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[Sweetbay magnolia]

@Fressa , I do like the idea of a patio, with stairs leading to it from the house.  I failed to mention, this deck is on the first level of the house, so though there is a need for steps, it's not in any way extreme.

I love patterned bluestone (random flagstone) and though it is expensive I am going to look at that.

Thank you.

[stevieb]

I much prefer a ground level terrace or patio to an elevated deck or balcony but I prefer a screened in porch to any of the other options.

[LindaSal]

@Sweetbay magnolia Composite all the way.  We had a large composite deck  and wrap around farmers porch at our house that we had built.   All we ever had to do was power wash in the spring.  There really is nothing like it!   It will outlast all of us, LOL!   We live in a townhouse now and have wooden decks which I hate, That is the one thing I miss most about my home, that beauty of a deck and porch.   

The idea of a patio is also a good one.  My son has a stamped concrete patio with a gazebo, quite nice.

[AuntG]

That size is too big for us. I think I would install a 10x12 patio at ground level. Then, if it would blend well with the exterior, I might do some steps that lead to a 10x12 screened in room. If you decide on replacing the deck, I'd suggest composite material instead of wood. I've seen both, and in our climate, wood takes a beating if you don't maintain it.

[Catiele]

We have a deck with two levels. Don't really use it. It is nice to look at. It has planters and hangers. Oh hummingbird feeder and birdhouses. Fall is the only time we may use it.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Many great suggestions.  Thank you.  I do think this huge honking deck is not sustainable - for me, anyway.  I would love to tear it down tomorrow.

It was very well built.  I'll give it that.

Just trying to picture other scenarios, and what the house might look like without it.  Don't want to open a whole 'nother can of worms!

[Marybella]

Our 40x12 foot deck was built with wood and it was getting old, so we replaced the decking with composite material. Easy to maintain with either a power washer once a year or just a scrub bucket and a brush mop. We went with the Ultra-deck which was less expensive than Trex and we are very satisfied with it. It has held up quite well for the last 10 years.

[Lilysmom1]

@Sweetbay magnolia , I have stone, flagstone, screened in and wood.

This deck at lakeside is 16 years old.  My contractor brother says it has a couple of years of life left.  I used a good quality wood stain on this deck once and haven't touched it since except to replace a plank on one stair.

This deck is stone, 16 years old, build as part of house construction  I power wash this once a year.  A dirty job.  I would not do this type of deck again.

This deck is three years old, lakeside, wood.  I wanted to do composite here but my contractor talked me out of it.  I think he was right because composite needs to be power washed and there is no electricity lakeside.

I also think contractors are not keen on working with composite...or at least mine isn't.

The deck below is screened in.  The least work.  Lots as good as the day it was installed.  We bbq all winter using this deck.

This deck is flag stone.  I definitely would not do this again.  It needs grooming once a week to control the weeds.  It has a lovely moss between the stones and looks nice but weeds still grow here.

If I were to do another deck, I would opt for stamped concrete or composite (providing there is electricity close to power wash).  

You can also opt to do a combo,which might be nice.  I put stone steps on the wood deck shown in photos 3 and 4.  Good idea as steps usually go first.

Good luck!  Let us know what you choose.  LM

Here are a few more shots of flagstone.

[AngelPuppy1]

We have a very small front porch which we don't really use.  It's too noisy and hot.  We have a back covered patio that is much cooler and quieter and not much maintanenace.  We recently had the floor painted but that's not required very often.  I'd go for a patio!  

[hopi]

If you do not need to contain children, dogs and maintain privacy. Patio is the perfect option.