We just bought a house with a nice sized patio. The only thing is that the backyard is on a very small sloping hill. Because of this, much of the ground has eroded, causing the bottom of the slab to show and patio to be pulled away from the foundation of the house (about 3/4"). Our predicament is trying to decide what we want to do with the space. We have gotten quotes for building a deck on top of this slab, but they are pretty costly. I was wondering if it is possible to somehow salvage what is here by possibly filling in the gap, maybe putting footers at the end of the slab to keep it from moving anymore? I am honestly completely in the dark to this as I have no experience with this or how to go about it. Is it better to just go with a deck that will have big support posts put in the ground, or is it possible to maybe salvage this and put a retaining wall at the end or something like that? For the grass (or lack of) we are going to try and install artificial turf as our neighbors have tried everything for their grass and cant get any to grow. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Photos here: http://postimg.org/gallery/2xc...

I am not sure where you live, but I would contact someone who pours patios to find out the information you need. Sounds from your description like the patio is poured concrete. Perhaps your neighbors would know who did your patio and you could contact that person with your questions.

Welcome to NGA!

Photo?

Is it a place where you have to have grass?
Why put grass or artificial grass where it does not want to be?
Is it sunny..what about a groundcover suited to the slope and sun availability? This way you are not fighting what wants to be. If you fill in your location ..folks inthe know can perhaps give you suggestions.

I agree 100 percent with Betty and ask for referrals and get expert advice about the possible construction remedies.

Agree a deck maybe $$ but in the long run, if it solves your problem and provides you with useful space..it will " payback "

Had another thought..(again photo would help )

When you speak with an expert..,ask if posts could be driven down into the land along the back edge of patio to prevent further slipppage... These same posts / supports could be used to attach lumber (or metal) to create a long bench to span across the back....or a long planting box for ornamentals / beauty or functional - veggie and herbs ( providing you have proper light) and then you would hot need to see the lack of grass.. ..the patio slipping may be stabilized... And that existing 3/4 inch opening against your house where the patio separated could be filled in with a pretty pea gravel.

I looked closely at your photographs and concur with Missing Rosie's thoughts. If it is truly on a very SMALL sloping hill and not something that constitutes a hazard I think I would take the time to learn about the property, learn about basic erosion issues (library, google, local government sources and extension services) and just focus on the basics for now. I would fill in the missing soils and plant something like daylily's or something that forms a good deep root system that would help anchor the soil. It is hard to recommend anything more specific, not knowing your climate, soils, or sun/shade needs. You could also consider a French Drain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... type of system around the patio if you think it is warranted. Basically you only know there is a problem right now. You are not familiar with the property enough to know if this was a one time event or a new problem or an old problem that is likely to re occur. Living tissue (plants) coverage is natures way of controlling water erosion. In such a small area in which it is NOT a hazard to property below or threatening your home, it is worth taking the time to study exactly what the problem is, when it occurs and this leads to the solution. I would not spend the money now on a new deck or patio if this one is in good shape and the erosion can be controlled. It is much more fun to spend money on your new home making it suit you!