Thanks for the feedback. We are trying to avoid non-permeable surfaces due to previous runoff issues that caused some water issue with our neighbor on the downward side of us. Perhaps a small concrete landing could be added by the door and the deck could be built around the pad??

We definitely don't want grass in that area as this is more of a woodland setting.

Unless you want to dig out 3' of grade around the house for a deck, a patio would be the appropriate solution. Especially in a woodland setting with water runoff. Digging a bathtub to insert a wood deck into it is not a good idea. Water runoff can be addressed in any situation.

My deck is about 1' above grade. There may be a way to not have to dig down that far. Like maybe if the joists are partially supported by the ground, they don't need to be as deep. A local builder would know what code requires.

A patio does not need to be impermeable. There are permeable pavers and even permeable concrete. A flagstone patio would allow water to pass between the rocks, as well.

I think it would be easier to have a permeable patio and some drainage solutions to a rain garden to prevent run-off than it would be to put in a deck.

Thanks all. I am going to explore a paver type situtation.

Here are a few suggestions:

That's beautiful Doug!! I am sure that amount of stone work is more than we can afford at the moment. But perhaps something similar with irregular flagstone set in crushed stone is possible.

@Dig Doug's Designs

Doug, What is the software you are using to create the design above? I have contractors coming to give estimates and I would like to show them my ideas for that area.

I realize you are probably using a pro version but if there is a simpler version I could maybe figure it out.

Thanks!

Here is the link: https://ideaspectrum.com/professional-landscape-software/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0oagBhDHARIsAI-BbgdxnULGVlP7Q-X1xY9plNs0g6AzvursQLVqPcJlTDsfEpI49BXh4HcaAp6gEALw_wcB