This upper and lower deck gives the family two levels to enjoy. The upper deck sits by the back door with Muskoka chairs, and stairs connect it down to the lower deck closer to the yard.

Railings with black balusters run along both levels and the stairs, keeping a clean, consistent look. Vertical wood skirting closes in the base of the deck, so it looks just as tidy from the garden as it does from up top.

An upper and lower deck layout is a good way to make a large deck feel less like one big slab. Each level becomes its own outdoor room. It’s one of many decks Palmer’s Woodworking has designed and built from our home in Fergus.

The Muskoka chairs on the upper level show off how much room there is up there, with the lower deck still free for a dining set or a barbecue.

See the stairs and pergola from the lower deck and the full deck from the yard. Find more deck ideas in our portfolio.