hi, i am about to begin a project which involves installing a patio. i am installing interlocking concrete pavers with mason sand and gravel. I have a small dilema, My house is newly constructed without back steps or a patio. i have a 23 inch drop from my sliding door to the ground/grade level. I would like to build a step landing at my screen door level(23 inches up from the dirt) then a step or two onto the patio which runs to the pool deck. I would like to know the best/most cost effective way to achieve this. Someone told me that i can use retaining wall to build up the heigh. If this is true, do i need the R-Wall only for the perimeter of the landing? Do i put topsoil inside the landing or do i have to use the gravel base all the way up to about 20 inches inside the landing? please your suggestions are welcome. Please provide any links/websites that may explain/show this project. thanks much.