It's funny that people consider the decking as a craze - the alternatives in Ireland are concrete/paving slabs, gravel or just dont install decking. All have there pros and cons - I for one like decking, irrespective of the level relative to the house/garden because I have two kids, and when the weather is crap and you want them outside but not on the grass because it is soggy, it is a great place to let them play around on. I put a rail around mine to cage them in. I never had problems with slipping, because I have a south facing garden, but almost broke my neck on my friend's decking because his is shaded in places by a high wall and is lethal as a result.