12+ Inspiring Backyard 2-Level Deck Design Ideas

Creating a two-level deck in your backyard offers a fantastic way to maximize your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to entertain, relax, or enjoy nature, these design ideas will inspire your next project.

1. Outdoor Decor Elements

Add decor elements to create a vibrant deck oasis.
Add decor elements to create a vibrant deck oasis.

Don’t forget to decorate your deck with planters, colorful cushions, and outdoor rugs. In my experience, these elements can transform an ordinary deck into a vibrant oasis.

Consider these options:

  • Colorful Outdoor Cushions: Brighten your deck and add comfort with vibrant outdoor cushions, perfect for relaxation and style.
  • Decorative Planters: Enhance your deck’s greenery with stylish planters, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
  • Outdoor Area Rug: Transform your deck into a cozy oasis with a weather-resistant, colorful outdoor rug.

2. Multi-Functional Zones

Design your deck with multi-functional zones for dining and relaxing.
Design your deck with multi-functional zones for dining and relaxing.

Think of your deck as an extension of your home, with each level serving a different purpose. I’ve seen clients transform their decks by dedicating one level to dining and the other to lounging, creating a dynamic outdoor space.

Explore these options:

  • Outdoor Dining Set: Create a stylish dining area on your deck. Perfect for entertaining guests comfortably.
  • Sectional Patio Sofa: Relax in comfort with a spacious sectional sofa on your upper deck level.
  • Outdoor Fire Pit Table: Enhance your lounge area with warmth and ambiance using a fire pit table.

3. Stylish Railings

Enhance your deck with stylish black metal railings.
Enhance your deck with stylish black metal railings.

Railings aren’t just for safety—they’re a chance to enhance your deck’s aesthetics. I’ve used sleek, black metal railings to give a modern touch that contrasts beautifully with wooden decks.

A few choices to try:

  • Black Metal Deck Railing Kit: Enhance your deck with sleek black metal railings for a modern and stylish look.
  • Outdoor Solar Deck Lights: Illuminate your stylish railings with solar lights for a safe and elegant deck atmosphere.
  • Weatherproof Wood Stain and Sealer: Protect and beautify your wooden deck with a high-quality stain and sealer for longevity.

4. Cozy Fire Pit Areas

Create a cozy fire pit area for gatherings on your deck.
Create a cozy fire pit area for gatherings on your deck.

A fire pit can be a central feature for gatherings, especially on cooler nights. I’ve designed decks where the lower level serves as a cozy fire pit area, surrounded by comfortable seating.

Some handy options:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit Table: Enhance your deck with a stylish fire pit table for warmth and ambiance during gatherings.
  • Weatherproof Patio Furniture Set: Invest in a comfortable patio furniture set to create a relaxing gathering space around the fire pit.
  • LED Outdoor String Lights: Add a magical touch with LED string lights for perfect evenings and enhanced deck aesthetic.

5. Integrated Seating

Maximize seating with built-in benches on your deck.
Maximize seating with built-in benches on your deck.

Built-in seating is a fantastic way to save space and add comfort. In one project, I incorporated benches into the deck design, offering ample space for guests without cluttering the area.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Weather-Resistant Outdoor Cushions: Enhance comfort with durable cushions that resist the elements while adding style to your deck.
  • Under-Bench Storage Boxes: Utilize space wisely with storage boxes, perfect for keeping outdoor essentials organized and handy.
  • Outdoor Throw Pillows: Add a splash of color and comfort to your deck seating with stylish outdoor throw pillows.

6. Alfresco Dining Spaces

Create an inviting alfresco dining space on your deck.
Create an inviting alfresco dining space on your deck.

Designate an area for alfresco dining to make the most of your outdoor meals. I’ve found that adding a small dining set on the upper level offers breathtaking views while enjoying a meal.

These products might be useful:

  • Outdoor Dining Set: Transform your deck with a stylish dining set for unforgettable outdoor meals with scenic views.
  • String Lights: Enhance your alfresco dining with ambient string lights for a cozy evening atmosphere.
  • Patio Umbrella: Stay cool and protected under a durable patio umbrella while enjoying your meal outside.

