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[SeaMaiden]

@Sweetbay magnolia we replaced our two back decks about 5 years ago. It was very expensive💰💰💰💰💰.   Like you, our wood decks were both very old and were beyond anymore repair. I contemplated composite VS wood....and chose wood. I know wood and understand wood.  Composite is not without its own "issues" and I read about many people being unhappy with their composite decks.  Yes, wood decks require upkeep and are expensive to upkeep. I spend about $3500 every two years to clean and stain our wood decks. I do not do it myself...too big a job at my and DH's age. 

A patio  might be fun! If your yard allows for it, maybe look into that. 

I will be replacing my front door wood deck probably here in the next year or two. I think for that deck I will use composite. See how I like it. 

Good luck on whatever you choose! Keep me up to date on your decision! 

[SilleeMee]

My deck is fairly new, made of composite (Trex brand) with a redwood base frame and railing. I live in Colorado where the sun is very intense and it damages natural wood very quickly. The composite also makes snow removal easy b/c the snow doesn't stick to it like ti does on wood. I love it!

[Desertdi]

My slab extends 12' out from the entire back of the house.   It's usually too HOT or too COLD to sit out there........

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Lots of things to consider.  Drainage, for one.  For two, do we really need 12 x 48?  The rural property behind us has gone the way of development, so the whole idea of surveying the view has changed.

Traffic patterns.  The house is built like a ranch in the back with a story added on, with a garage.  If you like to pace, it's a good long walk side-to-side (I'm naturally energetic).  So we have two patio doors, one at either end.  I have to seriously consider the aspect of how to get around the property.  The deck is access to the "back 40".

This will be interesting!

[On It]

@Sweetbay magnolia The topography of your lot seems to be the determining factor. How will you exit without a deck? Will you need to go downstairs to a walkout basement? I would think not having an exit from the main living areas would get frustrating at times. I like the previous suggestions of doing both if the budget permits. Otherwise, I would vote for a composite deck.

[ScrapHappy]

My sister and my mother both had composite decks and they held up nicely throughout the years.  When we first started looking at houses in the neighborhood I live in now, many had decks and they were wood.  Many were in need of some kind of repair and I can see how the upkeep would be a lot.  We did not buy a house with a deck.  We have a patio and an in ground pool.  It's in pretty good condition but we know at some point will need replacing.  Not looking forward to that.  We're already getting estimate for our driveways, unforunetely have 2 driveways.  Got one quote for $27,300.  Waiting for the second one which I anticipate to be more.  UGH!

[Kachina624]

I have a covered patio built on the same slab as the house.  There's no maintenance whatsoever except keeping it clean.  I'd never use an outside space that wasn't covered as the sun is too intense plus it saves my outdoor furniture and gives the dogs a shady place to rest. 

[Sweetbay magnolia]

@On It - no walk out.  Below grade crawl space, and yes, we would need stairs.  At the high end it's about three feet above grade, less so at the other end.

We could build two separate decks, also.  Patio in between.

I'll have to get a building contractor involved to see what is do-able.  The good thing is, the deck is free standing so no worries about pulling it off the house (if we do change the way it is).

[Fressa]

I've had all three options and currently Ihave a patio. My vote is for the patio. There just seems to be more options with the space. I do think the maintainence is easier. Just hose/ it off or pressure wash once a year.

[On It]

@Sweetbay magnolia So just needing a few steps off a back porch exit would eliminate the deck. I would use composite on those for certain. I have had both a deck and a patio in various homes over the years. Composite materials were a game changer. Your contractor may even add more ideas to the mix. Enjoy whichever you choose to build.