Ground-level decks have many design possibilities!
Thinking about adding a deck to the backyard often calls to mind images of essentially an oversized balcony; stretching from the back of the house, an expansive outdoor living area overlooks the yard with a staircase leading to the ground. For homeowners of single-story homes like ranchers, it may seem that a beautiful deck doesn’t fit their home style. Many people who have a ground-level main floor settle for patios instead. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a patio, it’s important to note that decks are still an option, particularly ground-level decks. Read on for some great ground-level deck design ideas to get you started.
Extra-Wide Stairs
One thing you can have with ground-level decks that aren’t as realistic with elevated decks is oversized or extra wide stairs. Since there are far fewer stairs on ground-level decks, you can absorb the added expense of having those stairs go the full width or even the full perimeter of the deck.
Perimeter Seating
Since ground-level decks are not usually high enough to require a railing, you can replace the railing with a different interesting feature, like bench seating or a cocktail-height flat top.
Interesting Angles and Levels
Ground-level decks require less material since they don’t have to be built up so much. This means that you could have a little more freedom to add interesting angles. You could consider having the deck boards laid at a cross angle for visual interest. You could also have multiple levels of decking, using small step-ups or step-downs to follow the lay of the land.
Railings Optional
Since railings are usually optional at ground level, many people leave them off or replace them with something else. You don’t have to, however. You could still have traditional deck railings on your ground-level deck. You could even add a gate to enclose the whole deck and use it to restrain a pet.
Freestanding Possibilities
One of the coolest things about ground-level decks is that they don’t actually have to be attached to the house. They can be attached to the house, either the front or the back, or they can be free-standing in the yard. A freestanding, ground-level deck could be topped with a pergola, surrounded by beautiful gardens, or used to accent another feature of the yard (like a pond, pool, or hot tub).
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Tags: ground level deck ideas, ground-level deck design ideas, ground-level decks