That deck looks pretty useless as well as dangerous. i would speak with a few contractors re what your options are.

I'd start out by charting the size of the deck you want. Then, figure out if a patio or a deck is cheaper/better. Then, go forward. If I did a deck, I'd make it lower than the current stoop and have a wide step between the door and the deck.

@ShadyWillowFarmIt will be for mostly entertaining.

@Sigrid Thanks. How far out would you take the deck from the house? The issue I'm having is the concrete walkway that leads down to the basement. Would you take the deck over this? Would you have it stop before it?

Start by figuring out how large a space you need. Then figure out where the best place for that space is. THEN you can figure out the gory details.

Since it looks like you are a place with seasons, I'd strongly recommend you put this project on hold until next year. Sun and shade patterns play a big role in how pleasant an outdoor space is, and you may find that the lower part is nicer than the upper, or vice versa.

I would figure out what you want to do on your deck or patio. Do you want a grill and a table for 6? Then, maybe you want a patio that extends beyond your cement walkway. Then, you start thinking about the transition from the door to the patio and what material to make the patio out of, taking into account the cement path. Do you want room for 2 chairs and a small table between them? Then, maybe you want a deck that ends at the cement walkway.

You could also add some shrubs to the tree line. There are lots of native woodland edge plants. It would be very easy to find some if you have moist soil with partial shade. Lots of shade and dry is doable, but tougher.