Which direction is the building facing?

At that floor height above grade, a patio would be less convenient. To not block the light to lower rooms, move a deck a few feet away from the house, whereas it seems connected with a "bridge" section of deck. Part of the equation would be the deck size. How large do you need it to be?

the back is North facing

You are in the north and the natural light in the lower level will always be diminished. However a deck the starts out narrow and gets wider or has an angle as it extens away from house will help. Install really good lighting on the lower level and pray for spring.

Again ... how large of a deck?

I know someone with a deck over the bedroom window. It's really dark. I'd do stairs and a patio. You have a big yard. Have the stairs floating (ie no vertical board between risers.)

We don't have any specifications right now in regards to size or style Just really trying to figure out what would function the best

You can create a small deck, then step down to a patio.

Otherwise it's windows to nowhere. (I wonder, too, if they're legal egress if you have to duck when you crawl out.)

I'm not asking for specs. Am asking about general needs. It's for a family of 2 who needs a hibachi and bistro set? ... or for a family of 12 who needs a party deck and places for all the friends and relatives to sit ...? The crowd one is designing for would make a big difference is what one designs. Also, since you didn't comment or question about it, not sure you saw or understood the "bridge" concept.

oops, sorry. We are a family of five and would prefer to do the patio over the deck but not sure if that is what's best. I assume the bridge design would just be a narrow bridge that connects the patio door to the body of the deck, is that right? Is there a photo of something that you were picturing that you could post just to make sure I'm picturing it correctly?

Tasa, I'm not sure what bridge you talking about but you should keep in mind that you still have to build a landing to meet the building code which will have to be 3' away from the door, then you have to build the stairs, by looking at it and if this is a double 4 siding you have 80"+ height from the door dawn, which means you will end up with approximately 11 steps and that's a lot of walking up and down especially during a party or even in general just bringing food from the kitchen.

So you end up with something like this

Good luck

Those tall steps look like something straight out of 1800s. :-)

The "bridge" I speak of is a general concept with no specific dimensions. It is merely a conceptual means to get a deck away from the house in order not to kill light to lower rooms. Here's an unfinished half stab at a crude picture. You'll need to use your imagination.

Why is this posted in a Buying/Selling forum?

those images are really helpful, thank you! I'm not sure about the buying/selling forum, it may be as this is a house we're considering buying so I may have clicked that tag

I would guess that the base is the sliding door is about 4-5' off the ground

This is about 5' off the ground level, dressed it up for you a little.

Good luck

that's perfect!!!!!! thank you!!!

that's perfect! thank you!!!

Carrying out a little further whereas the bottom element is a landing or could be the start of a patio. (Still must use your imagination. :-)