Could you post a photo and maybe the dimensions?

Hi gnfoster, could you post a few photos with dimensions of your yard? They are needed in order to give you useful information. (To do this, click on "attach images" and you can upload photos in the jpeg format)

Steve

So your backyard only extends 3 or 4' from the back of the house? Is that right? Or does it fall off after that to a lower level? If that's the case, then a deck could work nicely for you. Photos would definitely aid us in understanding your problem.

Ditto on the 1st comments. You should also remember that 10 to 12' long is the max you want to go without an expansion joint if your using concrete. A 2' x 2' + green space or water feature at these breaks help in avoiding a hall like look. Remember to put a solid crushed stone bed with a root retartant chemical barrier to avoid root trusting up the surface.

Depends on where you are located, consider potted plants or a simple sculptural garden with water feature.