The Somerset Hills HandyMan & Co.
Example of a large classic backyard deck design in New York with no cover

Deck features a multi-level walkway that allows for easy access to the driveway.
Example of a mid-sized classic deck container garden design in Other with 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.

The multi-level design enhances the landscape: 2012 Contractor of the Year, Miami Valley NARI Residential Exterior-Deck. This custom designed deck in Cincinnati, Colerain Twp, Hamilton county Ohio suits this Tudor style house superbly. By using Fiberon composite decking the custom designed multiple level deck harmonizes with the wooded setting by adding the natural hues in the decking while minimizing the rail obstruction with Timbertech composite Builder Rail with Deckorator pickets; all while using low maintenance materials. The downcast Kichler low voltage lighting sets the mood and provides safety and ambiance after sunset. Photos courtesy of Archadeck of West Central and Southwest Ohio

The homeowners had an electronic retractable screen system installed around the deck enclosure for protection from pests and the elements. They self-installed deck stair lighting. Two useful and beautiful additions!

Modern fire pit, multi-level deck, and stepping stone walkway. Complete outdoor retreat.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Modern fire pit, multi-level deck, and stepping stone walkway. Complete outdoor retreat.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Example of a classic exterior home design in Raleigh

Modern fire pit, multi-level deck, and stepping stone walkway. Complete outdoor retreat.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Modern fire pit, multi-level deck, and stepping stone walkway. Complete outdoor retreat.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Modern fire pit, multi-level deck, and stepping stone walkway. Complete outdoor retreat.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Multi-level deck with lightly stained floors. With a white and metal surround railing.
Deck - backyard deck idea in Cedar Rapids with a pergola

Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in Raleigh

This beautiful custom multi-level Deck features Azek decking, TimberTech Rails, and wonderful space for outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing in the sun. Photo by: Images By Anna

To increase the “wow” factor, the builder created an eye-catching, octagonal entertaining area; incorporated deck and rail lighting; and used Fiberon® Horizon® composite decking in Ipe on the deck surface, along with a darker border made with Horizon Rosewood boards. Find a Fiberon retailer near you: https://www.fiberondecking.com/start-your-project/where-to-buy

This multi-level terrace was designed as part of a new construction project in Whitestone, Queens. The client requested a modern and minimalistic outdoor living space that would accommodate their large family while blending seamlessly with the architectural design of the house. From the third-floor terrace to the ground-level deck and water dock, this project offers functional outdoor living areas with uninterrupted water views.

This multi-level terrace was designed as part of a new construction project in Whitestone, Queens. The client requested a modern and minimalistic outdoor living space that would accommodate their large family while blending seamlessly with the architectural design of the house. From the third-floor terrace to the ground-level deck and water dock, this project offers functional outdoor living areas with uninterrupted water views.

This multi-level terrace was designed as part of a new construction project in Whitestone, Queens. The client requested a modern and minimalistic outdoor living space that would accommodate their large family while blending seamlessly with the architectural design of the house. From the third-floor terrace to the ground-level deck and water dock, this project offers functional outdoor living areas with uninterrupted water views.

This multi-level terrace was designed as part of a new construction project in Whitestone, Queens. The client requested a modern and minimalistic outdoor living space that would accommodate their large family while blending seamlessly with the architectural design of the house. From the third-floor terrace to the ground-level deck and water dock, this project offers functional outdoor living areas with uninterrupted water views.