Jeff Thies wrote:

One of the projects I've been considering at the rental house is a
patio. The frost line is only a few inches (Atlanta). It is a sizeable
slope and I'll need to do some terracing.

I'd like enough of a patio for a few chairs and a BBQ.

I've done patios out of brick and concrete blocks (location had a lot
of them), and they are fun to do. I have neither at this location and am
thinking concrete. I have no shortage of people available who have
concrete skills. Roughly, I want it to look decent, but not spend a lot
of money. Labor is cheap and fast and seems to be skilled, the stucco
and landing work I had done is very good.

Should I be thinking stamped and stained or casting pavers?

I'd go with pavers- but I'd leave making them to the guys with
expertise, chemistry, and cheap ingredients on their side. Utilize
those people with skills for their muscle.

Stamped and stained is beautiful if the crew has done it before-- but
if you screw it up, it is screwed up for a very long time.


Ready Mix or bagged and a mixer?

Ready mix will come several yards at a time if you want to get any
sort of a decent price. Bagged and a mixer is the most
expensive, labor intensive way to do it. I've got a mixer. It is
great for a plain slab about 3x5. Trying to do a patio and have it
come out decent would be a real challenge. It *could* be done in
sections-- but you'll be a lot happier with the results of a paver
patio.


Right now I'm just trying to get a feel before I get a crew together
and stake it out.

Stake it out and see if one of those folks with skills has a power
tamper.

That's the only special tool you'll need for pavers.

Jim