Should You Build Your Deck Level With Your Home?

When planning a new deck, it’s easy to imagine it extending straight from your home—creating that easy, seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. But before committing to a deck that sits perfectly level with your home, it’s important to consider how height impacts comfort, durability, and overall safety.

As Connecticut deck builders with decades of hands-on experience, we’ve seen firsthand what holds up beautifully over time and what leads to avoidable issues later on. This guide breaks down the pros and cons, along with key factors to consider, when choosing the right deck height, helping you make a decision that supports your home, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

Key Takeaway: Is It Best to Build a Deck at Home Level?

Matching your deck exactly to your home's floor height might seem like a great way to blend indoor and outdoor spaces. However, in most cases, decks built perfectly level with the house carry moisture and safety concerns, and often don’t meet Connecticut building codes. 

In most cases, we recommend a slight step down from your home’s threshold. It’s typically enough to encourage proper drainage and keep moisture where it belongs: outside. That small detail can make a big difference in protecting your foundation, your flooring, and your peace of mind.

Understanding Deck Height: Why Level Matters

Deck level refers to the finished height of your deck compared to reference points around your home, most commonly your indoor floor, door threshold, or the surrounding ground. This measurement affects comfort, convenience, and most importantly, long-term performance.

Several key factors influence where your deck should sit:

1. Drainage and Moisture Management: Water must flow away from both the house and the deck’s framing.

2. Safety: A deck positioned too high, too low, or flush with the wrong threshold can create trip hazards.

3. Local Code Requirements: Connecticut building codes often specify minimum gaps between the deck surface and the interior floor, as well as specific requirements for flashing, railings, and structural supports.

A properly planned deck height balances easy access and long-term protection for your home.

The Risks of Decks Level With Your Home

It’s easy to understand the appeal of a deck that lines up perfectly with your interior floor. It creates a clean, modern look and a smooth indoor-outdoor flow. But this approach can cause several serious issues over time:

Moisture Intrusion

Without a step down, rainwater can collect where the deck meets the door, seeping under thresholds or behind siding. This can lead to rot, mold, and structural deterioration, especially in New England’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Pest Access

Decks that sit too close to your home’s finished floor make an inviting bridge for termites, ants, and other pests to reach your framing.

Code and Insurance Concerns

Most Connecticut building codes require at least a small vertical gap between the deck and the interior floor. Ignoring that standard can cause problems with inspections, insurance claims, or even resale if moisture damage occurs.

Even a half-inch of incorrect height can lead to expensive repairs later. A small step down now can prevent big headaches down the road.

Deck Types Explained: Raised, Ground-Level, and Grade-Level

Not all decks are created equal when it comes to height and structure. Here are the most common types:

Raised Decks

• Usually align with the main floor of your home

• Provide great views, drainage, and storage underneath

• Require railings and stairs for safety

• Higher initial cost but long lifespan

Ground-Level Decks

• Sit lower, generally 6–18 inches above ground

• Offer easy access and a seamless connection to yards or patios

• Need moisture-resistant materials and careful ventilation

• Great for homes with lower door thresholds

Grade-Level Decks

• Built nearly flush with the ground

• Budget-friendly and often DIY-accessible

• Most vulnerable to moisture and pest problems

• Work best for casual spaces away from the main structure

When planning your deck, consider the landscaping around it, your outdoor furniture choices, and how you want traffic to flow from inside to outside. A raised deck might offer better views and cooling breezes, while a ground-level design can feel more like a natural extension of your yard.

Building Smart: Deck Construction and Moisture Management

Whether your deck is high or low, moisture prevention is not to be taken lightly. Good construction practices go a long way in keeping your structure dry, solid, and beautiful for years.

Key strategies include:

• Deck Slope: Install deck boards with a gentle 1/8-inch-per-foot slope away from the house for proper runoff.

• Deck Flashing Against the House: Use metal or composite flashing at the ledger board to keep water from entering your home’s structure. Correct installation protects both the deck attachment and your foundation.

• Deck Board Spacing: Maintain 1/8–¼-inch gaps between boards for drainage and airflow.

