Elevated Outdoor Living: Nelson Exteriors Crafts a Stunning Multi-Level Deck in Marietta
📍 Location: Marietta, GA
📐 Scope: Two-tier multi-level deck (demo + full rebuild)
🪵 Decking: TimberTech® Composite Legacy Collection in Tigerwood
🛡️ Railings: Deckorators® Contemporary Cable Railing in Black + cocktail top cap
🪟 Soffit: James Hardie® primed vented soffit
🧮 Engineering: Structural consult; all posts replaced after rot discovery
✅ Permit: Residential deck/covered porch permit from City of Sandy Springs, GA
⛰️ Site Conditions: Elevated install on steep grade; staged access and fall protection
✨ Special Request: Seam-free deck board layout (no visible seams)
💰Project Investment: Under $140k
👷 Project Manager: Jeff Van Bever
💼 Sales Representative: Jake Mifsud
At Nelson Exteriors, every project is a collaboration. This hillside build turned a tricky backyard into a safe, stylish two-level retreat built for years of everyday use and weekend entertaining.
Looking for a trusted deck designer in Atlanta? See how Nelson Exteriors transformed a challenging hillside backyard into a showstopping two-tier deck built for comfort, safety, and style.
Client Background: A New Customer With Big Plans
After finding Nelson Exteriors through our Google reviews, a Marietta homeowner reached out with a bold vision: replace two aging decks with a safe, stylish, and elevated multi-level deck that could be enjoyed for years to come.
From the start, the homeowner knew what they wanted: quality materials, clean aesthetics, and no visible seams in the decking. And with the backyard perched over a steep drop-off, safety and precision were essential. The Nelson Exteriors team was ready to rise to the challenge.
Project Scope: A Full Multi-Level Deck Build
This project was a new multi-level deck installation, replacing two deteriorating decks with a dramatic two-tier design. The scope included:
- Demolition of the existing structures
- Engineering consultation for structural elements
- A full rebuild using premium materials
- Coordination of multiple design and safety requirements
The final result? A seamless, cohesive outdoor space with upper and lower levels that maximize both function and beauty.
Design Details: Premium Materials and Custom Features
At Nelson Exteriors, we pride ourselves on craftsmanship, and this project showcases exactly that. To deliver on the client's request for long-lasting materials and a clean, modern look, the team selected a mix of TimberTech and Deckorators® products:
- Decking: TimberTech Composite™ Legacy Collection in Tigerwood
- Fascia & Skirt Boards: TimberTech Legacy Collection
- Railings: Deckorators Contemporary Cable Deck Railing in Black with stainless steel cables
- Top Cap: Cocktail rail top cap for a finished look
- Soffit: James Hardie primed vented soffit for airflow and durability
Every material was selected for durability, safety, and aesthetic value, ensuring the structure looks as good as it performs.
Challenges and Solutions: From Height to Hidden Seams
No deck build is without a few surprises, and this one came with some serious technical demands.
Safety at Height
The property's elevation posed one of the biggest challenges. With a narrow yard and a steep, hilly drop-off, crews had to work cautiously and methodically to maintain safety while building on elevated footings. This added significant time and care to the process, but the result was a rock-solid structure built to last.
Rotten Steel Posts
Another unexpected hurdle emerged when steel posts previously cleared by an engineer turned out to be rotted. The Nelson Exteriors team quickly pivoted, replacing all structural posts and adjusting the timeline to accommodate the added work without compromising on quality or safety.
Seamless Deck Boards
Perhaps the most interesting design request? The client didn't want visible seams on any of the deck boards. This meant rethinking board layout and installation patterns—solving the puzzle of how to cover a large surface area without a single visible break in the decking. The final layout delivered exactly what the homeowner hoped for: a flawless, continuous finish.
Permitting & Compliance
As with any large-scale structural project, Nelson Exteriors ensured full compliance with local building codes. The team secured a residential building permit for decks and covered porches from Sandy Springs, GA, managing the process on behalf of the homeowner.
Final Outcome: A Deck That's Built to Impress
The finished project speaks for itself: a two-level outdoor living space that blends function, beauty, and engineering excellence. The new deck not only expands the homeowner's usable outdoor area, but it also completely redefines how the space can be enjoyed.
With its clean lines, high-quality materials, and stunning views, this multi-level deck proves why Nelson Exteriors is a top choice for deck design in Marietta and beyond.
Bring Your Outdoor Vision to Life
Whether you're dreaming of a cozy backyard refresh or a complete deck overhaul, Nelson Exteriors can help you bring it to life. Our experienced team of designers, project managers, and craftsmen are ready to guide you from idea to execution—with a focus on quality, communication, and long-term value.
Contact us today for a free estimate, and let's design your dream deck together.