15 Second-Story Deck Ideas That Heighten Your Porch Experience

There's nothing quite like the drama of a balcony or a second-story wraparound porch. Whether you live in a ranch-style home with a raised patio or are about to add a second story to your house, these modern second-story deck ideas will rise above the rest. After all, there's more to the design than its structural elements. A great two-story porch inspires cocktail parties, barbecues, and long summer mornings with your jungle of house plants.

1. Adjust for the Sun

Without as much overhang from surrounding trees, you may want to include sun coverage in your two-story porch design. Retractable patio awnings have their pros and cons, but you'll be able to spend more time taking in the air without roasting under afternoon rays. These adjustable awnings keep you cool, keep your patio furniture from fading, and can prolong the life of your wooden deck.

2. Wrap Around the House

Just like a porch found at ground level, second-story porches can wrap around the perimeter of a home, offering 360-degree views of your landscape. The design is particularly helpful in homes by the beach, in rural areas, or those with multiple exits on the second floor. Keep in mind that large designs like these are not DIY-friendly, though advanced homeowners may be able to learn how to build a balcony themselves.

3. Opt for Asymmetry

Speaking of large porches, think outside the box when it comes to its floor plan. For example, if the center section of your second-story deck juts out over your yard, include a more narrow section off to the side for lining up rockers and Adirondack chairs. You can even extend your second-story deck over a specific area of your yard, such as a patio or dining area to create more privacy.

4. Climb in Style

Sure, a staircase is a no-brainer when considering the cost of adding a second story. But what about the stairs that climb up to your new elevated porch? Flex your design muscles when choosing a set of steps. Think spiral staircases, wrought-iron railings, or stairs with extra-deep treads to act as a second seating area. Just remember that your stairs—like most of your porch—will need to match up with local building codes.

5. Opt for Glass Railings

You'll spend a bit more on the cost of your porch railings if you opt for glass, but think of how much more you'll catch the view. The high level of your second-story porch should highlight the views both in your yard and in the distance. Glass railings offer safety protection without interrupting the vista with slats.

6. Pair With the Hardscape

Hire a team of local deck builders that can look at your surrounding hardscape and make it look like the second-story deck was there all along. Many two-story porches sit over a stone patio or hover over a yard with stone steps, retaining walls, and of course, against the siding of your home. The ideal design flows seamlessly from your rock walkway up to the porch itself, complimenting the colors, textures, and rustic style throughout.

7. Transform Into a Solarium

Who says you need to keep your second-story deck ideas all out in the open? By adapting your porch into a sunroom or solarium, you can keep your growing plant family happy while still having a place to look over the lawn. Go a step further and consider how to build a four-season sundeck equipped with insulation and heaters for even the chilliest months.

8. Add a Pergola

Pergolas are not just for the garden or the ground-level patios. Consider attaching a patio to your house on the second story instead. The protective wooden structure offers shade and a place to send vines soaring overhead. Have you always dreamed about picking your own grapes at the end of the summer? Now's your chance.

9. Overlook the Pool

Elevated decks make an excellent addition to a pool deck design, especially in smaller backyards. Add a space to dry off and take in those rays without giving up patio space. It also doubles as a spot for shade when you're looking for a cooler place to kick back with a book. Yet again, keep in mind that poolscapes have strict build regulations, so it's important to check local laws before adding the patio.

10. Weather the Storm

You'll pay a bit more for the cost to properly seal and waterproof your deck, but the long-term costs are worth the tradeoff. Second-story decks also need special care for handling water, especially if you plan to use the space below as a shield from the rain. Speak with your contractor about adding a raised deck ceiling and specialized deck gutters for redistributing the water away from your home.

11. Consider the Landscape

There's no need to—literally—uproot your landscape by adding a second-story deck. Consider how the porch will incorporate into the slope of the lawn, your sun-loving plants, and overhead shade from large branches. You can even build a deck around a tree if you collaborate with a skilled deck designer and an arborist.

12. Add a Lattice

Close off the area below your deck for storage, an additional living space, or simply to round out the look of your design. Lattice under your deck is a strong choice that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. The lattice allows water to drain away from your house while keeping pets and more wild large animals from making a home below. You can also choose your favorite climbing flowers or ivy to add a bit of green to your yard.

13. Integrate Into Your Home

Adding an entrance to your second-story deck will be one of the first decisions you'll need to make about the design. Most homeowners will opt for either French or sliding glass doors to maximize the amount of light offered by the open-air living space. Additionally, your porch design should reflect the colors and style of the inside and siding of your home, even in subtle ways. You may not want to add an uber-modern porch to the side of a log cabin, for example.

14. Keep Out the Bugs

Tired of fighting off mosquitoes and dodging the no-see-ums? Consider learning how to screen in a porch to save money on labor while increasing how much you can use your two-story deck. Opting for a screen over glass windows both saves money and keeps the cool breezes flowing.

15. Light It Up

Any raised outdoor area requires additional safety features. Be sure to add lighting both to the steps and to the porch area to ensure you can navigate the area in the dark. And while they do act as safety features, deck lighting ideas are limitless, ranging from rustic sconces to whimsical fairy lights.

Barbara Bellesi Zito contributed to this piece.