LOCATION

Bradford, Ontario

UPPER LEVEL

Composite Deck

LOWER LEVEL

Covered Lounge

STRUCTURE

Reinforced With Steel

BRADFORD CASE STUDY

One Backyard Footprint, Two Complete Outdoor Living Spaces

This Bradford project stacks an open composite deck above a covered hardscape lounge, creating two useful outdoor rooms without consuming twice the backyard.

The homeowners wanted an elevated place for fresh-air entertaining and a more protected setting for relaxing, watching television and gathering around a fireplace. The structure needed to feel substantial, modern and integrated with the brick home.

Reinforced framing and steel beam support make the two-level concept possible. Composite finishes and glass railings keep the upper deck visually light, while warm wood, black slats and layered lighting give the sheltered lower room its own character.

See the Two-Level Design
Two-tier composite deck and warmly lit covered lounge at a Bradford brick home at dusk

THE TWO-LEVEL STRATEGY

Open Above, Sheltered Below

The two spaces share one structural footprint but answer different needs. Planning them together keeps the stairs, sightlines and finishes coherent from every angle.

UPPER DECK

Fresh air and open views

The composite deck provides room for lounging and cooking directly outside the main floor. Glass railings protect the edge while preserving the outlook across the green space behind the home.

LOWER LOUNGE

Comfort with overhead shelter

The hardscape patio beneath the deck holds a sectional, television and electric fireplace. Recessed lighting and a ceiling fan make the space more comfortable through changing light and weather.

Covered outdoor lounge beneath an elevated composite deck with glass railings in Bradford

BUILT VERTICALLY

The Deck Creates the Roof for the Room Below

Stacking the entertaining areas expands usable outdoor space while leaving more of the lawn open.

Covered hardscape patio beneath a composite deck with black-framed glass railings in Bradford

STRUCTURE FIRST

Support the Deck Without Crowding the Lounge

An elevated deck that shelters an occupied space below requires more than an attractive surface. The framing, beams, posts, stairs and guard system must work as one structural plan.

This project combines reinforced wood framing with steel beams for long-term support. The darker posts and beams become part of the lower room’s architecture, defining its edges without filling the seating area with visual clutter.

Homeowners comparing structural approaches can also review our steel-framed deck systems. The right framing strategy depends on span, loading, site conditions and the space required below.

THE UPPER DECK

Composite Decking and Glass Guards Keep the View Open

The upper platform creates an immediate outdoor extension of the main floor. Its restrained grey composite boards provide a durable, lower-maintenance surface for loungers, a barbecue and everyday movement between the home and yard.

Black-framed glass railings reduce visual interruption at the edge. Broad steps separate subtle changes in level and guide movement toward the main stair without fragmenting the deck into small platforms.

Learn more about our approach to custom composite deck design and construction.

Elevated grey composite deck with broad steps and glass railings overlooking green space in Bradford

STAIRS AND CIRCULATION

A Direct Route Between Deck, Patio and Lawn

The exterior stair is part of the architecture rather than an afterthought. Its position supports a clear route from the upper deck to the hardscape floor and the open yard beyond.

View down wide composite deck stairs with black-framed glass railings toward a lit Bradford patio
Exterior composite staircase with glass guards connecting a two-tier Bradford deck to the hardscape patio

THE COVERED LOUNGE

Design the Space Below as a Room, Not Leftover Area

The lower level is furnished and finished as a destination. A sectional faces a wall-mounted television and linear electric fireplace, creating a clear focal point for conversation and entertainment.

The hardscape floor provides a practical surface at grade. Recessed lights, a ceiling fan and warm overhead wood make the covered area feel considered after sunset, while the open yard-facing side maintains fresh air and a visual connection to the landscape.

Related options include outdoor fire features, integrated outdoor lighting and coordinated hardscape patio construction.

Covered Bradford outdoor lounge with sectional seating, television, electric fireplace and recessed lights
Close detail of warm wood panels meeting a black slatted feature wall in a Bradford outdoor room

MATERIAL CONTRAST

Warm Wood Softens the Structural Palette

Grey composite, black steel and glass give the exterior a clean contemporary base. Inside the lounge, warm wood ceiling boards and wall panels add natural colour, while black slats create depth behind the television and fireplace.

The contrast helps the covered area feel more intimate than the open deck above without disconnecting the two spaces.

Covered outdoor entertainment area with hardscape floor, fireplace, television and sectional seating in Bradford

WHY THE DESIGN WORKS

Three Decisions Expand How the Backyard Can Be Used

01

Build upward

Two stacked zones provide more usable area while protecting valuable lawn space.

02

Protect the lower room

Overhead shelter and integrated lighting extend when and how the patio can be enjoyed.

03

Preserve the outlook

Glass guards keep the elevated deck connected to the open landscape behind the property.

FINISHED PROJECT

See the Upper Deck and Covered Lounge in Use

The finished project video and upper-deck view show how the spaces connect to the home, stairs and surrounding Bradford landscape.

Upper grey composite deck with glass railings, lounge chairs and barbecue at a Bradford home

BRADFORD PROJECT FAQS

Questions About This Two-Tier Outdoor Living Project

This project is a useful example of how an elevated deck can provide both an outdoor platform and the framework for a more sheltered living area below.

Discuss a Similar Project
The project includes a reinforced two-tier deck structure with steel beam support, composite decking, black-framed glass railings, an exterior staircase, a covered lower hardscape patio, integrated lighting, a television wall and an electric fireplace.
Using the area below an elevated deck can create a second outdoor room without expanding the structure farther into the yard. The design must coordinate structure, headroom, drainage, lighting, finishes and access from the beginning.
Glass guards provide the required edge protection with less visual interruption than closely spaced pickets. On this property, they preserve views toward the open green space and allow more light to reach the covered area below.
The sheltered area combines recessed ceiling lights, a central light and fan, a linear electric fireplace, a television and lounge seating. The warm wood ceiling and wall panels also make the room feel more finished after dark.
Yes. Bradford is part of the company’s core service area. Explore our deck and outdoor living services in Bradford for more local planning information.

PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Could Your Elevated Deck Do More?

Tell us about the rear elevation, the space available below and how you want to use the backyard. Diamond Decks & Pools can help coordinate the deck structure, stairs, railings, hardscape and outdoor features as one complete design.

Explore our deck design and construction services, review the five-year workmanship warranty, or browse more completed projects.