Dear Punamystike, Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the stains that Home Depot offers are will not be uniform, or at least not the semi-transparent ones. I actually did a little more online research last night, and saw some references to using 'acid stain' to color concrete. This is more likely what I will want, because it involves an actual chemical reaction with the concrete, and hence is more 'permanent' in certain regards (although it will fade under UV light). The siliconized acrylic-based stains that Home Depot offers look as if they will actually peel off, and this is definitely not something I want on a rough-surfaced concrete block (instead of a smooth-finished garage floor). The only issue with these acid-stains is that they are highly caustic. Some of the pictures of what people do with these are amazing . . . the building and floorwork look like marble or other exotic mined-limestone. Here is a link that might be useful: Some Concrete Stain Color Samples

There is nothing wrong with using compacted fill to raise an area in order to build a patio unless there is a secondary issue, such as drainage, that is a problem. It would still require a good base material between the fill and the stone. What to use for a base material would depend on your climate, soil, and locally available material. What is the patio to be made of?

Toad, I'm sorry to be so blunt, but you need a little attitude correction here. You do not come onto an internet forum where participants are sharing their knowledge and experience with you for free, and yell at them for not telling you what you want to hear. You also do not denigrate them by telling them they live in the wrong area, nor by waving your "professional" in their faces. Nor can you by demand conjure up a person with the right opinion located exactly where you want them. For what it's worth, you have heard from some very accomplished professionals above, and also from some knowledgeable do-it-yourselfers, as you might have known had you researched the forum a bit before posting. Furthermore, some professionals that you find on the ground are idiots, or brown-nosers who will tell you anything you want to hear so you'll hire them. If you want people to help you on the internet, then politely answer the questions you're asked, and try to open your mind to the answers. Also, don't forget to say thank you, even if the advice isn't quite what you expected. Participants come here to have fun, and being insulted and talking to someone who has a brick wall for a brain is no fun at all. So such posts are usually left to sink without further responses down the forum into oblivion... which is what was starting to happen to your thread before you bumped it up again this morning. Now, I'll try one more time to frame IB's question so that you'll understand its importance: Is it really necessary to raise this patio and if so why? The patio may in the end be nice and practical, but if it is raised it will look like a sore thumb and if surrounded by concrete blocks it will be butt-ugly, no matter where you live or what you plant around it. KarinL

It sure is nice to see that level of care and effort. It probably didn't cost them too much more to do it right either. Look how much free press they will get. People will take notice and something called business darwininsm will take effect more and more. Other vendors will either have to adapt (reads "raise their game") or not earn our business. I say this with the whole hearted hope that every vendor pushes themselves to provide the best product they can and finds the best way to do business. Because people will notice. "Best" is never a static point...In a competitive environment its always moving ahead.