What kind of stone do they use for the aggregate? Make sure you see finished jobs and have input as to the degree of seeding so you get the look you are after. At our old house we did an exposed aggregate patio and I loved it - would do it again in a heartbeat. Only maintenance was sealing and I think we did every other year. That probably depends on your weather, the sun exposure of your site, etc.

Concrete work is as varied as it gets. An interior exposed aggregate in a contemporary furniture store is sure to be a polished finish which is completely different than exposed aggregate exterior flatwork. Grinding or polishing exterior work is very rare. Washing or rinsing away the paste layer is more typical for exposing outdoor concrete aggregate. Ive seen and experienced plenty of exposed aggregate that was WAY more slip resistant than typical broom finish. Interior polished floors can have huge variation in slip resistance as well. Depending on the quality of install and aggregate, I would much prefer the look to typical broom finish but it comes with more concern for those in heels. But with a blue stone approach, I would probably be disappointed to see the transition to something else for the main entry even if I was wearing my heels. Here is a link that might be useful: Concrete network on slip resistance

I may gave to do that myself. We had so many issuse with our stamped concrete we are thinkiing of stripping it and staining it ourselves. As for your sealer questions: From what I have read 2 coats of good sealer is enough... My blog (though more about the problems we had with our patio) does have some useful link for maintaining and working on concrete patios. Here is a link that might be useful: ConcreteNightmare

Five years ago we had a company install a paver patio. I can't remember exact dimensions, but I'm guessing it's 17 ft. at its widest by about 40 ft. long. We had them cut a long sweeping curve along the length so it wouldn't be a rectangular patio. They excavated, used minus, and brushed something in between the pavers that is dark and is still in place today. We've never had weed issues. They also installed a retaining wall 4ft tall with natural stone steps leading up to our deck. Underneath our deck area they also put gray rock since that area would be unusable. A large square firepit with the same pavers was installed as well. Total cost for product and labor was about $17,000. They got it done in 3 days and did an amazing job.