If you’re planning a new outdoor living space in Castle Rock, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether a platform deck or a raised deck makes more sense for your property. Both are solid options, but they serve different purposes, suit different terrain types, and come with different design and construction considerations. Understanding what separates them helps you make a smarter investment from the start.
What Is a Platform Deck?
A platform deck sits low to the ground, typically no more than 30 inches above grade. It’s built close to the natural surface of your yard, which makes it one of the most straightforward deck types to design, permit, and construct. In Colorado, where backyards often feature level or gently sloping terrain, a platform deck fits naturally into the landscape without requiring complex structural engineering.
Because a platform deck sits low, it generally needs fewer materials for the support structure underneath. That translates to lower framing costs and a cleaner visual profile. The deck feels grounded and connected to the yard, which works especially well for properties where you want a seamless flow between interior living spaces and the outdoors.
What Is a Raised Deck?
A raised deck is built at a greater height above grade, often attached to a home’s upper level or designed to navigate sloped terrain. In Colorado, where lot grading can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next, raised decks are common because they allow homeowners to build usable outdoor space even when the yard drops away from the house.
The structural requirements for a raised deck are more demanding. Deeper footings, heavier framing materials, and reinforced support posts are standard. At Alta Outdoor Living, we use helical piers and traditional concrete footings depending on site conditions, along with wood, steel, and pressure-treated LVL framing to ensure every elevated structure performs reliably through Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles and variable weather.
Key Factors That Should Drive Your Decision
Yard Slope and Grade This is usually the deciding factor. If your yard is relatively flat, a platform deck is often the most practical and cost-efficient choice. If your property drops away from your home’s main level, a raised deck lets you capture that space and use it rather than lose it.
Intended Use A platform deck works well for dining areas, lounging spaces, and ground-level entertaining. A raised deck gives you the added benefit of building out the space below through an underdeck system. At Alta Outdoor Living, we install panel-based, gutter-and-channel, and custom fabricated underdeck systems that convert the space beneath an elevated structure into a covered outdoor living room, storage area, or entertainment hub.
Access and Flow A Platform deck typically connects directly to grade without stairs, which is a meaningful advantage if accessibility matters. A raised deck requires stairs and may also benefit from a wheelchair ramp depending on the household.
Budget A platform deck generally costs less to build because the substructure is simpler. A raised deck involves more materials and more labor, but it also delivers more usable square footage when the underdeck space is finished properly.
Materials That Work for Both Deck Types
Whether you go with a platform deck or a raised deck, material selection matters. Alta Outdoor Living works with composite decking brands including Trex, TimberTech by AZEK, Fiberon, Deckorators, and Barrette Outdoor Living. For framing, we use Fortress Building Products steel systems, ProWood pressure-treated lumber, PWT lumber, and KDAT lumber, each chosen based on the structural demands of your specific build.
IPE and other exotic hardwoods are available for homeowners who want a premium natural surface. Both deck types take well to composite skirting and horizontal or vertical board skirting to give the finished structure a clean, intentional look from every angle.
Design Options Available for Both
Regardless of which direction you go, Alta Outdoor Living handles the full scope of design and construction. That includes 3D deck models so you can see the finished result before a single board goes down, permit acquisition, foundation installation, framing, and full deck construction. We also build covered decks, screened porches, pergolas, and solid shingle roofs to extend the usability of your outdoor space into Colorado’s cooler months.
Talk to Alta Outdoor Living Before You Decide
The right choice between a platform deck and an elevated deck depends on your specific lot, your goals for the space, and your budget. A conversation with our team is the fastest way to figure out which direction makes the most sense for your property.
Call Alta Outdoor Living at 719-414-2900 to get started.