Hello,

We moved into our house about 2 years ago and did some substantial work in land clearing our backyard and planting a new lawn to have space for our young children and dog. Because the backyard was previously not set up to be much of an entertaining area, there was no patio and just a small, worn down 12x12 deck with enough room for a grill and a table and chairs (though a pretty crowded space).

We are trying to determine (within a reasonable budget), how to make this more of an entertaining space with room for furniture, a grill, and possibly a firepit etc. In talking with contractors, we have come across the following options:

a) replace 12x12 deck with 12x8 deck and change stairs to come off the back to approx 440 sq ft patio (14x20 main area with the rest of the area kind of running along sides of deck

b) replace 12x12 deck with 12x6 deck (essentially enough space for a grill during the winter or a couple chairs during the summer) and change stairs to come off the deck to approx 515 sq ft patio (17x22 main area with the rear of the area running along sides of deck)

c) replace 12x12 deck with stairs and patio (larger patio space but no deck)

cost in options a) and b) similar. option c would be a bit cheaper, but no deck. are small decks like this (12x8 or 12x6 worth it?)

all dimensions suggested based on location of bulkhead, side of house and grade of lawn. pixtures of current deck area attached for reference