• Drainage Systems: Essential for raised decks, built-in drainage, or under-deck solutions route water safely away.

• Material Choices: Composite and PVC decking, like TimberTech® and Azek®, perform exceptionally well in Connecticut’s humid summers and snowy winters.

When you attach a deck to the home, hardware and flashing must be installed precisely to prevent water from entering and to meet Connecticut building code requirements. Proper planning and professional installation from an experienced company like Burr Custom Exteriors will ensure that your deck not only meets code but also lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.

Cost Factors: Deck Height, Materials, and Maintenance

Deck height doesn’t just change how your space feels; it also shapes how you use it. It can also influence your budget, maintenance plan, and long-term costs.

Height and Complexity

• Raised Decks: Require deeper footings, more framing, and safety railings, raising the initial investment.

• Ground-Level Decks: Cost less to build but need more ongoing care because they’re closer to moisture.

Material Choices

• 5/4 Wood Boards: Classic, affordable, and attractive, but need regular sealing.

• Composite and PVC Boards: Cost more upfront, but last much longer with less upkeep.

• Pressure-Treated Lumber: Reliable and cost-effective when appropriately maintained.

Maintenance Over Time

Lower decks are more exposed to dampness and soil contact, which can mean higher long-term repair costs. A correctly built raised deck may require fewer structural repairs over its lifetime.

For a more detailed look at costs and ways to save on your next project, explore our deck replacement and design options.

How to Decide: Deck Design, Lifestyle, and Resale Value

Your deck should reflect your needs and style, but also take into account resale value and neighborhood trends.

Consider:

• Accessibility: A transition step can make your deck safer in wet or icy weather, and is often preferred for homes with young children or aging family members.

• Curb Appeal: A well-proportioned deck enhances your home’s look from both the yard and the street.

• Ongoing Costs: Composite decks may have a higher starting cost, but they typically cost less to maintain.

• Resale: Local buyers in Fairfield County and neighboring communities appreciate attractive, safe decks built to code.

Professional design services help you evaluate deck levels alongside 3D renderings to visualize the finished project. Learn more about our 3D deck design and renderings if you want to preview your options before construction begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck-Level Decisions

Should Deck Boards Slope Away From the House?

Yes. Building codes and best practices recommend a slight slope away from the house (about 1/8-inch per foot) to promote drainage and prevent water pooling against your siding.

What is the Minimum Height Between a Deck and the Ground?

Deck board height from the ground depends on the materials and moisture risk, but most ground-level decks in Connecticut are set 12 to 18 inches above grade to allow airflow and minimize rot.

Can I Build a Ground-Level Deck Over an Existing Patio?

In some cases, yes, but the existing surface must allow water drainage, and the new deck should not block weep holes or trap moisture near the house. Consulting a professional can help determine what is possible for your unique site.

For more in-depth deck advice, you can reach out directly and speak with one of our team members. We’re happy to answer any technical questions you have.

Serving Connecticut Homeowners

For over 50 years, our family-owned team has been helping homeowners across Fairfield, Wilton, Westport, New Canaan, Weston, and nearby towns create beautiful outdoor living spaces. We know local codes and understand the Connecticut climate, and we build every project with long-term durability in mind.

Explore our full list of service areas to see if we work in your neighborhood.

Why Work With a Local Deck Expert?

When you work with a local company, you get more than a contractor. You gain a partner who will guide you through design, permitting, and construction from conception through completion. Burr Custom Exteriors brings more than 50 years of family-operated service and expertise to backyard transformations across Connecticut. Our projects feature premium materials, expert installation, and an available manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.

Explore our local portfolio and see how a custom deck can elevate your home’s outdoor living spaces.

Start Your Deck Project Today

Ready to explore your options for deck height, design, or materials? Request an expert evaluation today and get personalized recommendations for your project. We’re here to guide you through every step, from initial planning to the final board. Ask about financing options to fund your project flexibly.

Let’s create a deck for your home that looks beautiful, functions smoothly, and stands strong through every Connecticut season.