Hi there! If you wanted to keep the organic look of natural timber, and limit your on-going maintenance and costs, porcelain timber-look tiles would be a practical option. The designs available now are amazing, and there are huge benefits when using a technical porcelain product over natural material, ongoing costs being just one. I won't clog up your question with more details, though I am happy to help further, just ask! Check out this link : https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/par-ker-timber-tiles-dsvw-vd~1163160 Hopefully it's both helpful and interesting. Best of luck!

do you pictures you can post

Hi I like the idea of a deck that is a common level with the house, but it would be expensive and maybe a waste of materials if the bricks are still level and whole. Consider pressure cleaning the bricks to remove grime and weeds. Imagine a pergola over the existing brick area. Have large pots at the foot of some of the posts with vines growing up the posts to eventually form a cover for seasonal shade. (Don't plant the vines directly into the ground, as they will eventually spoil the brickwork with their roots.) Or maybe the pergola could be covered with a suitable material of your choice which suits your climatic area - shade cloth, timber slats, canvas shades etc. Would you enjoy a fountain or water pool of ssome kind? Perhaps a Moroccan-style raised pool with tiled walls. Add some lovely seating - teak? or cane/rattan? and lots of potted greenery. Have fun with your new look.

Very helpful Off to do more homework . Many thanks