Bi-Level Deck and Patio
by meralgia in Workshop > Home Improvement
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Bi-Level Deck and Patio














Draw Up Your Plans

Lay Out the Footings

For this deck, there were a total eight footings (five on the minor deck and three on the major deck). They were 12" in diameter and 42" deep. There were cinder blocks in the way of the footings, and it was awkward and time consuming to remove the cinder block with a sledgehammer. A larger hole had to be dug to allow the sledgehammer to swing.
Pour the Footings

Lay Out the Patio

Pour and Level the Patio

Construct the Main Frame

Add Stair Stringers

Here's the tricky part--measuring and determining the angle for the stair stringers. I wanted the stairs to end on the patio and a little further out from the first 6" x 6" post so that you could use it like a newel post and swing around into the yard after your descent. I also had to cut the stringers for the ascent to the major deck, three stairs total. Working around the electric meter made for a bit of a challenge.
Lay Out the Deck Boards

I used composite wood for the decking and used nails to space the boards. This step was a lot of fun as you can see progress quickly and even walk on your new deck! The composite decking is somewhat flexible but surprisingly sturdy! It saws, drills, and screws just like wood. I counter-sunk all of the deck screws, using a "quick-connect" drill bit set--drill a while, flip the bit to the screwdriver side and screw the boards down all in one quick and easy swoop. It's a necessity as it reduces the amount of time spent on one's knees!
Construct Railings

Add Balusters

Stair Railings and Plant Bump-out

The Completed Deck
