Deck - What would you prefer?

[Redpoppy]

Played with numbers last night and we are at 3 options for our new deck/balcony. It is large, currently three 10'x14' sections with a 4'x34' section connecting the two up top. Right now there are separate stairs to each top section.

Option one - exact replacement.

Option two - remove one set of stairs. Saves 10% (we are doing trex and railings are $$$).

Option three - remove one set of stairs and bump out the sections to 10'x16'. This saves about 5%.

Thoughts? We are exploring if we can get the top decks to extend a little past 10' but can't move footing location due to septic.

This is sort of option three, but more like adding 4'.



Eta: now leaning towards option 4 which puts more deck in the right side and remove the majority in the left along with the stairs. The walkway would just extend from the upper right deck along the back. It's roughly the same square footage we previously had but it is where we'd use it most, and saves 15%. Now to convince my husband!

[julygal]

The difference between 1 and 2 are dependent on how you use the space and if you would miss those stairs.

I am not sure I like what happens to the lower deck and the stairs' placement in option 3.

[Redpoppy]

The left end where the stairs could be removed is the master bedroom. I never use those stairs. I think it would be nice if the lower deck was wider. I don't know if the poles will be there, was just playing with ideas. I'll find a photo and post.

[Redpoppy]

Here is a photo.

Another advantage to removing a set of stairs is more light underneath the deck for planting.

It's really just the right side I want widened, but I feel like both ends should be even? It's hard to say how we would use it because I've only been on the top deck maybe 10 times this year. It's not in great shape and the railings make me nervous (I don't let kids up there either, DH just goes to grill). We use the lower deck a lot but that could just be from not having anything on the top currently.

[lilac05]

I think that visually, option 1 will look the best. The two stairways meeting down at the bottom looks nice. Once you have a stable deck, you might be more likely to use the deck by the master bedroom. (Kids playing outside while you fold laundry, watering flowers, etc.)

But if you plan to stay there a long time, I'm a big fan of doing what is most functional for how you use the space and how things fit into your budget.

[mrsukyankee]

I'd probably go for 1 because I'd enjoy going out and having coffee in the mornings while the kids ran around outside - you could put some lovely seating outside of it. BUT if you think you'd do more with removing the stairs and pushing the deck out, then do that!

[Redpoppy]

Feb 2, 2016 11:41:21 GMT -5 superduper said:

What about ditching both sets of stairs and then expanding the entire deck and having one large/wide set of stairs going down to the yard in the middle?

I'd love this but the septic is too close.

[megstoo]

Feb 2, 2016 11:41:21 GMT -5 superduper said:

What about ditching both sets of stairs and then expanding the entire deck and having one large/wide set of stairs going down to the yard in the middle?

This was going to be my suggestion but if the septic is too close than I'd go with option 3.  Not sure if you can but see about enclosing underneath the deck so you have storage for yard equipment, lawn furniture etc.  

[moorea]

I would keep the set of stairs on the side with the doors you'd use most often. Get rid of the other set. I'd also get rid of the deck at the bottom - if everything is finished up top, what function would that serve? It also looks like it's over a patio? And finally, I'd bump out the areas you'd use. I'd probably bump out that narrow walkway too so it can be a bit more usable (ie an area for tables for drinks/food for parties, additional seating, etc). And don't forget a bump out for the grill!

We just replaced our deck with trex this past fall - love it!

[InBetweenDays]

Not sure how this fits in with budget, but I'd probably remove one set of stairs (near the bedroom), and the deck at the bottom of the stairs. Personally I'd prefer to have a patio down there as I feel it flows more nicely into the lawn. So I'd put in some sort of larger patio at the bottom of the one set of stairs, expanding it to go under where the old stairs were and under the deck (where I'd add a hanging swing).

[Redpoppy]

I'm intrigued with the patio instead of lower deck ideas. The lower decks are a small portion of the overall cost.

Any idea what type of patios are good in an area with lots of snow? Stamped concrete?

[Redpoppy]

So we decided on removing the right set of stairs and then adding approximately two feet on the center side of each deck. The stairs are going to be widened to 4 feet then the remaining 5-6 feet will be the balcony between the two.

Deciding on colors now.