There are several options you might select to create a "usable" outdoor area for you, family and friends.
1) Have a concrete pad poured to extend the current pad you have or to create a new one. Thes ... read more
Consult a professional.
Whether it's 12" or 12' off the ground there are too many safety and code issues for the average homeowner to tackle. Better to do it right than to regret it later.