Hillside and Multi-Level Decks in Kirkland & the Eastside
On the Eastside, the best view is often off a kitchen door eight to fifteen feet above a falling yard. Decks on slopes and second-story decks cost 30% to 80% more than ground-level decks of the same size because the structure does more of the work: taller posts, engineered footings, lateral bracing and a stair that has to land somewhere sensible. Hans Construction builds them with an engineer's input on every one.
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Three common situations
Second-story deck off the main floor.
Daylight-basement and split-level homes in Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah put the main living area a full story above the backyard. The deck sits on tall posts with a lower patio or storage area underneath.
Deck on a slope.
The ground drops away under the deck, so posts on the downhill side are much taller than on the uphill side. Footings may sit on a slope that needs geotechnical review.
Multi-level or tiered deck.
Two or three platforms stepping down with the yard, connected by wide steps, often with a dining level by the house and a lounge or hot tub level below.
What the structure needs
- Footings designed for the soil and slope; on steep or mapped landslide-hazard lots, a geotechnical report may set the footing depth.
- Posts sized for their height, typically 6×6 minimum, with steel or larger posts for tall decks.
- Lateral bracing: knee braces, diagonal braces or a hardware connection to the house floor framing so the deck does not sway.
- Ledger attachment to the house rim with through-bolts and lateral-load connectors.
- Stair design: long stairs need a landing; the city limits the rise of a single flight.
Under the deck
A second-story deck creates a covered area below. Options: a dry patio underneath using an under-deck drainage system that collects water between the joists; a storage area with screened or lattice sides; or simply open space with good airflow, which is best for the framing.
Hillside deck costs on the Eastside
| Deck | Installed range |
|---|---|
| 200 – 300 sq ft second-story deck, composite, aluminum rail, one stair | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| 300 – 450 sq ft hillside deck, tall posts, engineered footings | $55,000 – $100,000 |
| Two-level deck, 400 – 600 sq ft total, wide steps between levels | $55,000 – $110,000 |
| Under-deck drainage system | $12 – $22 per sq ft |
A hillside deck we built
Hillside deck questions
Do I need an engineer for a hillside deck?
Most cities require engineered drawings for decks above a certain height or on steep slopes, and we use one for every elevated deck regardless, because the bracing details matter.
Why does my second-story deck sway?
Missing lateral bracing or a weak house connection. It is the most common structural complaint about older elevated decks and is fixable.
Can I have a dry space under my deck?
Yes, with an under-deck drainage system installed between the joists before the boards, or a sealed roof below the framing.
What railing is best for a view deck?
Glass panel or cable railing keeps the view open. See Railings & Stairs.
How long does a hillside deck take?
Two to four weeks on site, plus permit time, which is longer when geotechnical review is involved.
Send a photo from the yard looking up at the door. We will tell you what the structure needs.