Several parts to this verbose question:) I have an existing slab/patio in my back yard that I want to add some character to. Ultimately, it will have a covered area (most likely a pergola) and I'd like to add some stone benches/walls that could act as seating areas around the perimeter. Current Patio: [url]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/101902622/patio1.JPG[/url] Desired Look/Result: [url]http://homeandlawntransformers.webs.com/photos/Complete-Patio-Constr/011.JPG[/url] My questions are as follows: 1) Stain Removal: On the current slab there is some stain. It's NOT paint, it's stain and has been there a long time. How thorough do I need to be in removing/cleaning this thing before mortaring down the flagstone? 2) Pergola/Cover Posts: Since I'll likely be doing this in phases, how do I add (can I add) anchored posts on top of the flagstone patio? I assume ideally I'd anchor directly to the concrete and stone around the posts, but since this is going to be phased I'm not sure what to do here. Is it ok to anchor to the flagstone or would I drill all the way down through the flagstone to the concrete? 3) Walls/bench/footings for Beams: In the "Desired" picture above, again keeping in mine the phased approach, how do I go about adding a stone wall on top of the patio after the fact? Is it safe to mortar on top of the flagstone? What would I do to make sure the wall is "connected" to the flagstone well enough? Same question with the stonework around the base of the pergola/cover beams? Thanks in advance!

I am in the process of adding on to my concrete deck and then putting a sunroom on that and have some questions. I will be adding on about 8 feet in one direction to the side and think that I got that handled, but I am only adding about 2 feet to the front (the wood portion will be in an L shape). The problem is that the top of the deck will only be 15 inches of the ground. This is no problem on the side portion because I can dig footers. The shorter front section is over the sidewalk and it will be too low for pier blocks. I plan to use 2x6 for the joist and was planning to use a 4x6 for the beams. I am wondering if I can use wedge anchors to put some simpson post bases into the sidewalk to support the small section of deck. The only alternative that I can think of is to break out the sidewalk with a sledge so I can dig footers, there won't be much weight on it and the deck will be anchored in to the concrete porch.