Spice Up Your 2nd Story Deck With These Brilliant Ideas

A second story deck expands your home's livable space and provides stellar outdoor views. But a basic, blah deck doesn't maximize your investment. Spice up your outdoor oasis and make the most of your 2nd story deck with these brilliant ideas.

From storage solutions to cozy furniture, you can transform your deck into a jaw-dropping entertaining space. Read on for ingenious ways to enhance your 2nd story deck into a gorgeous extension of your home.

Maximize Every Inch With Clever Under Deck Ideas

While the deck surface itself usually gets all the attention, don't neglect the valuable space underneath. By taking advantage of the covered area below your 2nd story deck, you can add functional spaces that make your home even more livable.

Turn the under deck zone into extra storage by installing shelves or deck boxes. This keeps cushions, garden tools, and patio accessories organized but out of the way. You can also enclose the space to create a screened-in porch--perfect for outdoor dining without the mosquitos.

For a luxurious touch, construct a spa retreat under the deck with a hot tub and lounge chairs. Or channel your inner chef with an outdoor kitchen and grilling station. With a fire pit and some cozy seating, you can transform the often forgotten under deck area into a secret hideaway made for relaxing.

Clever Under Deck Ideas:

• Storage units or shelving
• Enclosed patio space
• Outdoor kitchen and grilling area
• Hot tub or spa retreat
• Fire pit with comfortable seating

Railing and Stair Design for Safety and Beauty

Since a 2nd story deck requires sturdy railings and stairs, use these necessary features to amplify your design. Incorporate lighting along stair risers or under railings to illuminate the way while creating ambiance.

For a contemporary vibe, opt for sleek cable railings or glass panels to keep the views open without blocking sightlines. Or make a bold style statement with metal railings in black, bronze, or stainless steel. Curving stairs feel inviting, while wider stair treads are ideal for comfortably carrying items upstairs.

Keep safety top of mind, too--use strong wood or metal for posts, and pay attention to spacing between balusters. Locate stairs in a convenient spot that maximizes privacy while still allowing you to access the yard with ease.

Stunning Stairs and Railings:

• Incorporate lighting for drama and safety
• Use wider stair treads for comfort and appeal
• Choose sleek glass panels or metal railings
• Curving stairs for visual flow and interest

Pergolas and Gazebos Boost Beauty and Function

Pergolas or gazebos anchored to your 2nd story deck create eye-catching height and architectural interest. They also provide ample shade and secluded nooks for lounging or dining outdoors.

For a cohesive look, select materials that coordinate with your home. Rich cedar timber, for example, pairs nicely with craftsman style houses. Metal pergolas in black, white, or matte finish offer a contemporary vibe.

Outfit your pergola with hanging pendant lights for ambiance. Training climbing vines and flowers onto the overhead structure adds softness and beauty. Underneath, incorporate a stone fire pit or sunken seating area for fun gatherings long after sunset.

Deck Pergolas Do Double Duty:

• Provide shade and secluded spaces
• Offer architectural detailing
• Anchor the overall design
• Allow creativity with under-pergola elements like fire pits

Creative Plant Choices For Beauty and Privacy

Strategically placed planters overflowing with flowers, foliage, and greenery infuse your 2nd story deck with life. Choose low maintenance plants suited for deck conditions like hot sun and winds.

Opt for self-watering planters or drip irrigation systems so your potted plants thrive with minimal effort. Go vertical by training vines on railings, walls, and overhead structures. Use trees in planters to provide privacy and shade without taking up valuable floor space.

For variation in height and texture, layer in a mix of shrubs, ornamental grasses, succulents, and flowering annuals. Continue the color scheme inside by using deck plantings that coordinate with your interior decor.

Planting Tips for Deck Appeal:

• Select plants suitable for deck environments
• Use planters and vertical gardens to maximize space
• Provide irrigation for easy maintenance
• Go for year-round interest with evergreen shrubs

Furniture and Decor to Create Cozy Hangouts

Treat your 2nd story deck like any other room in your home when it comes to decorating. Incorporate colorful cushions, rugs, curtains, and pillows for softness and comfort. Choose furniture ideal for lounging like deep seating sofas, ottomans, and chaise lounges.

Build in conveniences like side tables for holding drinks and snacks. Mount wall art, sconces, or pendant lighting for ambiance. Use sturdy materials like weather-resistant wicker, aluminum, or teak for durability and longevity.

For flexibility, opt for lightweight, movable pieces that can be rearranged as needed. Dress up dining sets with tablecloths, runners, and outdoor dishes to dinner feel upscale. Then accessorize with toss pillows, greenery, citronella candles and other final touches.

Create Inviting, Comfortable Spaces:

• All-weather wicker, aluminum or teak furniture
• Deep seating sofas and lounge chairs
• Side tables, ottomans and chaise lounges
• Colorful cushions, pillows, rugs
• Wall art, curtains, and lighting

Ambient Lighting Sets the Mood

Lighting serves both form and function, letting you use your 2nd story deck well into the evening and setting a stylish tone. Go for an overhead canopy of sparkling string lights--using extra bulbs over seating areas. Line stair risers with LED strips to illuminate the path.

Position post lights along the perimeter for wayfinding brightness. Flush mount fixtures or sconces mounted to walls provide task lighting. For a romantic ambiance, scatter flameless candles on tables and in lanterns.

Control lighting with dimmers and smart technology like app-controlled systems or motion sensor switches. Your 2nd story deck will glow enticingly when properly illuminated.

Let There Be Light:

• String lights overhead or stair lighting
• Flush deck lights and post perimeter lights
• Wall mounted sconces for accent lighting
• Flameless candles for ambiance
• Smart controls like dimmers and motion sensors

Flooring Sets the Stage

While most 2nd story decks opt for classic wooden planks or composite decking, you can get creative with your flooring choices. Paint your deck a brilliant, saturated color like cobalt blue--the hue will pop against neutral siding.

For a natural look with less maintenance, use stone or porcelain tiles resembling weathered wood, travertine, or slate. Incorporate plush outdoor rugs layered over your flooring where furniture groupings sit.

Define separate zones like dining and lounging areas with synthetic grass, artificial turf, or even gravel and pebbles. Contrasting textures like nubby jute rugs or rattan mats also add interest underfoot.

Inventive Flooring Options:

• Painted decking in bold, dramatic colors
• Porcelain or stone tiles for elegance
• Rugs and mats for softness and style
• Synthetic grass carpeting
• Gravel, sand, or pebbles as accents

Whether you crave an alfresco oasis or a secluded hideaway, a well-designed 2nd story deck delivers. Use clever ideas like deck skirting solutions, comfy furniture, and ambient lighting to create an outdoor living room in the sky.

The second story deck has innovative materials, privacy screens, and smart storage built in. Bring your design dreams to life and enhance your home's square footage and style with a spectacular 2nd story deck designed just for you.