7. Ambient Lighting

Illuminate your deck with ambient LED lighting.
Illuminate your deck with ambient LED lighting.

Extend your deck’s usability into the evening with strategic lighting. In one design, I incorporated LED lights along the stairs and railings, creating a safe and magical ambiance.

These products might help:

  • LED Deck Lights for Stairs: Enhance safety and style with these energy-efficient LED deck lights for your stairs.
  • Solar Powered Rail Lights: Illuminate your deck railings with eco-friendly solar powered lights for an enchanting evening ambiance.
  • Weatherproof LED Strip Lights: Create a vibrant atmosphere by installing these weatherproof LED strip lights along your decking.

8. Eco-Friendly Materials

Choose eco-friendly materials for your sustainable deck.
Choose eco-friendly materials for your sustainable deck.

Consider using sustainable materials for an eco-friendly deck. I often recommend composite decking, which mimics wood and is durable and low-maintenance.

A few suggestions:

  • Composite Decking Boards: Transform your outdoor space with durable, low-maintenance composite decking. Ideal for a sustainable lifestyle.
  • Recycled Outdoor Furniture Set: Enhance your deck with stylish, eco-friendly furniture made from recycled materials. Enjoy sustainable comfort.
  • Solar Deck Lights: Illuminate your deck with energy-efficient solar lights. Perfect for eco-conscious outdoor ambiance.

9. Natural Wood Tones

Embrace natural wood tones for a warm and cohesive look.
Embrace natural wood tones for a warm and cohesive look.

Using natural wood tones can make your deck blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. I love how cedar or redwood adds warmth and elegance to any outdoor setting.

Possibly handy products:

  • Cedar Decking Boards: Enhance your deck’s elegance with cedar boards for a warm, inviting outdoor atmosphere.
  • Wood Deck Sealant: Protect the natural beauty of your deck with a reliable, long-lasting wood sealant.
  • Outdoor Wood Furniture Set: Complement your deck’s natural aesthetic with durable and stylish outdoor wood furniture.

10. Relaxing Hot Tub Nooks

Create a relaxing hot tub nook on your deck.
Create a relaxing hot tub nook on your deck.

Consider adding a hot tub to one level of your deck for ultimate relaxation. I once helped a client position a jacuzzi in a corner, offering a secluded retreat under the stars.

Useful items to consider:

  • Outdoor Hot Tub Cover: Protect your hot tub from the elements with a durable cover. Keep it pristine and secure.
  • Spa Step for Hot Tub: Add safe and easy access to your hot tub with sturdy, weather-resistant spa steps.
  • Mood Lighting for Hot Tub Area: Enhance your hot tub experience with ambient lighting for relaxation and style.

11. Modern Minimalism

Achieve a sleek look with modern minimalism on your deck.
Achieve a sleek look with modern minimalism on your deck.

For a sleek look, embrace modern minimalism with clean lines and neutral colors. I love using composite materials that mimic wood but require less maintenance.

A few helpful options:

  • Composite Decking Boards: Enhance your deck with durable, low-maintenance composite boards that mimic natural wood aesthetics.
  • Cable Railings: Opt for sleek cable railings to maintain open views and modern minimalistic design on your deck.
  • Outdoor LED Deck Lights: Illuminate your space subtly with energy-efficient LED deck lights for a chic ambiance.

12. Seamless Nature Integration

Integrate nature with planter boxes on your deck.
Integrate nature with planter boxes on your deck.

Let your deck merge with nature by incorporating surrounding greenery into the design. I once added planter boxes along the edges of a deck, which beautifully framed the space with vibrant plants.

Try these:

  • Wooden Planter Boxes: Enhance your deck’s charm with these rustic planter boxes, perfect for vibrant green display.
  • Outdoor LED Deck Lights: Illuminate your garden space elegantly with weather-resistant outdoor LED lights for a cozy ambience.
  • Weather-Resistant Garden Furniture: Complete your deck design with durable, stylish furniture that harmonizes with natural surroundings.

Text: Joyce Peterson