Why and How to Build a Second Story Deck or Two-Story Deck

How to Build a Second Story DeckAt Structurally Speaking, we love building unique decks that perfectly complement your home’s design. One option that many people never consider is a two-story deck. We would love to talk to you about how to build a second story deck and what you need to consider about this kind of deck design.

Advantages of a Two-Story Deck

Although a two-story deck will be a bigger building project than a single-story ground-level deck, our homeowners love the results. Here are a few of the biggest advantages to a two-story deck design.

  • You have multiple “zones” to enjoy, so you can have areas set up for a hot tub, grilling/eating, planting flowers, sunbathing, etc.
  • With a second story deck, you can walk right out of your master bedroom to enjoy a cup of coffee outside in the morning.
  • The second level of the deck creates a shaded area underneath. Many customers even turn this space into an enclosed porch or sunroom.
  • A two-story deck gives you a beautiful view of your backyard and the neighboring landscape. It’s perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets.
  • This type of deck creates visual interest. We love building decks that look like they were meant to be part of the home design.

Keep in mind, you can also build a second story deck without building a deck underneath. This is a perfect solution if your home has a sloping backyard where a traditional deck wouldn’t work well. It’s also a good option if you don’t want to sacrifice the green space in your backyard. Many plants thrive in a shaded area under a second story deck.

Finding a Contractor that Knows How to Build a Second Story Deck

Another major advantage to any kind of deck or outdoor living space is that it can add value to your home. According to a 2021 report, you can recoup over 65% of deck building costs in resale value. It can also help your home sell faster, since many buyers are looking for an outdoor living space.

That said, a deck can actually devalue a home if it is not built properly. Professional deck contractors can help you avoid common deck problems, such as using improper materials that wear out quickly, building a deck that isn’t level, unsafe deck features, such as a lack of railings, and more.

Deck design is our forte. We know how to build a second story deck and so much more! Here at Structurally Speaking, we take pride in designing safe, beautiful decks that perfectly accent your home’s style. Our owner, Jim Brennan, has spent decades designing custom decks, and he personally oversees every project. We also have an in-house building team, rather than subcontracting the work out to unknown builders, which you’ll get with some deck design companies. Here are more tips on hiring a contractor.

Research is Key

The long and short of it is this: if you want a deck that adds value to your home, make sure to do your research. Ask to see a portfolio with examples of past projects (ours is available here), as well as customer reviews. Here’s what one customer recently had to say about working with Structurally Speaking:

“Now that our deck is complete, I want to thank you and your team for the high level of craftsmanship and professionalism. We gave you a tight deadline for completion of the deck before a major social event and your team hit the target perfectly. The back and forth exchange of ideas and suggestions for the materials and design were most productive and our collaboration produced a beautiful deck area. […] Your crew was hard-working and very highly-skilled..a rare combination that shows in the final product. Thanks for a great job, and many more beautiful decks are in your future, we are certain.” – Rob and Sheila Roszell

You can read more reviews here.

Other Deck Design Elements to Consider

Along with building a second story to your deck, there are a few other design elements you may want to consider. We can help you choose the perfect features based on your style, budget, and desired function. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Hot tubs (We can create a traditional design or a “sunken” version for easier access)
  • Built-in seating such as benches
  • Pergolas for sun protection and climbing plants
  • Planters or areas where you can create mini gardens
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Fire features such as outdoor fireplaces and fire pits

Additionally, we have a wide variety of deck materials from which to choose. Many homeowners choose composite or pressure-treated pine, but we also have options such as exotic hardwoods, which can give your deck a unique finish.

FAQs about Deck Design

If you’re ready to get started with your custom deck project, we’d be happy to set up a free consultation to talk more about what you’d like in a deck. Here are a few frequently asked questions about our deck design process and how to build a second story deck.

How much does it cost to build a deck?

The cost of your custom deck will depend on several factors such as how many levels you choose, how big you want the deck to be, the materials you choose, and more. We’ll talk about cost during your initial consultation so we can design a deck that is well within budget.

What if I don’t like the deck you design?

After our initial consultation, we’ll have a design presentation where we’ll present several options. At this point, you can make any changes you want to the deck design. We don’t start building until you are 100% happy with the look of your deck.

Can I design my own deck?

We work closely with our clients to ensure your ideas are incorporated into the deck design. We’ll be able to translate your ideas to a real deck that is safe and functional. If you aren’t sure what you want, don’t worry; we can help you too. Our goal is to build a custom deck that you absolutely love. Are you ready to get started learning how to build a second story deck or any other kind of outdoor living space? Contact us now for a no-strings-attached consultation.