"HugYourPug" wrote in message
...
We have a relatively formal 2 story brick house and want to add an
adjoining
patio, so we want it to be somewhat compatible. What are the pros and cons
of
having a slab with set in mortar bricks and not. Sand set does seem to
cost
less, but you do not want to make the wrong decision on that basis.

Depends on weather, moisture, temp, shade. All these things affect choice.
Pavers or brick on compacted base, such as 4-5 inch. hand-compacted coarse
angular gravel, overlain by several inches of tamped and wetted sharp sand
or crushed rock base, can make a durable and attractive surface. Drains
well, easy to re-level or replace stones. Downside, gophers/moles can
undermine sand layer, insects can move the sand around, and you will need a
sturdy plastic, metal, or wood edge/border to keep the patio in one place.
You also have to to major digging and dirt removal - as much or more than
with a slab.
With brick mortared to reinforced concrete, you have good permanence as
well, more surface stability, no gopher effects, and easy to clean with a
pressure washer. Downside: in some areas you can get frost heaving, and
slabs will often tip or crack as they settle, over time. And concrete slabs
can look industrial and un-aesthetic.
Suggest you go to a home center and peruse how-to books on paths, patios,
and masonry. There are many, and give you precise instructions on how to
either build , or supervise, such projects.