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

I have read some posts describing sinking in 20 inch roof flashing for a vertical barrier. I might try this next to our shed. And now I am thinking if only growing raspberries which I prefer. I spent some time today looking at my blackberries and they are popping up all over the place. I might try large tubs. I am also resolving to relocate the raspberries from my deck. Too much potential for them getting out if control!

I would start with the patio. You may find that you won't want a deck at all. Plus, a deck would block natural light on the first floor. I think that your patio has a lot of potential.

Thanks for the detailed response. On the last question about drainage. Then plan is to put a patio cover with gutters. So roof run off will not be an issue. Current concrete patio has slight slope (forget the word for that). As for clearance and the upper part there is barely room. About 1.5 inches by the wall and goes to about 2 something at the end of the upper level. I could start the freestanding just on the lower portion but I wanted it all to be one (aesthetics in addition to function). After looking closer looks like upper concrete is different than the main foundation but that is my unprofessional analysis with a quick look. I say that because looking at the side wall the upper slopes down. And you can see the difference better. again thanks for all the feedback. I'll take it into consideration.