Starting the patio build

After leveling a shoddy deck after we moved in, and fixing some issues in the yard, we are ready to finally start to build a stone/paver patio.

Due to budgets we are likely starting small just to get a seating area and stairs and stuff and maybe in the next year or two take our time to design a kitchen area for my cookers (the wife is ok with this when the budget allows)

We are looking at the standard stuff - UniLock, Belgard, Nicolock, etc.

From a BBQ Kitchen/clean up perspective - any one have any insight? We were told bbq grease can be cleaned up and usually not stain especially if caught early. He did say if you are cooking with oils that could stain - I was hoping to Wok more outside with my egg and things of that nature.

Anyone have any thoughts or feedback? Want to make sure our investment lasts and with the amount I plan to cook and host out there I want to make sure the product is easy to maintain over the years. I do not mind power washing every so often either but for the immediate stains want to make sure the stones have the ability to be cleaned.

Thanks all - very helpful.

I was looking at flagstone too and comparing that with pavers - more money but a different look.

Any one have issues with cooking oils or anything? I do not mind getting out a degreaser if needed and using a hose. Most of these pavers and stones are sold with the notion they are already sealed, etc, so I guess I do not have to do an extra process to try and keep them sealed.

thanks again.