deck step height at door

I'm almost finished with a new deck on my home. There will be a 7.5" step down from the new kitchen slider (getting ready to have it put in) to the deck. I'm planning on building a long step outside the slider, mainly to cover the unsightly plastic exhaust vent caps (from dryer, bathroom fans) which are beneath where the slider will be and above the deck surface. I've read the concerns/debate about having a deck flush with a door and flashing it vs. having a step down. Since I'll have a step anyway (about 13" wide riser), what do you recommend I do at the door -

1. Make the step 7.5" high flush with the slider.
2. Make the step 6.5" high and leave a 1" drop from slider to step.
3. Split the difference, with 2 step-ups of equal distance (3.75"), one to the step and one to the slider.

I'm concerned about appearance, and comfort/tripping over the door sill if it is done in an unorthodox way.

Btw, I am in a area that gets some snow (Maryland) but would keep the area swept off so I'm not too concerned about the snow piled up at the door.

 

Me, I'd go somewhere between plan #1 and plan #2.

 

There's nothing wrong with a 7" step, as that is normal. You could make a wide and deep step probably about 4" high. That way the step could cover your unsightliness underneath, and make the transition gradual rather than abrupt. You could make it removeable for service to the vents, also.

 

The first thing that you step on coming out of the slider has to be a landing (minimum 3' X 3'), not a step. Make that landing either 6-1/2" or 7" above the surface of the deck.