When you’ve got a challenging garden space or project area that’s not offering its full potential, multi-level decking offers a solution that’s both functional and aesthetic. By adding layers of elevation, you open up your space to a world of potential.

At Gripsure, we supply non-slip decking to ensure your multi-level deck is safe to use at any time of year. In this article, we’ll discuss what multi-level decks are, how to design one, and how they have changed over the years to become one of the top choices for a modern, contemporary property.

Get in touch today to discuss decking for your next project!

What is a Multi-Level Deck?

A multi-level deck is any decking that has platforms at multiple levels of elevation. While this often differs from a raised deck, they are generally rather similar, although a multi-level deck can have more complications with the building process – and greater potential for application.

Ranging from a thin secondary deck that acts as a step up, to multiple isolated platforms that connect with one another via staircases, multi-level decks have a huge number of possible arrangements. Some of the more common ones include decks that have two or three directly connected platforms, often brought about by necessity due to a property’s design.

And design is one of the key features when it comes to multi-level decking. With so much potential, you can get quite creative with how you implement a multi-level deck into your project.

How to Design a Multi-Level Deck

There are a number of components that go into designing and building a multi-level deck. From the decking boards you use, to the arrangement of the levels, and even the size and shape of each layer, it can be challenging to get the right fit. As experts in the field, here’s some tips and tricks for designing multi-level decking that we’ve picked up over the years.

Creating Stairs

While your deck might seem like the main component of the multi-level installation, stairs often take centre stage. They connect each part of your decking, and bring it to ground, making them one of the most noticeable aspects of your decking.

There are a couple of interesting ways you can apply stairs to your multi-level deck. One is by using thinner platforms of decking, continuing the visual effect but adding the benefits that stairs provide. Another is to use more conventional staircases, but have them twist and turn to your desire. This way, you can create an engaging visual experience that is interconnected for the deck’s users.

Adding stairs to your decking requires considerations for accessibility and safety – you should always ensure they are guarded by barriers and held to the highest non-slip standards, and that there is an alternative route for people to use if they would have issues accessing your multi-level deck via the stairs.

Explore how to incorporate stair treads with your decking >

Using Elevation to Your Advantage

There is little with more visual impact than what appears to be a deck that’s suspended in the air. Of course, careful planning and preparation goes into play that ensures your decking is fully stable and secure, but this doesn’t dispel the illusion.

When you provide significant elevation to your multi-level deck, you utilise space in the air that would otherwise go untouched. This also opens up the avenue of having multiple tiers or levels lower down, creating an awesome, unique effect that has boundless potential – a creative way to make the most of limited space.

Adding Non-Slip Features

Non-slip grip is one of the most vital aspects of any decking. When subjected to conditions like rain, ice, or weathering, regular timber or bamboo decking can become quite dangerous. Our non-slip solution prevents that, keeping your decking safe in any condition.

It is a legal requirement to have your decking reach a certain level of grip, and our decking is far above this baseline – keeping compliant and safe throughout its entire 15+ year warrantee, and often far beyond.

Find out how you can make your existing decking non-slip >

Design with the Environment

A crucial part of any design is how it interacts with its surroundings. For decking, this means checking how the deck will align with the curvature of the property and the surrounding environment. You should create logical levels that match with how people will view and interact with the deck, such as using it to connect different layers of a property in a natural fashion.

If you’re thinking about the other kind of environment, we’ve got you covered there as well. Our MOSO bamboo decking offers just as much durability and aesthetic value as our sustainable timber products, but with an even greater emphasis on renewability and carbon reduction.

Ensure User Safety

If your multi-level decking spans a large distance, such as being a raised platform on posts, it could become hazardous for people walking on it. Non-slip grip is one way to combat this, but you will also want to consider having railing around the edges of the deck and down the sides of the stairs.

This is as much a choice for safety as it is for beauty, as the right railing options can add three-dimensionality to your deck that makes it pop against its surroundings.

Many of our raised decking projects have railings attached, such as the rustic wooden railing at the Community Orchard and Learning Centre or the sleek, modern, part-metal railings at the Story Museum. The range of options are practically limitless, and you can create a unique combination to make your project truly stand out from the crowd.

How Multi-Level Deck Designs Have Changed

Advanced engineering and architectural techniques have meant that the possibilities for your multi-level decking are even broader than ever. Here are some of the main ways that multi-level decking has changed over the past few years:

1. Modernisation. With an emphasis on sleek, ergonomic design, many multi-level decks have become more contemporary through the use of considered angles, colour pallets, and material choices.
2. Materials. Modern materials like bamboo decking provide a unique effect that weathers over time, creating beautiful, bespoke visuals that are unique to each deck.
3. Mood lighting. Having multiple layers to your deck can impact other design features as well, such as the way your lighting is cast across the levels.
4. Connectivity. Different angles, customised staircases, and robust structural supports mean that your multi-level decking can span any space or size requirements, connecting different parts of your project or garden to create a holistic, harmonious outdoor area.
5. Expertise. Over time, as people have grown accustomed to the way multi-level decking is implemented, there have been more opportunities for creativity. At Gripsure, we have a wealth of expertise working on multi-level decking projects, suppling non-slip decking and advice to achieve the greatest results.

Learn how decking and cladding can modernise your build >

Non-Slip Grip for Your Multi-Level Deck from Gripsure

With so many unique combinations of features and visual facets, you’d be hard pressed not to want a multi-level deck included in your design. It saves spaces, creates a unique aesthetic, and provides functionality to your property.

At Gripsure, we can help your project reach the next level, with bespoke non-slip timber and bamboo decking to provide both safety and visual impact to your deck. Get in touch today to find out more!

Find out whether you need planning permission to install decking >

Learn more about improving your accessibility with non-slip decking >