This deck at the back of a two-storey home has stairs that wrap around two sides, so you can step down to the lawn from almost anywhere along the edge. It makes the deck feel open and connected to the yard.

On one side, a raised section has a privacy screen made from horizontal slats. It blocks the view from next door while still letting a bit of light and air through, and it gives the seating area a cozier feel.

Wraparound stairs take a little more planning than a single set of steps, because every tread needs to line up as it turns the corner. When it’s done right, the stairs become part of the design and double as extra seating. Our team at Palmer’s Woodworking in Fergus builds this kind of detail into a lot of our decks.

The natural wood tone keeps the deck looking warm against the beige siding, and the simple railing lets the stairs and the screen stand out.

See other decks we have built for more ideas.