Considerations for Each Room of a Multi-Level Deck

However many levels you have built, you'll have decisions to make based on each room's main focus.

Cooking is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Your options range from a simple barbecue grill to a full outdoor kitchen. Your first consideration for this level is where on that spectrum you want to fall. Anything more than a simple grill will necessitate electricity and gas line access and possibly plumbing.

The location of this room is usually the one closest to the house to allow for easy access to your actual kitchen. Even if the deck isn't off the kitchen itself, you're better off if you don't have to navigate to a different level when you're carrying food and utensils.

For such an important task area, you want to consider your lighting plan. You’ll need to illuminate this level of the deck for evening food preparation. Since this level is more task-based, you might not need ambient lighting.

The next level of the deck is usually the seating area for dining or entertaining. You won't have a large built-in structure as you would for a grill station or outdoor kitchen. That said, consider if you want some built-in seating for the room.

An important consideration for this level is access from the food preparation section. Ease of access is essential because you and your guests will be carrying food and drinks. Consider wide steps or even a ramp for navigation between the levels. Either one must be well lit.

For the seating room itself, you don't need the same level of lighting as for task-based rooms. Instead, consider ambient lighting. Lighted post caps are a good option, or depending on how this level interacts with the house or another level, you might try wall-mount or ceiling-mount fixtures. Invest in a dimmer switch to create a cozy ambience.

Your lounge and seating levels might be the same. However, if you have the space, an outdoor lounge could be a popular destination on your deck. You might even locate this apart from the rest of your deck for privacy.

In fact, privacy is a concern for a lounge room. You might not mind if it's visible from other parts of the deck, but you probably don't want neighbors and passersby observing you. To that end, consider how to shield the lounge from view. Popular options include a pergola, lattice screen, landscaping, and a sun umbrella or canopy.

As with the seating level, ambient lighting is important for the lounge. This room is also a good place to put a fire pit or fireplace. You'll also need to talk to your contractors about electrical and gas line specifications.

Hot tubs are an extremely popular deck addition, and a multi-level deck allows you to give the hot tub its own space.

The bottom-most level is a good option for this room because you can use the space under the deck to store your hot tub supplies. That location also allows for more privacy from the rest of the deck's activities. Consider if you'd like built-in seating or accommodations for bathers' towels.

The most important consideration for the hot tub level is structural reinforcement. A filled hot tub is very heavy, and then you’ll add the weight of the bathers. You'll need to tell your builders that you're designating that level for a hot tub so they can reinforce it accordingly.

Design a multi-level deck for all your favorite activities. Maynor Roofing, Siding & Home Repair can help with all aspects of your new deck.