A sloping site or multi-levelled plot can in fact provide the ideal opportunity to showcase different materials, explore clever planting and lighting ideas and incorporate falling water. The challenge of linking two – or more – different levels can also lead also to more inventive and impactful color, material and planting palettes too. And even if your plot is all on one level and lacking wow-factor, getting a little creative with your patio ideas can help to cozy up the space and make it more inviting. By adding a slightly raised deck to create a sun lovers lounge area or a more radical, recessed chill out zone with fire pit, you can change how you interact with and enjoy your outside area. Whatever the current shape and layout of your garden, incorporating a split-level patio into your space could be the design solution you’ve been looking for.
How Can I Make Most Of A Split-Level Patio?
There’s the option of choosing patio materials – do you use the same product on both levels plus the facing board for seamless flow, or boldly emphasize the change in level with contrasting surfaces? This could be using the same material in different colorways or textures or a dynamic pairing such as composite decking teamed with smooth stone.
Consider giving each level a new purpose, for example, a sitting zone, a dining zone, a socializing zone, a water feature or a fire pit, and this way your space will look cooler.
There’s also the potential of exploiting the step between the two patio levels. LED lighting under a tiled overhang will always look dramatic, while a strip of Corten steel or polished stainless steel will add a sleek designer finish.
If you’re feeling more creative and fancy adding some movement, highlight the level change with a water feature – a neat ribbon or steady fall into a pool below will create a mesmerizing focal point.
a deck with a living room and dining space, a green lawn and blooms and greenery in the lower level and the garden itself in the lowest part
a lovely multi-level deck with lots of pillows, cushions and plants plus some decor is a smart solution
a lovely multi-level space with a deck with a dining one, a built-in bench with pillows and stools plus a green lawn
a modern multi-level garden with a green lawn, some blooms and a tree, a ladder, some built-in garden beds and a bench
a modern multi-level outdoor space with a deck and outdoor furniture, a fire pit and some greenery, a living room and a dining space here
a modern multi-level outdoor space with a garden with grasses, stained built-in furniture, a fireplace and a ladder plus some pillows
a modern multi-level outdoor space with a kitchen, a dining space and a green lawn is a chic and lovely space
a modern multi-level outdoor space with a raised sitting zone with a fire pit, a dining space, some grasses and greenery
a modern multi-level terrace with a dining zone on top and a sitting zone with some plants and a fireplace in the lower part
a modern nulti-level outdoor space with a dining space, a fountain, a bench with succulents and grasses, a fire pit
a modern outdoor space with a built-in bench and a fire pit, some steps and greenery around
a modern outdoor space with a multi-level deck, a plunge pool, loungers, some greenery and trees around and some pebbles and rocks
a multi-level deck with a dining zone and kitchen on top, some wooden steps and a sitting zone in the end of the stairs is a cool and smart idea
a multi-level deck with a sofa, a fire pit, decks and greenery plus trees around is very cozy
a multi-level deck with modern outdoor furniture, greenery, trees and blooms around is a cool outdoor space
a multi-level deck with some plants, a gravel part with a fire pit and a sitting zone with trees and greenery
a multi-level deck with some steps and simple furniture is a cool idea for a Scandinavian home
a multi-level deck, a sitting zone in the lower part, witha fire pit, a wooden bench and some pillows and greenery around
a multi-level garden with a deck, some potted plants and a green lawn on top is a gorgeous idea if you don't have much space
a multi-level garden with a green lawn on top and some trees, a deck in the lowest part of the garden is a cool idea for a small space
a multi-level garden with a green lawn, plants and trees and a deck is a cool idea for a modern or contemporary space
a multi-level garden with decks, benches, some furniture and lots of blooms and greenery is cool
a multi-level garden with greenery and blooms, some steps and decks, modern outdoor furniture is lovely
a multi-level garden with trees, greenery and blooms and a multi-tiered raised garden bed is a super cool space
a multi-level modern garden with a large ladder, some greenery, modern furniture is a stylish space
What Are Design Tricks For A Split-Level Patio?
Use the same paving surface across both patios and the adjoining wall for seamless continuity.
Make the most of a change in height by building in a falling water feature.
Link the levels with an architectural flight of stairs and bold stair rail.
Break up a harsh change in levels with an oversized geometric feature such as an industrial-sized planter filled with patio plants or a striking standardized tree.
Lighting is a great way to blur boundaries and divert the gaze to key garden features.
Showcase the change in levels further by adding bold block style seating, raised garden beds and even a block coffee and fire pit table. All the interplaying shapes and horizontals will work together, enlivening the space with a sculptural sense of depth and form.
a multi-level ourdoor space with a gardne part with blooms and greenery, a dining space, a green lawn is cool
a multi-level outdoor space with a deck with an outdoor living room, a tree, blooms, a fire pit and a dining space
a multi-level outdoor space with a dining zone, greenery and trees, an outdoor living room
a multi-level outdoor space with a ladder, some greenery, trees and blooms and a terrace with furniture and a pool
a multi-level outdoor space with a terrace, some raised garden beds, a dining zone and some plants
a multi-level outdoor space with an egg chair, a green lawn, a small dining zone and some plants
a multi-level outdoor space with greenery and blooms around, a hot tub, a ladder and a deck with rustic wooden furniture
a multi-level outdoor space with greenery, a green lawn, a plunge pool and a tree with built-in outdoor furniture
a multi-level outdoor space with reclaimed decks, modern furniture and trees around is a cool space to have a rest in
a multi-level patio with an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor sitting zone with a fire pit plus lots of greenery around
a multi-level wooden deck with potted greenery and blooms and a suspended chair on is a smart solution
a pretty multi-level outdoor space with a bleached deck, some steps, a sunken conversation pit, rocks and trees
a raised wooden deck with a dining zone under an umbrella and a green lawn below plsu some potted plants is a cool idea
a small multi-level modern garden with some outdoor furniutre, greenery and blooms around is a cool space
a small multi-level outdoor space with a green lawn, some simple furniture is a cool idea if you don't have much space
a two-level deck with some outdoor beanbag chairs is a smart solution for a minimalist or contemporary space
a two-level deck with trees and modern wooden furniture plus lush greenery around
a two-level outdoor space with a deck and dining furniutre, a garden part with greenery, blooms and a bench
a two-level outdoor space with a dining zone, a living room with a grill, a green lawn and a lush garden with blooms
a two-level outdoor space with a pool and greenery, a sofa and an outdoor kitchen is a lush tropical space
a two-level outdoor space with a pool, a sitting zone, greenery and trees is a cool space to have fun in
a two-level outdoor space with a sitting zone in the lower part, some greenery and a green lawn with outdoor furniture and some plants on top
a two-level outdoor space with a small garden with furniture on top, a deck with a dining set in the lower level is cool
a two-level outdoor space with a wild garden, a deck with modern furniture, some living trees and pillows
a two-level outdoor space with an outdoor kitchen and a dining zone plus a terrace with a bench and a fire pit and greenery around
a two-level outdoor space with modern garden furniture on top, a green lawn and some rattan furniture plus a fire pit