Stone Porch and Porch Foundation Questions

[ttreat]

I intend on putting a 8'x8' porch on the front of my house. I would like to build the porch from flagstone and then use capstones for the step riser surfaces and porch surface. Eventually I would also like to put a roof over the porch supported by two colums making it a portico. So far I have dug down to the frostline and placed about 6-8 inches of gravel and then poured about 8" of concrete for a footer (8'x8'x8" slab). What is the best way to prepare the rest of the foundation for the stone? I have had many suggestions. I was thinking about placing concrete blocks around the perimeter to ground level and then filling the center with gravel. Also I have heard a few opinions about dry stacking the block versus using mortar and parging. Where dry stacking would allow water in and out but mortar might not allow water out if it gets in. All suggestions would be appreciated.
-Todd

[Rich]

I would probably do just what you're suggesting. Block up the outside and fill the inside with gravel. Then I would probably pour a 4" slab on top to accept the flagstone. This will also give you a good spot to anchor your future posts for the portico. As far as dry vs mortar, I'll let someone else answer that. Just one point if you dry stack - make sure you backfill evenly as you go up and compact well. If you backfill everything inside or outside you'll likely kick some of the blocks out of line.