We were all for a deck for years before we finally put in a paver patio. My husband's rule is do it once and have it last for his lifetime. Hence, vinyl and aluminum fences and the patio.

Asthetically, I might have preferred a flagstone patio, esp. since our house is a colonial. But, I was worried about frost heaving the stones, and the budget.

In the picture below, you can see how we went about solving the elevation of our back door to the final level of the patio.

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I really like how you worked the steps down gradually to solve the elevation problem at the door. I would prefer to do some sort of patio such as yours over a deck. But I am fearing that it would be more $$. Did you do the work yourself or hire someone? I'm having a hard time trying to figure out 2 or 3 companies to give us quotes on decks and 2 or 3 on patios in the area since I'm all the way down here in TX. Would you say that a deck the same size as your patio would have been more or less? I'm walking into this completely green and flying a bit blind, LOL.
Thanks!

Thanks, glad the photo helped. I really wanted a deck because I liked the idea of being elevated, but when the designer showed me the elevated landing on the patio, that was the clincher.

I think that a deck would have cost us less (patio `$15K), but there's no comparison re longevity and maintenance. We did not attempt this ourselves, as we would have the deck. It's on a poured concrete base and done with Techo-Bloc pavers. (I'm not advertising for them, just a satisfied customer!)

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Here is a link that might be useful: techo bloc website

A single step can be a tripping hazard, so include something that acts as a visual clue that there is a change in level.

I would expect a patio to cost more than a deck, but it depends on the quality of the workmanship and type and cost of materials.

Unfortunately we would have about 6 steps down before reaching ground level in the back yard currently...

An outdoor space on the same level will feel more connected to the house, and will likely get used more. Imagine, the first warm spring day - you might duck outside with your coffee in hand, in the lee of the house. But I doubt you would get a jacket out to make the trek down to a patio.

Photos would be helpful, but as a general rule I'd vote for a deck.

-VW

Regarding cost, paver patios are rarely, I think, done on poured concrete. That must be the most expensive way to do a deck. Possibly in NJ you would need a crushed granite plus sand base; even that would be cheaper (in my climate I can get away with sand only). And if you could DIY you'd be in the hundreds, not thousands, of dollars.

KarinL

If you put a deck in im sure its probably half way through its life working quickly to 3/4 - my rule and advice to customers is " no wood outside" under no circumstances ...We routinely build elevated patios. Its a one time investment impervious to weather.