I'm looking to replace my raised deck. It's great that we can access it directly from our kitchen without stairs, but the space underneath seems to attract critters like ants. I'm considering a ground-level paver patio, which could be two tiers, but I'm worried that it would require 5-7 steps from our back sliding door, taking up a lot of room. Can anyone share their thoughts on the pros and cons of a raised deck flush with the kitchen versus a slightly raised ground paver patio?
3 Answers
I actually have both too. A deck at floor level is fantastic, but I found decks can be quite a hassle to maintain compared to pavers, which are way easier to look after.
You'd be surprised how much more you'll enjoy an area that's level with your door. In my experience, it just feels like a natural extension of the home rather than a separate outdoor space. It might seem minor, but it really makes a difference! Just my two cents!
I had both setups! I built a small raised deck just for a dining table, then added four steps down to a paver patio. Honestly, I've got no regrets about either choice—they work well together!
Do you use one area more than the other? I'm wondering if combining both is more beneficial than having one larger space.

Wait, you mean your deck is raised and the patio is at floor level, right?