Lumber and Trex Market Update: 1/29/2022
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Single vs Two-Tiered Decks: Which Should You Build?

Two-tiered taupe and brown composite deck with stairs leading to backyard, and a street lamp on the deck

We’ve had the opportunity to design and build hundreds of one and two-tiered decks for our clients over the years. 

We know how important it is to design the style of deck that will most functionally work for your home, so you don’t find yourself wishing for something different after it is built because it doesn’t suit your needs. 

So how do you decide what style you should build? Our recommendation: by considering the advantages and disadvantages of both and how they fit in with your lifestyle.

We want to make sure you can confidently make the right decision. So to help you out, here are the pros and cons of both single and two-tiered decks.

One-Tier Decks

Aerial view of a grey deck with black and white railing, patio furniture, seating area, and a grill

One-tier or single-level decks are by far the most common we see today – about 90% of our decks are built as a single-tier. The simple one-tier design gives you a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Pros

Considering one-tier decks have a relatively simple design, they’re a bit more straightforward to build which reduces the total investment of a deck, compared to a multi-level deck. It’s the ideal choice if you’re on a budget or simply don’t want to overspend. 

Our clients also love the simplicity a single-tier deck provides. No more physical limitations on where you “must” place your outdoor furniture since you have steps to work around. With a single-tier deck, you have the flexibility of moving furniture around in the future.

Cons

An honest stretch here since furniture solves this, but oftentimes a single-tier deck doesn’t have designated areas like an eating area and a conversational area. This is easily circumvented by simply having a table & chairs and then having separate seating elsewhere on your deck. Alternatively, similar to the photo above, an “overlook” can be built into your deck’s design to provide separate designated areas on your deck.

Two-Tiered Decks

Brown and white deck with multiple sets of stairs off the back of a home in Northville Michigan

Two-tiered and multi-level decks were very popular in the 2000s and 2010s. Even though one-tier designs dominate the market today, a two-tiered deck is still a practical option depending on how you plan on using the space, and what your backyard’s layout is as well.

Pros

One of the greatest benefits of having a two-tier or multi-level deck design is the beautiful aesthetic it creates. With many layout possibilities, you can create a visually appealing space that’s truly unique to your backyard.

The range of designs also means you can create dedicated spaces that are practical for your needs, such as:

  • A separate conversational area and an eating space
  • An outdoor kitchen and a dining area with a table and chairs
  • A level with a hot tub and another as a lounge
  • A dedicated area for kids to play

Having separate entertainment areas increases the usefulness of the entire deck. It’s also an excellent solution to rescue parts of your yard that are unusable because of the terrain. 

Uneven ground, large slopes, and rocky areas can be a pain if your goal is to turn the area into somewhere to entertain. If leveling isn’t the route you’d like to take, a viable solution is to build over it with a multi-level deck. 

Cons

One of the biggest drawbacks to two-tiered decks is by having separate tiers, there is a physical barrier (usually steps) of which furniture cannot be placed over. These steps may also create a tripping hazard for guests who aren’t familiar with the layout of your deck. Or it can be risky for anyone who might sit too close to its edge – think a chair leg going over the side of your deck.

Another consideration is the cost. The extra level adds additional framing, picture frame, fascia, and often structural posts and railings, which can quickly add to the total price of your deck. 

Lastly, consider the size of your home before you decide on a multi-level deck. Mutli-level decks may easily overpower a house which will take away from its aesthetic appeal – your deck builder should be able to show you multiple deck design ideas.

PRO TIP: As an alternative to two-tiers, a common design we add is bumping out part of a single-level deck. Doing this still creates a space for dedicated areas without creating a limitation of a physical step. Here’s that concept:

Two-tiered deck alternative

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of pros and cons to both styles of decks, but one is not better than the other. The option you should choose comes down to the purpose of your deck and, of course, your budget.  

By keeping things simple with one level, you won’t overspend on deck space you won’t use or don’t need. On the other hand, two-tiered decks have a beautiful design that makes it easy to create designated areas for specific uses. 

Start Building

At Custom Deck Creations, we build composite decks for our clients all across Southeast Michigan. We can help you design and build a deck based on how you plan on using your new space. We’ll create multiple 3D designs so you can get a clear vision of what it will look like before you commit. 

Feel free to take a look at some of our most recent projects. 

If you have any questions or want to get started, give us a call. We’d love to hear about your project.

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About Custom Deck Creations

From design to installation, Custom Deck Creations combines beautiful decks with fair pricing and unparalleled customer service. Our designs stand out, while our install processes exceeds expectations. We are a certified TrexPro Platinum builder. Custom Deck Creations is located in and serves Southeast Michigan. 

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Lumber and Trex Market Costs Update

Last Updated: 1/29/2022
Custom Deck Creations

A brief look into the current and expected inflation

Quick Summary

Lumber rose +28% locally from November 2021 to January 2022, and is expected for another significant double-digit increase impacting us in June 2022. We’re also anticipating a cost increase  from Trex around that  same time frame. Depending on size and material selection, decks are anticipated to increase in cost an average of $2,000 to $4,000 come June 2022. Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April/May, before we feel these cost increases. Schedule a quote with us today to lock in today’s costs.

For a more detailed look into the market, please continue reading:

Lumber

The lumber market continues to see pressure on the supply side. Canadian truck drivers are protesting COVID vaccine mandates, threatening to disrupt deliveries in Canada and possibly into the US. Fuel prices are also increasing. Overall demand for Southern Yellow Pine (pressure treated lumber used here in MI) remains steady. Mills are not sitting on a lot of inventory. Lead times from mills to dealers are getting extended.

Pressure treated lumber costs increased locally +28% from November 2021 to January 2022.

Lumber is expected to increase another ~+40% in June 2022. 

Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April & May 2022, before we’re impacted by these increased costs.

Trex

Data from Trex distributors nationwide are seeing a steady growth in purchases even through winter.

Trex continues to see huge demand increases nationwide. 

Our Interpretation

Lumber will continue to rise in price throughout 2022. We don’t believe we’ll see pre-2022 lumber pricing any time soon.

In 2021 Trex put out 4 separate approximately +10% price increases. We believe more are to be expected in 2022. We do not expect Trex to ever lower their pricing.

No Inflationary Clause

Custom Deck Creations does not have an inflationary clause. Lock in today’s lumber and Trex costs with a signed agreement which puts you on our schedule. We will not charge you more even if our costs go up.

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