The Types of Decks for a Back Yard

Attached Deck

• An attached deck is one of the most common structures. As the name implies, it's attached to your home, so you can easily move back and forth between the spaces. At least one of the deck's sides is attached to the house while the other sides are supported by beams and posts. The entrance to the deck from the home is usually via sliding doors, though French doors and other wider doors are options as well. The end of the deck that's not connected to the house may be closed, or it can provide access to the rest of the yard. Attached decks may also have multiple levels if your home is located on a steep slope or you require additional space.

Freestanding Deck

• The easiest type of deck to build is a freestanding version. It's not connected to your home, so you can place it anywhere in your yard. Choose a simple structure that resembles a wooden patio or build an elevated deck with stairs. A freestanding deck is an ideal option if you have a large property and want to create a quiet refuge away from the house. It's an ideal spot for a hot tub or above ground pool as well, because it can provide lounging areas for these water features.

Elevated Deck

• An elevated deck is similar to an attached deck, but it's raised on posts that place it anywhere from 1 to 10 feet off the ground to make it level with your home's main floor. It's an ideal option if your home is a split-level style or located on a slope. You may also make your elevated deck level with the second floor to access your master bedroom. Because of its height, a railing is necessary for an elevated deck to prevent slips and falls. You can have stairs built into an elevated deck to access it from the yard or leave the deck enclosed so you can only reach it from the house.

Wraparound Deck

• A wraparound deck is your best option to maximize the available space for your deck. As its name implies, the deck surrounds at least one corner so there is a decking section on at least two sides of the home. A wraparound deck can create an even walkway around your entire house despite slopes or rises in the terrain. It also allows you to access the deck from multiple rooms of your home, which can make outdoor entertaining more convenient.