Hi Houzz!

I have a backyard that's quite a project. When I first moved in there was a rotted deck. It was torn out, then I was sidetracked with other projects. What do I do for the ground?

Over the months I've learned that
1. The ground is too close to the bottom of the door, so not enough room for ventilation, to do a proper deck that won't rot like the last one,
2. I need to either elevate a deck and add stairs (which eats up already limited space, adds tripping hazard, and I don't like), or to dig down so there's ventilation (which is bad because I believe my foundation needs that dirt).
3. It needs to be made of class A fire-rated wood for the area I live in (regulation), which is not cheap, but if built right would last a long time. But it may not be able to be built right. (ipe or mangaris)

So now I'm thinking maybe a bunch of spaced out concrete rectangles with gravel in between? I don't know. I want something modern-looking, useable, and that will last. A concrete slab would look like an alley. I'm fairly young, so if something doesn't last I'll be the one fixing it.