Urban areas are becoming more and more densely populated as more people move into the cities from smaller towns and rural areas, plus there’s immigration. With all that influx of people, more green spaces are being replaced by concrete titans that hold dozens of families.
This is why having a (private) ‘green space’ where you can escape the business and fast-paced lifestyle for a moment, where you can relax and calm and get away from all that noise. For the same reason, creating private oases has become increasingly difficult due to the lack of space, so innovative solutions have been found, and one of these solutions is multi-level decks.
Also, more and more people strive for sustainability and environmental protection. Why not combine these two things and find an even better third thing – multi-level decks made of sustainable and recycled materials? Such deck structures at the same time save space, protect the environment, and give you a unique private green oasis.
We’ve researched the best way to combine green living and a green oasis, so let’s see how you can achieve this for yourself.
The Rise of Multi-Level Decks in Urban Settings
Multi-level decks are structural terraces divided into multiple levels to get as much space as possible and to get separate zones, e.g. dining rooms, relaxation areas, barbecue areas, play areas, and even gardens.
And why is this actually a good system? Entire cities like Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, or parts of cities, that have developed more “suffer” from a lack of outdoor space and an increasing demand for it. This system uses vertical surface area to get as much horizontal surface area as possible. Let’s take for example the row houses that are characteristic of Kenneth Square. Such houses don’t have very large yard areas because they were built (around 1846) for workers from local industries, so these decks are actually an ideal solution to get larger outdoor spaces.
These decks are actually very easy to combine with the house and yard decoration, so they are not only multifunctional but also pleasing to the eye.
Sustainable Materials – Turning Waste into Decking Wonders
We hope that everyone is already familiar with how the use of recycled materials reduces the demand for new resources, reduces waste, and reduces the carbon footprint. And recycled and sustainable materials are ideal for laying decks.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is probably one of the most popular sustainable materials for such projects because it offers a unique look with its already slightly weathered texture. By using this wood and giving it a second life, deforestation is reduced because wood from old barns or pallets is used.
Composite Decking from Recycled Plastics
Composite floors are made from a mixture of all those discarded plastics combined with sawdust (wood-plastic composite; or WPC), so they’re resistant to rotting, damage, and color changes. That’s great considering they’re putting it outside where the weather takes its toll and this option is long-term.
Other Eco-Friendly Materials
The first that comes to everyone’s mind is bamboo. And rightly so, it’s the most popular choice because it’s the plant that grows the fastest, it’s strong, durable, and (of course) visually very attractive/exotic. Using metals is also eco friendly, plus it allows for more options when thinking of design, since you can use metals as a foundation or support for heavier objects.
Designing Multi-Level Decks for Maximum Sustainability
Let’s design the deck to get the most out of sustainability. How? Of course, we will include solar lights because they reduce energy consumption and give a wonderful atmosphere at night. When designing the floors, put permeable pavers or grates so that water does not accumulate, and you can combine this with drip irrigation to preserve your plants in rainy seasons.
Everything that would normally be a challenge in urban environments can be solved in multi-level decks with just a little creativity. Since urban areas can get somewhat noisy, you can use sound-absorbing materials (panels, foam, insulation, double layered glass, etc.) to make your garden more quiet.
Taking measures like that will ensure you have peace and quiet, plus you’ll be safe from curious eyes.
While creating your own deck or garden space might sound fun as a DIY project, sometimes it’s better to hire a pro to do it for you. If you’re wondering, “Where do I find a deck builder near me?”, you’ll be pleased that it’ll be quite easy to find a good-quality contractor. Just check things like the Yellow Pages, or Yelp. If you aren’t having luck with these two, you can always use your trusty phone to browse the internet.
Professional deck builders that operate in your area will probably be the most knowledgeable as they will have the best understanding of local laws, and materials suitable for the climate in that area.
For characteristic areas like the aforementioned Kennett Square, Pennsylvania they will also know how to best fit into the already demanding look of the houses.
Conclusion
Building a multi-level deck may sound complicated (which it probably is compared to a regular one), but if you have limited space, trust us, it’s worth it.
Not only are you helping the environment by using recycled and sustainable materials, you’re also helping yourself by improving your quality of life and creating an oasis of peace that some can only dream of.
