex boards, topped with an attractive lattice design. www.deckandpatio.com

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.