Did you see this post? Here is a link that might be useful: Stone patties

Thanks for the compliments, everyone. Mike, you're correct that I couldn't do this for a price than anyone could afford. I work very slowly! However, the before picture is misleading. It was taken a few years ago, I just forgot to take one immediately before starting. The first two pictures are roughly the same shot. The spruce tree to the right and behind the fire pit is the same tree, but with about 6 years of growth. The houses were all there when I started. I began this project last spring so it took me about a year and a half. By the way, Pam, I'm a math teacher with some time on my hands during the summer. Here's a picture from my back door, Pam. The fire pit is above the birdbath in the picture. It shows up a little more in real life.

Ssahw, sorry for this hijack, and back to your deck in a moment. *** Designshare, I have been saying nothing in response to several of your posts, but this time you posted twice and you did not listen to what the OP said. The OP clearly rejected your input, yet you made yet another bizarre and irrelevant picture. I would suggest you try to improve your work to encompass both reality and the question that the OP is asking, so it doesn't require anyone to be advised to ignore it. And by the way, if you see anyone giving advice that you think is a waste of time or otherwise bad, you are free to say so here. Just be sure to give reasons why you think it is bad. Given that freedom that you have, I would suggest that you try learning what "dictatorship" means before you use that word again. It continues to beggar my understanding that you are from China, which is a dictatorship where corruption and oppression abound, and yet you cannot tell the difference between a dictatorship and simple peer response. Far from seeking to oppress your contribution, I have frequently offered you suggestions on how to improve it. Your contributions in words are sometimes very good, and if you could simply stop with the pictures, you would be much more welcome by me. In particular, I have suggested that you not be the first to post to any thread, because it is very off-putting to a new OP when a "cartoon" (as your drawings were referred to by someone else) is the first response. That, of course, is only my opinion. I don't seek to speak on anyone else's behalf, and everyone else is free to tell you, and the rest of the world by posting it in a thread, if they feel differently about your pictures. *** So, back to the deck. I agree a deck would be easier to build, but maybe not so good for a firepit. I wonder though whether the firepit and pool seasons do not somewhat overlap. Perhaps it would be better to consider the two functions separately. Alternatively, based on the measurements you've given, that's some slope. Could you move the patio further from the deck to flatter ground? And/or extend the deck at its present level until you reach flat ground? Fill below the deck to bring the ground level up?? The concurrent thread I've linked below may give you, in monetary terms, some idea of the magnitude of putting the patio right where you want it. KarinL Here is a link that might be useful: concurrent thread

My answer is based on common sense knowledge, not scientific laboratory or engineer's testing. If someone comes up with an answer from either of those departments, I'll be happy to defer. I think of how many parts of a fireplace surround or hearth of various natural stones or concrete. As long as you're not in the direct "firebox" or chimney area, I don't think the material will be exposed to sufficient heat to cause harm. Keep in mind that the O2 being supplied to the fire is coming from the outside air -- cool air -- washing over the fire pit wall and cap on its way to the fire, ameliorating the effect of heat somewhat. That said, my educated guess could be wrong because that's how educated guesses sometimes are. Hopefully, my answer will not discourage anyone from offering a better one, if they have it.