Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Using Wire Mesh In Concrete Patio

We have been getting estimates to have an approx. 12X15 stamped/stained concrete patio. The person we spoke to yesterday told us that he doesn't use "metal" reinforcment due to the rust seeping through. He said that he uses some type of synthetic material....not sure if it is added to cement mixture or layed like wire mesh into the concrete.
I have never heard of not using some type of wire mesh. Is this something new or is this guy skimping on materials to keep his costs down?
Is 4 inches of concrete sufficient? How much gravel should be put down? We live in Ohio and have harsh winters.

Using synthetic fiber mixed into the concrete is very common. It was designed to replace wire mesh, and has been around for years. The reasoning is that the mesh is a pain to work with, is only on one plane, and usually ends up on the bottom of the slab where it does no good. Fiber on the other hand is dispersed throughout the entire matrix of the concrete.
Wire mesh is not designed to add strength to the slab so much as to hold the pieces together when they crack. Ditto for fiber, although the cracks will still seperate to a degree.
I use both fiber and rebar in my slabs. The comment about the rust is a crock. If it rusts, the rust should not leach out the top. If your contractor is competent and well-respected, I would let him use what he's comfortable with. If you don't trust his judgement, go with someone else.

Pecos

Thanks Pecos for your advice/info. This guy has done lots of great looking work but that is just one part of it. We also want it done right. Are you saying that it is simply opinion/personal preference whether fiber or wire mesh is used? In your opinion, if we were to hire him, should we request that he use rebar as well?
This is the first time since living in Ohio that we have looked for a contractor to do work for us. We called at least a dozen to come and give us estimates. Some never returned our calls, others set appointments but never showed up or called. Only 2 actually came to our home to discuss the job/give an estimate. We stayed home quite a few nights waiting for these people to show. I even came home early one day from work to meet someone....who never showed up.
The contractor that we are asking the questions about said that he would be back either this past Saturday or Sunday for us to ask any more questions. He also was supposed to bring a contract for us to sign incase we want him to do the work. We haven't heard from him or seen him.
This is getting extremely frustrating. If they are so busy then they shouldn't make appointments to give estimates. At the very least they should call and let us know they can't make it.
We certainly don't want to hire someone just because they are the only ones to show up.

Problems with contractors showing up are unfortunately very common. Just hope you get one who does good work, and does it properly.
I do think that wire mesh and fiber are interchangable. I use fiber instead of wire for the reasons I cited. However, I don't trust fiber or wire mesh alone. I like rebar for its ability to stabilize a cracked slab, and it's reinforcing capabilities which allow the slab to span a void (should one occur in the base material under the slab).
I can't say that my way is the right way, only that it works for me. Good luck with your contractor.

Pecos