When we sat down with Tim to talk about his new deck, the first thing he said was, “I told Corey, I don’t want to do this again in 20 years when we’re on a fixed income. Let’s just do it right the first time.” This sums up why building a multi-level deck isn’t just about adding square footage, it’s about planning a space that works for years to come.
For Tim and his wife, their old deck had reached the end of its life. The wood was rotting, the handrails sagged, and the stairs were placed in the most inconvenient spot possible. “I wasn’t even letting adults walk on it anymore,” Tim admitted. “It was so rickety, I just didn’t trust it.”
They wanted more than a replacement. They wanted to reimagine their backyard with a multi-level deck that gave them privacy, flexibility, and durability.
Start With a Vision
The best way to approach a multi-level deck is by starting with a clear vision. Tim and his wife knew exactly what wasn’t working with their old layout.
“For some reason, the stairs came off the back side of the deck right into a fence,” Tim explained. “I always wanted them off the larger side of the yard. And not the narrow, three-foot contractor stairs — I wanted a wide stairway that felt open and stable.”
They also knew they wanted two distinct spaces: one elevated area off the house for easy access, and a lower section for more private gatherings. “When the old deck was usable, it always felt like we were on display for the neighborhood,” Tim said. “We really wanted that lower deck section so we could spend time outside without everyone watching.”
Choose the Right Materials
Design is one part of the equation, materials are the other. Tim and his wife thought carefully about how long they planned to stay in their home. Since this was their “forever home,” they didn’t want to rebuild in another 15 or 20 years.
That’s why they chose steel framing paired with composite decking. “Because my wife and I are getting close to retirement, I told Corey, let’s just do this and do it right,” Tim recalled. “I don’t want to replace a deck again when I’m 70.”
Steel offers unmatched strength and longevity, and composite boards don’t rot, fade, or need refinishing. For homeowners planning to stay put, the upfront investment pays off in peace of mind.
Pay Attention to Safety and Comfort
One of the most important features Tim requested was safety lighting. “I wanted a lighted stairway so we can see at night,” he said. His wide stair design paired with built-in lighting makes the space both welcoming and safe after dark.
Railings were another point of focus. His old wooden handrails sagged because the spans were too wide. This time, the new metal railings were designed to hold firm for the long run.
Our team also handled critical structural details, like properly flashing the deck to the house to prevent water damage, a step Tim noticed the original builder had skipped.
Work With a Team That Listens
Tim had worked with plenty of contractors during other home projects, and he was honest about the difference in his deck experience. “This was by far the easiest process, the easiest contractor I’ve ever worked with,” he said.
He appreciated having options laid out clearly without pressure. “One company we talked to just tried to upsell us on the highest-end materials. With Cascade, Corey gave us choices — wood, composite, or steel frame — and let us decide.”
The proposal process also stood out. Cascade provided video walkthroughs of the design, which Tim said made a big impact. “We actually watched the videos with our friends one night. Everyone thought it was so cool. It really helped us see what the final deck would look like.”
Take Advantage of the Opportunity
When building a new deck you’re reimagining your backyard. Tim’s advice to other homeowners? “Have a vision. Don’t just be satisfied with replacing what you had. Think about what you really want the space to look like, because this is your chance to make it right.”
For Tim and his family, that meant a durable steel frame, composite decking, wide lighted stairs, and a lower level for privacy. The result is a deck that feels like an extension of their home and will be enjoyed for decades.
Final Thoughts
A multi-level deck can transform a yard, especially when space or privacy is a concern. The best way to approach it is by:
Starting with a clear vision for how you’ll use each level.
Choosing materials that match your long-term goals.
Prioritizing safety with wide stairs, railings, and lighting.
Working with a contractor who listens and explains your options.
Tim summed it up best: “The outcome was even better than I had imagined. The deck is beautiful, the products are solid, and it’s a space we’ll enjoy for the rest of our lives.”