Dear Jerseygirl, I've heard that the bluestone while extremely beautiful has a tendency to crack over time in the Northern climates from the temperature fluctuations, being that it's typically a little thinner than flagstone or pavers. I guess you could always replace any cracked or broken piences as they occur/if they occur. In terms of sheer beauty I think the bluestone, from a personal standpoint, outshines the more serviceable pavers.

I just stumbled upon this discussion and felt compelled to make my contribution. I know brick because I work for a brick manufacturer. However, I will try to keep my personal bias at bay. The first issue to address is durability. When installed properly, either option will provide many decades of service. Both materials have the compressive strength and moisture absorption ratings to withstand the harshest climates nature can throw at them. There is actually another factor affecting cement pavers, but since it doesnt actually cause failure of the unit, I will address it in the appearance section. Either way, make sure your bricks/pavers are designed to go in the ground. Not all cement materials, nor are all bricks designed to do this. It was mentioned that the deterioration of house bricks in a patio was unheard of and that it would actually be an advantage to find reclaimed bricks from a demolition project. DO NOT DO THIS! For a segmental paving material to withstand Mother Nature, it must have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi and a maximum absorption rate of 7% after a 24 hour soak in cold water. I have seen historical test data from the mid 1900Âs that showed that many solid house bricks (which were often used mistakenly as pavers) had compressive strengths around 5,000 psi and absorption rates in the double digits! Needless to say, those ill-fated patios are either long gone or a horrible eyesore now. Now that you can be comfortable in choosing a durable product, the second issue to address is appearance. Additional factors besides just the look of the brick/paver should be considered. For instance, do you want your pavement to match the colors of the bricks on your house? Will you be incorporating any retaining walls in your project? No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot match a clay color in a cement product and vice versa. Brick makers do not currently make a dry-stack retaining wall system; therefore a brick retaining wall will require more work. However, if you are trying to create a stately atmosphere it may be worth the additional work (or hiring of a mason contractor) to build your retaining wall. The first factor of appearance, the look of the actual brick/paver does speak pretty much for itself. However, I do want to address some comments from the thread. To my knowledge (I have not researched this) cement pavers have always had their colors mixed throughout the paver. (End lack of research warning.) What is actually happening is fading due to ultraviolet radiation. This can be mistaken for the coloring only being on the surface because with time cement pavers will actually wear down. This is evident in a cement paver project once it has been installed for about 10 years. Because the erosion is visible (you can actually see the aggregate) it is commonly believed that coloring is superficial as well. I do not see the issue of erosion as a durability factor since the units will still be in one piece and the pavement system as a whole will not fail. (Personal bias warning in effect)However, after all your hard work and money put into your project, wouldnÂt you want it to look the same as it does now in ten years? (End bias warning.) To be fair, cement pavers can be sealed on an annual basis to ensure their color retention. However, when you add up the cost of initial construction and yearly maintenance over ten years, you could probably install solid granite for about the same cost. (I havenÂt done the math and may have exaggerated, so research it for yourself and see.) There are advantages for both products (Although one list may be longer than the other!) and your unique concerns and application should be considered. In addition, other pavement options such as bluestone and granite are worth researching and considering as well. I know this has been an extremely long reply, but I sincerely hope it helps you make an informed decision. While there are not as many "genuine clay paving brick" retailers as paver retailers, we are out here. Do your research and you will find us!

I agree. I might suggest having your landscaper take you to a few paver dealers. Then you can see the actual pavers and picture it in your head better. Scott

You should not be getting quotes from contractors on something that is not designed yet, and then trying to compare the information about the various products and quotes. The project should be designed first so that the quotes will end up being apples to apples. You'll need to do it yourself or hire a designer. If you want to do it yourself and get help here, you still need to go through the design process which would involve drawings, pictures, brainstorming, etc. If you hire a designer then they can help you with all what you're asking about. You need to have some idea of your budget. If it only manages to buy a row boat, then you know you can immediately forget about anything that costs like the Queen Mary. As far as the install methods, I can't advise as all the information is not here (I don't chase links much anymore as it's too time consuming) and I don't have familiarity with some of what you mention. But pavers on a granular base is much less expensive than pavers mortared onto a concrete slab. Both hold up well when properly installed. It drives me crazy to step down immediately at the door. There has to be as least one step (landing) at the floor level (or an inch below.) I don't live in the north anymore so don't know if the freeze-thaw issue as described is real but it sure sounds like BS. Regardless, I would have to have the landing at the floor level and put up with any problems it causes, as stepping down immediately is a bigger problem. It is sooooo "mobile home."