Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 14, 2000 04:44am | #1

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   Tanya - Are you working from plans, specs and details? If not, the range could be due to apples-to-oranges variation in approach. One mason likes a concrete slab under the stone, one likes 9" compacted subbase fill. Wet bed? Dry pack? Grouted joints, etc. etc. etc. If you just asked for general bids on a terrace of a certain size, the range isn't unusual. Did you get proposals detailing these issues? Perhaps you can search the archives here on relevant detailing and then ask the bidders what their price includes. Are they going to hand select the stone at the yard (recommended) or just take everything that's delivered?

   The stone may very well be the same from each bidder, but you should keep in mind that there are more than a few differences. In our area, NY State bluestone, a grayer, greener stone sometimes called Empire, costs more than PA bluestone which is very blue. Random rectangular with lots of 12 x 12's will generally cost a bit less than one with few 12 x 12's and many more large pieces.

   More questions than you'd think, right?

   Jeff

2. 
   Tanya_Johnson | Jun 14, 2000 04:47am | #2

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   Can you give me an idea of the price per square foot I should consider for a random rectangular (blue stone) flagstone patio. The bids so far range from $15 to 26.50 per square foot(the latter not including a $650 dump fee/site pep charge). This is quite a range in price and all masons who have out in the bids have excellent references. Thanks for any advice. Tanya