The original raised deck
attached to this house, (above), collapsed due to
poor construction. So, we set about to create
not only a stronger structure, but something quite
unique in the process.
Entirely maintenance free,
this deck offers the homeowner a variety of entrance
and exit points which create an nice traffic flow
throughout the deck, the upper house and a sunken
patio.
We also provided an area
for under-deck storage and it is accessed by a door
on the lower level. Color-matched vinyl
lattice was used as part of the skirting along with
vertical deck boards to allow the deck to reach
ground level but without a too-massive look. A
small planter adjacent to the lower stairs and
sculpted wood surrounds add an attractive detail.
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What
we came up with was a single raised deck with multi
level and multi directional access. No less than
twelve 6" x 6" posts on concrete footings support the
main deck, but several more are used in the landings and
stairways as well. The facing lumber for this deck
isn't lumber at all but a composite decking material
called Evergrain®. Available in a variety of
colors, this material features an embossed wood grain
and is a very durable and versatile product.
For privacy, we decided on a
three-quarter wall instead of a more traditional
railing. The remaining one-quarter of the wall is
a horizontal railing made of galvanized steel tubing.
