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Message: [QUOTE="DonaldDraper, post: 2465698, member: 1022"] Pavers and stone are the best looking way to go. Keep in mind that you're looking at $20+ a sq ft to do concrete base with pavers. If they dig deep enough to put in 8-12 inches of gravel then you're going to be crack free for a while. The polymeric sand is a good option as well but I would ensure you still have a deep gravel base and bigger stones/pavers with this option. It can save you as much as $5/sq ft over the concrete, but if you don't go deep enough and have big enough patio stones the frost creepe is going to affect the patio. I went with this option for 1.5 inch thick 18x36 Pennsylvania flagstones. They are big enough where I haven't seen any movement although the polymeric sand has washed away in areas. I will need to get that redone but it should be an hour or so of a project. Minimal weeds that get pulled or sprayed are no big deal. I also buried a slotted pipe around the outside of the patio. It drains fantastically and has no drain box and is covered with grass so you can't see the drainage. The goal for drainage is 1/4 per 3 feet ata a bare minimum. I did this in northern Virginia and made sure there was a 6 inch gravel base. Having resurfaced a deck, this option is the least appealing from my perspective unless you need it elevated. Always use at least number one wood unless you are doing it stricty to sell your house. The problem with wood is that a natural finish looks worse every year. As soon as you paint it it becomes a yearly maintenance issue that you have to come up with. Using the composit wood is the best option here if you want 20 years. Number one wood for 10 years and number 2 wood for 5 years. Then they splinter and become high maintenance. They are priced accordingly so they key is understanding the time value for your circumstance. Stamped concrete is the best way to get long term maintenance free at the lowest cost. Make sure you hire the best possible person to do this. If the concrete cracks or is. It stained correctly it will lookout wear terribly. Ask to see a picture of the contractors work or references that is 5 years or older. [/QUOTE]

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