I guess if one built an extension to a deck that was anything like "skinny" ... or "a plank," it would look odd. But these are the kinds of things homeowners come up with, not professional designers. Usually, we try to integrate necessities in ways that make them seem spacious, well-functioning and good looking. There are ways to do it even if you can't think of them. Design is a thinking process. A designer thinks through, in detail, how something will work out to its ultimate conclusion. Designers don't necessarily think of HOW something will be built. They are more concerned with when it is built, how it will BE. A subcontractor (which a landscaper is) implements a designer's plans. They think of HOW something will be built, not necessarily if it's going to be a great thing when it is built. (Though they can appreciate it if they want to.) They are concerned with getting the work finished and if it turns out to be not that great when it's done, as long as they've followed the plans and done the work according to specifications, it's not their fault. It would be the designer's mistake if the finished product does not work out as intended. Architects, engineers and designers design things. Contractors and subcontractors build those things. Sometimes, a person may take on both roles, being the designer and the subcontractor. In the landscape industry, it is relatively common for small-time landscapers to take on the role, without training, of designing, too. It can be because the quality level expected by the clientele is not all that sophisticated. Or it can be that a landscaper has an affinity for design and can do a pretty decent job of it. Sometimes a person has training and experience in designing and implementing and does a great job on all counts and has no trouble pleasing a sophisticated clientele. The problem posed in this thread requires a designer's expertise as there is a lot to be determined and thought through. If the designer has useful skills other than design, that's not a drawback.

I found this topic, and although an old post I thought I would share my experience with costs. I am having a 1000 SF patio installed, which includes a 800 SF patio area, with a retaining wall and steps which connect to a lower 300 SF patio area. We are using a manufactered 3.5" paver that looks like flagstone. Due to existing water/basement issues, my project also involved substantial regrading about an additional 600 SF of area, installation of pipe/pop ups for my 2 roof gutters. This project is also incorporating some basic landscaping of the non patio area (i.e., mulch, and about 25 One gallon plants and 5 Rhododendron bushes) The average cost per SF installed for my job is $17/SF for the patio area. My total project cost is around $18K. Its a HUGE amount for an outdoor project to me, but I have a large clean finished outdoor space area that I expect will help when I go to sell my home in 6-7 years and hopefully address my basement water issues. My project did involve a lot of stone and regrading. I also am happy with the pace of work my contractor proceeded at. From notice to proceed to the 90% complete point was less than 2 weeks, which included rain days!

@ rschliefs. If installed correctly, bluestone is a classic, timeless presentation that should be valid for a lifetime. I would liken it to a black evening dress worn simply with pearls. There might be flashier options or the "brick of the day" might be tempting, but bluestone is an elegant option that coalesces with a wide variety of home styles. It certainly sounds like you have found a mason who is experienced with bluestone and can guide you through the process. "I love the look of bluestone and we are willing to pay the premium price for it - just wondering if it’s really worth it." Clearly, you see the value in the bluestone and I would add that for me it would be worth the price as well. Plus, you are right there in Pennsylvania, home to 99% of the bluestone quarries!! Good luck with your project! See below for an assortment of finished looks. Dry laid (Blue/Blue, Thermal) Same project Wet laid (Full Range/Thermal) (sealed as well) Wet laid (Full Range/Natural Cleft) Upper landing wet laid, walkway dry laid (Full Range/Natural Cleft) Hope these help a bit.

on the flagstone, thermal v natural cleft also depends on the look you're after. Thermal tends to stick a lot closer to blue-grays, at least what they send us here in VA. We generally only see a full range of colors like in your inspiration photo with natural cleft. We use thermal for front walks and at wineries and B&Bs, places where we're most likely to see folks unsteady on their feet (be it from age, injury, or fermented grapes). Natural cleft has a little more character IMHO. Since we handpick each stone for every job, we just make sure we don't get mini-mountains. Talk to your mason but they should be able to do the same, since we buy the stone from your state.