Second-story and elevated decks in York
High decks need bigger footings, bracing and a solid connection to the house. Here's what goes into one.
A second-story or elevated deck gives a York County home usable outdoor space off a main floor that sits well above the yard. Homeowners with walkout basements in the townships, sloped lots near Red Lion, or tall back doors on city rowhouses can get connected with a contractor who builds high decks safely and to code.
Where elevated decks are common
- Homes on sloped lots, where the kitchen is a full story above the backyard
- Split-levels and walkouts in post-war and later township subdivisions
- City rowhouses with raised back doors and small yards
- Decks above a patio, so the space underneath gets used too
What makes a tall deck different
- Lateral load connections. York Township's specs require at least two lateral load connections for decks supported by the house, which keeps the deck from pulling away when people move on it.
- Larger posts and footings. Taller posts are often 6x6 rather than 4x4, on footings sized for the load.
- Bracing. Knee braces or other bracing to limit sway.
- Long stairs. A full-story stair needs a middle landing or support, a handrail, and guards on the open sides. York Township lists an 8¼-inch maximum riser and 9-inch minimum tread.
- Guards. At least 36 inches tall, with openings that won't pass a 4-inch sphere.
Signs an elevated deck needs attention
- The deck sways or shakes when people walk on it
- Posts lean, or are rotted at the base
- The ledger is nailed rather than bolted
- The stair moves or the bottom stringers sit in dirt
Using the space below
The area under a high deck can be a shaded patio, but rain falls straight through ordinary decking. Under-deck drainage systems or a dry patio design keep water off the space below, and those need to be planned with the framing. If a roof will go on the deck itself, the footings must be sized for it; York Township notes that roofed decks require a stormwater assessment.
Rowhouse decks in the city
York city lots are often narrow, with alleys behind them and little room for a stair. A builder will need to fit the stair, setbacks and any shared walls, and some properties fall in one of the city's four national historic districts, where exterior work can need extra review.
What drives the price?
- Height, size and number of posts
- Bracing, lateral ties and footings
- Long stairs with landings
- Under-deck drainage, if wanted
- Access for equipment and materials
The contractor quotes after seeing the site. We don't set prices.
Where we can connect you
Common questions
Why does my high deck sway?
Common causes are missing bracing, undersized posts and no lateral connection to the house. A contractor can check each and recommend fixes.
How many lateral load connections does a deck need?
York Township's specifications require at least two for decks supported by the house. Your municipality's code official may specify the hardware.
Can the space under a second-story deck stay dry?
With an under-deck drainage system or a waterproof deck surface designed for it. Plan it with the framing.
Related services
Permits, footings and contractor rules: York County deck guide.
Thinking about a new deck, or a fix for the old one?
Give us a call and we'll connect you with a contractor who works in York County.