Multi Level Decks

The older neighborhoods on Cleveland's east and west sides weren't laid out for flat backyards and simple deck builds. The lots in Tremont drop toward the valley. Properties in Cleveland Heights and University Heights sit on grades that create real elevation changes between the back of the house and the rear of the lot. Even some of the midcentury ranch homes in Parma and Seven Hills have grades that make a single-level deck feel like a compromise.

Multi-level deck construction is the right approach for these sites. A deck design that uses the grade to create distinct outdoor levels connected by stairs gives the property something that works with its topography rather than ignoring it. An upper level off the back door for everyday use, a lower level closer to grade for entertaining, and stairs that connect them clearly and safely. The result is more usable outdoor space than a single platform would provide and a more interesting outdoor environment.

The engineering behind a multi-level deck in Cleveland is more involved than a single-level build. Post heights vary across the structure. The load paths from upper to lower levels need to be calculated for the snow loads that Northeast Ohio gets, because a multi-level deck with a foot of lake-effect snow on it carries significantly more weight than the same deck in a lower-snowfall market. Footings go to 36 inches to get below the frost line. Every connection between levels gets built and fastened for the actual loads involved. We pull permits and complete inspections on multi-level builds because the engineering documentation matters.

Rooftop deck projects come up occasionally in Cleveland, particularly in Ohio City, Tremont, and the Gordon Square area where urban properties are being reimagined and rooftop outdoor space is one of the ways to add livable square footage to a compact footprint. Rooftop deck construction starts with a structural assessment of the roof being built on and waterproofing design that protects the assembly below the deck surface. These are not standard deck projects and we treat them accordingly.

If your property has a grade change, a non-standard footprint, or a site condition that makes a standard deck design the wrong answer, call us. These are the projects we're built for.

Learn about our covered deck and pergola services in Cleveland.