Depends a bit on lifestyle & budget. I think a deck elevated to level with the sunroom, with a rail, would be best if you have small children who would be playing on it. Decks can cost more than patios, especially if you go with a composite. If you are planning a firepit area, then a patio is a good idea. Or you could build the deck first, and in the future add a patio/firepit/grill area.

Just added third option, which includes both. which my wife and i can agree on

There you go! My boss built his own composite deck and patio, which was a lot of work for one person, but saved about $20,000.

Yes we are planning on doing deck ourselves to save money

Plan out the lighting in advance too. Lit stair risers and railings are so pretty and no one will trip.

I prefer patios because they are typically far less upkeep. The trick is to get down those stairs safely so broad deep steps are advisable.

Deck for sure, you will be so glad you do not have to do stairs to enjoy your outdoor space!

I prefer decks to patios so I would do a big deck and might actually go all around that side of the house too. As for upkeep use a material for the decking that requires as little as possible like IPE or one of the fake wood ones. I like decks because to me they feel ike an extension of the house I even do the decking in a color that comes close as possible to matching the indoor flooring . We have 2200 sq ft of deck all around our house and pool, we literally live out there in the summer we have a huge outdoor dining space an outdoor kitchen and a large seatinfg space layed out very much like a home would be . The poolis an above ground we could not put an inground where are and that deck needs a bit more upkeep than the rest but IMO well worth the work to enjoy that whole outdoor space that flows together I aslo like the idea we are not blocking watr from getting to trees and the 2 fruit trees we have in the deck