For many Philadelphia homeowners, having an outdoor living space can be a challenge. Traditional backyards are often small, narrow, or occupied by parking areas, leaving little room for a comfortable place to relax or entertain.
A Philadelphia EZ Deck offers a practical solution. Designed specifically for the layout of many Philadelphia row homes, an EZ Deck creates an elevated outdoor living space above an existing parking pad, driveway, or garage. Instead of giving up valuable parking space, homeowners can enjoy a functional deck while maintaining access to the area below.
At Chavous Custom Contracting, we design and build custom decks that help homeowners make the most of their available outdoor space. Here’s what you should know about Philadelphia EZ Decks and whether one might be right for your home.
What Is a Philadelphia EZ Deck?
A Philadelphia EZ Deck is a custom elevated deck typically constructed at the rear of a row home, above an existing parking area or driveway. The design takes advantage of vertical space to create an outdoor entertaining area without requiring additional ground-level yard space.
Because many Philadelphia row homes have limited rear yards, building upward can be an effective way to add usable outdoor space.
Depending on the property, an EZ Deck may include:
- An elevated deck platform above a parking pad or garage
- Access through a new sliding glass door or entry door
- Custom railing systems for safety and appearance
- Privacy panels or screens between neighboring properties
- Advanced PVC or pressure-treated wood decking
- Built-in benches, gates, lighting, and other custom features
Every property is different, so the design and construction approach will depend on the home’s layout, available space, structural requirements, and applicable building regulations.
Why Are EZ Decks Popular for Philadelphia Row Homes?
Philadelphia’s row home neighborhoods present unique challenges when it comes to creating outdoor living spaces. Many properties have narrow rear yards, shared property lines, and limited room for traditional ground-level decks.
An elevated deck can help overcome these limitations.
Make Use of Existing Parking Space
One of the biggest advantages of a Philadelphia EZ Deck is the ability to create outdoor living space above an existing parking pad, driveway, or garage.
Rather than sacrificing parking for a backyard deck, the elevated design can allow homeowners to maintain access to the parking area underneath.
The final design must account for vehicle clearance, support placement, structural requirements, and the property’s existing conditions.
Create More Outdoor Living Space
An elevated deck gives homeowners a dedicated place to enjoy the outdoors, have meals, relax, or entertain friends and family.
Even a relatively modest deck can make a significant difference when the available backyard space is limited.
Improve Access to the Backyard
Many EZ Deck projects include converting an existing rear window opening into a sliding glass door or standard entry door. This can provide convenient access from the home’s interior directly onto the new deck.
The feasibility of this type of modification depends on the home’s construction, structural conditions, and required approvals.
Customize the Design to Fit Your Home
An EZ Deck doesn’t have to look like a basic platform. The design can incorporate attractive decking materials, custom railings, privacy features, lighting, and other details to complement the home’s exterior.
What Are the Design Options for an EZ Deck?
Every Philadelphia EZ Deck should be designed around the homeowner’s needs and the property’s layout.
Some popular options include:
Advanced PVC Decking
Advanced PVC decking is a popular choice for homeowners who want an attractive outdoor space with less routine maintenance than traditional wood decking. Products such as AZEK by TimberTech offer a variety of colors and finishes to complement different home styles.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumber is another option for deck construction. It offers a traditional wood appearance and can be stained or finished to achieve the desired look.
Custom Railings and Privacy Features
Railings are an important part of both the appearance and safety of an elevated deck. Homeowners can choose from different railing styles and incorporate privacy panels or screening where appropriate.
Built-In Features and Upgrades
Additional features can make an EZ Deck more functional and comfortable, including:
- Built-in seating and benches
- Custom gates
- Deck lighting
- Pergolas and shade features
- Decorative posts and railing systems
- Privacy screens and panels
The right combination of features depends on the available space, budget, and intended use of the deck.
Can You Still Park Underneath an EZ Deck?
In many cases, yes. One of the primary goals of an elevated EZ Deck is to preserve the existing parking area while adding outdoor living space above it.
However, maintaining parking access requires careful planning. The deck’s height, structural supports, vehicle clearance, and driveway configuration all need to be considered.
During the initial site visit, these conditions can be evaluated to determine whether an elevated deck is practical for your property.
Do You Need a Permit to Build an EZ Deck in Philadelphia?
Deck construction and related structural modifications may require permits and approvals from the City of Philadelphia.
Requirements depend on the scope of the project, the property’s conditions, and whether additional work is involved, such as modifying a window opening or installing a new exterior door.
Before construction begins, it’s important to understand the applicable building code, zoning, and permitting requirements. A qualified contractor can help identify the approvals that may be needed for your project.
How Much Does a Philadelphia EZ Deck Cost?
The cost of an EZ Deck depends on several factors, including:
- Overall deck dimensions and height
- Structural requirements and support placement
- Choice of decking materials
- Railing style and other upgrades
- Existing parking and property conditions
- Access requirements and potential door modifications
- Applicable permits and approvals
Because every property is different, the best way to determine the cost is to have the proposed project evaluated in person.
Chavous Custom Contracting provides detailed proposals based on the property’s conditions, the homeowner’s preferences, and the recommended scope of work.
Choosing a Philadelphia EZ Deck Builder
An elevated deck over a parking area requires more planning than a typical ground-level deck. It’s important to work with a contractor who understands the challenges of building around Philadelphia row homes and limited backyard space.
When evaluating a deck contractor, consider:
- Experience with elevated decks and row home construction
- Understanding of structural requirements and applicable building codes
- Knowledge of Philadelphia permitting requirements
- Experience with Advanced PVC and pressure-treated decking materials
- Ability to provide a detailed written proposal
- Examples of completed deck projects
The right contractor will take the time to evaluate your property, discuss your ideas, and recommend a design that makes the best use of your available space.
Build Your Philadelphia EZ Deck with Chavous Custom Contracting
If you’ve been thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Philadelphia row home, an EZ Deck may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Chavous Custom Contracting specializes in custom deck construction, including elevated decks designed for Philadelphia row homes. From the initial site visit and design considerations to material selection and construction, we work with homeowners to create outdoor spaces that are functional, attractive, and built around their properties.
Whether you’re interested in a Advanced PVC deck, pressure-treated wood, custom railings, or a complete elevated deck over your existing parking area, we’re ready to discuss your project.
Ready to explore an EZ Deck for your Philadelphia home?
Call Chavous Custom Contracting at (484) 326-8202 or request a proposal to get started.
Learn more about our Philadelphia EZ Deck building services.
Related Posts
For many Philadelphia homeowners, having a backyard deck seems impossible because of limited outdoor space. Philadelphia row homes often have narrow rear yards, existing parking pads, driveways, or garages that take up most of the
Building an elevated deck can be one of the best ways to add outdoor living space to a Philadelphia row home. With limited backyard space, narrow properties, and existing parking pads or garages, many homeowners
