[sonick]

Originally Posted by quasi

When i bought my place I had a similar decision, do I go deck, concrete or paving stones?

I went paving stones, I got a pretty good deal from a friend I couldn't have done it much cheaper myself for what he did it for and I didn't have to lift a shovel. Maintenance is easy, power wash it once a year and be done with it.

Did you have to build up a retaining wall or were the pavers set flush to the ground/lawn?

The biggest cost is having to build up a retaining wall as I have is that our patio door is elevated off the ground, and aeshetically we didn't like it simply sitting flush on our lawn.