Does it feel like your outdoor space is missing something? Looking for a dreamy wood deck or porch to watch the sun go down and make memories with your loved ones?

Your own backyard holds untapped potential. While many homeowners focus on interior renovations, outdoor living spaces have become increasingly valuable, with deck additions offering some of the highest returns on investment among home improvements.

A well-designed deck creates an extension of your indoor living space, providing a perfect venue for entertaining, relaxation, and family gatherings. Beyond the immediate lifestyle benefits, strategic deck design can significantly increase your property value while creating a stunning focal point for your outdoor area.

AEM Home Services builds decks with consideration of New England’s climate. Whether you’re working with a compact urban lot or sprawling suburban grounds, the right deck design can transform your outdoor space into a functional, beautiful retreat. From material selection to layout optimization, every decision impacts both your daily enjoyment and long-term property value.

Build Your Custom Deck with AEM

AEM uses premium lumber and expert carpentry to create a cohesive design for your new deck or porch which harmonizes with the overall style of your home. Porches and patios add comfortable shade to your backyard, ideal for a hangout spot or additions like a sitting area or garden.

Built-in elements transform basic deck platforms into sophisticated outdoor rooms. These features eliminate the need for additional furniture while creating clean, streamlined appearances that appeal to potential buyers.

  • Storage Solutions: Integrated storage benches provide seating while concealing cushions, gardening tools, and outdoor equipment. Under-deck storage areas can house larger items like grills and pool equipment, keeping your outdoor space organized and clutter-free.
  • Seating and Dining Areas: Built-in banquettes create intimate dining spaces that can accommodate more people than traditional furniture arrangements. Corner seating with storage underneath maximizes both function and space efficiency.
  • Material Selection for Durability and Style: Your material choice impacts both immediate aesthetics and long-term maintenance requirements. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your climate, budget, and design preferences.
  • Pressure-Treated Lumber: The most economical option, pressure-treated lumber provides good durability when properly maintained. Regular staining or sealing is required, but the natural wood appearance appeals to many homeowners.
  • Composite Decking: Composite materials combine wood fibers with plastic, creating low-maintenance surfaces that resist fading, staining, and insect damage. While initial costs are higher, reduced maintenance requirements often offset the investment over time.
  • Aluminum and Steel: Metal decking systems provide extreme durability and unique aesthetic options. These materials work particularly well in contemporary designs and coastal environments where corrosion resistance is important.
  • Privacy and Screening Solutions: Strategic privacy elements transform decks into intimate retreats while maintaining openness to desirable views. Effective screening balances seclusion with natural light and air circulation.
  • Living Privacy Screens: Trellises with climbing plants create natural barriers that change with the seasons. Fast-growing options like clematis or morning glories provide quick coverage, while slower-growing choices like climbing roses offer long-term beauty.
  • Lighting Design for Extended Usability: Thoughtful lighting extends your deck’s functionality into evening hours while creating ambiance that enhances both daily use and property value.
  • Layered Lighting Approach: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create versatile outdoor environments. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific activities, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or landscaping.
  • Safety and Code Compliance: Ensure adequate lighting for stairs, level changes, and pathways. Many jurisdictions require specific lighting levels for safety, so consult local building codes during planning.
  • Maximizing Small Spaces: Compact lots require creative solutions to achieve maximum impact within limited square footage. Smart design choices can make small decks feel spacious and highly functional.
  • Vertical Design Elements: When horizontal space is limited, build upward with tall planters, vertical gardens, and multi-level features. Vertical elements draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of more space.
  • Flexible Furniture Solutions: Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes or can be easily reconfigured. Folding tables, stackable chairs, and modular seating systems maximize flexibility within small footprints.

Multi-Level Decks for Dynamic Outdoor Living

Multi-level decks create distinct zones within your outdoor space, each serving different purposes while maintaining visual cohesion. These designs work particularly well on sloped lots where different elevations can be leveraged naturally.

The upper level often serves as the main entertaining area, directly accessible from your home’s interior. This space typically accommodates dining furniture and serves as the primary gathering spot. Lower levels can house more specialized areas like hot tubs, fire pits, or quiet reading nooks.

At AEM, we make sure that every detail of your outdoor space, from support beams to joists, is up to code as well as stylish.

Design Considerations for Multi-Level Decks

  • Ensure smooth transitions between levels using wide, comfortable stairs
  • Incorporate built-in seating along level changes to maximize space efficiency
  • Use consistent railing styles across all levels to maintain visual unity
  • Consider sight lines from both indoor and outdoor vantage points

Multi-level designs also solve practical challenges like drainage and privacy. Water naturally flows away from structures, while different elevations can create natural privacy barriers between activity zones.

Create Your Perfect Outdoor Retreat

A thoughtfully designed deck becomes more than an outdoor platform—it transforms into a valuable extension of your living space that enhances both daily life and property value. By incorporating elements like multi-level designs, built-in features, and strategic privacy solutions, you create outdoor environments that rival interior rooms in both function and appeal.

Start by assessing your specific needs, available space, and budget parameters. Consider how you’ll use the space throughout different seasons and times of day. Most importantly, think about how your deck design will integrate with your home’s architecture and surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re planning a simple platform or an elaborate multi-level retreat, the key lies in balancing immediate functionality with long-term value. Your investment in quality design and materials will pay dividends in both personal enjoyment and property appreciation for years to come.

Our team of expert deck builders at AEM considers all aspects of your dream outdoor living space. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction, collaborating with you every step of the way to ensure your deck matches your home’s aesthetic and fulfills your unique requirements. Ready to transform your yard? Contact AEM today for a free estimate!