Alternative to raised deck?

[loresho]

Our house is on the side of a hill, and so the garden is about 0.75m below the (new and lovely bifold) back door. At the moment the only way into the garden is down a short flight of ancient, crumbling concrete steps. We'd originally thought of having a raised timber deck leading to steps down to the garden, but I've read a lot about it being a massive hassle to maintain (and also being a perfect haven for rats!) - no thanks. But what are the alternatives? Stone patio? Anything else?

[PrimalLass]

The fake wood decks look pretty good now. I wish we'd gone for that.

TBF, we power wash then re-oil our deck once a year - it isn't that much hassle.