Question
Hi Brad-
 Our front door leads out onto a raised concrete slab about 5' by 3'. We want to cover that somehow ( or can brick it over and in) then we want to step down to a semi circle small patio ( that will run about 5' on each side of the door and come out about 6-7 feet from the house). We have a  saltbox with cedar siding , that is why we decided on this treatment. I have a brick walkway leading in now, that could be changed. I also have  some large rectangular pieces of slate that don't have to be used. I consider myself pretty handy ( built my house except for foundation), but I am drawing blanks on this. I was looking at some EP Henry materials- just not sure what to use to cover concrete and to do patio- how hard is that stuff to cut to go with edge of semi-circular design? Any guidance or advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!  

Answer
Nice plan!!! What I cannot answer, as it is not my expertise, is covering the existing slab. Sounds like something that I would do though. The alternative is tearing it out (I am assuming that the concrete surface is solid without any signs of spalling, cracks are OK) but that entails MUCH additional effort, ... and cost, ...and disposal of the old concrete.

To get the process (materials & technique) to cover the slab I would continue to post this question to ANOTHER expert; ...or get a pro to come by and give you his solution, on site.  It may involve additional cost...but it is a fact that the moisture absorption rate of a concrete slab and brick are different.  There may be some freeze/thaw considerations (where the brick and concrette adhere) IF you are in a latitude where you have some freezing weather. The PROBABLE solution... a simple 'brick-over' using mortar as the cement but also requiring an annual application of a masonry weather sealant (like what is used on wood decks but designed for masonry & brick chimneys--a LOT of freeze/thaw cycles on a chimney!!).

I wonder...is there no 'step up' (or very little) from the slab to the entrance threshold and you WANT to design in masonry/slate steps?? If the elevation of the current slab is very near the entrance threshold elevation (no steps or a too-small step-up) BUT what you want is a lower patio area(or areas) with steps immediately in front of the doorway..then you must remove the slab.  Answer me first on this and then we will address the more expansive area outside of the current slab.