I would also consider a 2-level approach or something similar that lets you make the transition to ground seem more gradual. There is also the idea that you may find you want to do a good deal of grilling the food outside, then eat inside, because well, it is just so convenient and you can grill under less ideal circumstances than required for outdoor dining. The utilitarian steps down to patio just to get to the grill will be a barrier to that. The problem with same level is that you have to use decking, then it does tend to force you to a large deck, then a large area underneath it plus lattice or whatever, plus maintenance--though new deck materials as you suggest make that less of an issue. So I do not want to discourage you from thinking about having a "stone" patio that is part of the yard. I think over time that area could be very nice and will feel more permanent--properly landscaped. So the deck idea gives a more immediate sense of its being just an extension of your kitchen and feeling like a "room", but the patio has the ability to feel "in the yard", as noted above. The problem with bi-level structures is you have to design carefully so that neither part is too small to be useful or it breaks up your party in the wrong way. So, for example, if you envision 6 guys or gals yakking around the grill, you want room for that in your design. I think the deck landing as shown in your picture has that dreaded ubiquitous tacked-on landing look that just gets you up and down, and if you do actually make just steps, I would try to put more into their design to make a more graceful descent to the yard--whether that is broader, curved, or something. Of course that might be too expensive, so part of the fun of the forum is that we can brainstorm about how you might spend your $$! Really, just giving you things to think about. Broad steps or more gradual transition type structures can also often be used as seating/dining (for kids) as long as is wide enough. You don't show anything about the exposure of the back of the house, sun patterns, etc, so any design needs to think ahead to whether you will plant trees for shade, use umbrellas, arbor, or what--meaning, leave space in yard, or plan layout of space.

If the floor is too "bouncy" she cannot install tile. Porcelain or stone need even stiffer floors. If your sister doesn't want to support the floor, then she will need a different type of flooring. She can achieve the look of tile with a high-end vinyl.

Hey choochnbob Unfortunately I was unable to view your pictures because the album is private. I believe we may have some products that could help you with your existing deck and patio. We sell modular flooring options which are great for pool areas because they are designed to provide water drainage and if need be are designed for easy access to fix any issues occurring underneath the tiles. Please check out our website www.coverdeck.com Or give us a call at (800) 550-3325 I am unable to help with the leveling of the decks for pool but one of our phone reps may be able to help as they are more knowledgeable in that area.

Any of these three systems for diverting rainwater from raised decks are going to be cheaper and work much better than your Rube Goldberg approach to mucking up a perfectly good deck. If I were you I'd spend the extreme money to do it your way, then when you're really disappointed in how your idea worked out, you can purchase one of these and appreciate what a good product that is based on a good idea can do for you. Investigate these and pick the one that matches your 'style'. Find a local installer with some experience. Negotiate a price. Enjoy your deck. Enjoy your dry patio. Pat yourself on the back for being so smart. Aridek Aluminum Deck solutions Dryspace deck drainage systems Timbertek