24 - Friday, April 10, 1987 - North Shore News Multi-level approach solves some deck design problems IF A SLOPING YARD has slanted your thinking about adding the livability of an outdoor deck to your home, maybe you should take a multi-level approach to the pro- blem. For years, architects have designed dramatic buildings on ir- regular properties. The answer lies in using several ¢!/ferent levels to allow the space to flow up or down with the property grade. VERSATILE LEVELS According to industry experts, decks especially lend themselves to multiple levels, with steps and dif- ferent deck sizes and shapes that define spaces for specific purposes. For example, if you have a large deck space on one level, you might want to step-up to a smaller, more intimate space. If your property slopes down, a smaller, lower deck area might be perfect for your barbecue grill — allowing ihe chef to do the cooking without really leaving the party. The concept of multiple level decks might sound complicated, but they often are no more dif- ficult to. build than single-level decks. And the results can be even more appealing. ‘All you need is a little i imagina- tion, some professional assistance on any grading that might be nec- essary, and helpful, how-to ideas and directions. STEP BACK Start by stepping back from your home and looking at the slope of your property. Use a step- ladder to give you the proper perspective. Look at the floor level of your home to determine where your property slopes up or down. Remember that you need at least one level of the deck at the same level as your access door. If your property slopes across the house, you might want to con- sider a three-level deck, following the grade, with the main deck at the same level as your door. A yard that slopes down and away is a natural for a two-level deck, with the access door level be- ing smaller and-tine lower deck a little larger... Once you ve.” * determined “the levels, it’s time to consider how you will use the deck, Do you want ‘a large area’ for ‘dining. and enter- taining, or'a series of. smaller spaces for relaxing, talking or napping? Placement of such popular deck amenities as a hot tub and barbecue grill also should be con- sidered. Their use often determines the size (square footage) you want © for each level. REGRADING If there is not a sufficient level area of the property to hold the deck size you want, you may have to call in a professional contractor to regrade the property. Explain and diagram your plan, and ask for his suggestions. When you are ready to build, resist the temptation to start digg- ing post holes right away. Instead, need to consider the location of See Extras Page 26 use stakes and twine to outline the deck spaces on each level. This is important because you Say C7 BO "He? on every 4 litres of premium quality General Paint Alkyd and Breeze Latex interior and exterior finishes. SAVE 257 All in-stock WALLCOVERINGS 25% off cur own everyday low prices. All room lot book orders are 25% off. 25 . OFF Generai Paint brand brushes and rollers. SPECIAL! Save 25% ort ‘convenient Ladder Paint Tray with disposable liner. SALE ENDS APRIL 78th. (See Professional Smali Engine and Mechanical Repairs $25/hr hy # ACCU-SHARP SERVICES } Pick-up & Delivery Service Available 203 E. 1st St., N.V. Pepegenery Unie SEALER Ex SEAL Pesetrte aL on Super-Seal or Hi-Hide Interior a Latex Sealer. Reg. $19.98-- Sale $14.98. Recommended as first coat on new wall surface. Foam POWER PAINT # ROLLER » Easy to usé, easy to clean. No more tray, 5 no more mess. ONLY \ Sg 39: 99 Reg. $169.99). NEW! FOLDING ALUMINUM SAW HORSE Light-weight, sturdy construction foids to 6” width for easy storage. NOW Reg. $50.95). ONLY S26 95 . Your General Paint Store at the sign of the rainbow. North Vancouver 133 West 16th St., 988-0141 (one biock west of Lonsdale) West Vancouver Park Royal South Mall 922-7389 (Opposite Super-Valu)