Here's a picture of our patio from last Spring. We used interlocking pavers and were very pleased with the results. It's a pretty labor-intensive process, but not rocket science to create:
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Balsam, I'm going to try to do a patio this summer as well. I will be using poured concrete and then I would like to paint it to look like slate or bricks.

I have laid brick paths and it's back breaking, though rewarding, so I'm taking the easy way out on this one. Just another idea to consider.

MeMo

We used large pavers and the patio isn't very large, wasn't so terribly labor intensive. All my field stone walls are raised beds, not freestanding. So I'm not sure on that.
Steveningen, your patio is adorable. I love the shape.

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I can tell you what NOT to do. I made a little patio with leftover concrete and left too much space between each piece. It is almost impossible to set a chair there.

Another what not to do... make sure whatever you pave with is easily maneageable by one person. I thought terraces and a patio of broken concrete dry set in gravel were an excellent idea. And while the result was quite fabulous, I now have a pre hernia condtion that twinges any time I lift something a bit heavy.

... Don

love your back yard and patio, steven. Great job with the patio layout.

memo - I'm contemplating concrete, but I really want this patio to be "removable" if necessary (like if we ever decide to renovate/build on to the house). I'm also not sure how well a concrete patio would hold up in our climate. Then again, concrete floors and basements survive, so it would likely be fine. Post pics for us when you get your project done :)

Michelle - I like that idea! That may be the way to go for us if we can't "find" enough stone. They are charging A LOT of money for flat stone at the nurseries here - cement pavers are cheaper!

debbie and don - thanks for the "nots" - good advice to remember. I will have help doing this and it will likely be extended over several weekends. We'll see. Maybe I can invite a bunch of friends over for a barbeque and make them work for thier supper!

Thanks everyone.

memo, I've seen some nice pictures of poured concrete in some old issues of Sunset, in which they've either added powdered pigment to the cement, or used dye on the surface. Might be worth looking into.

michelle, your patio is so inviting for a little visiting.

Steveningen, I just get the Photobucket homepage, and not your pictures.

Well, balsam, don't bring out the food/beer until AFTER the work is done!! LOL
I've made THAT mistake before!
ALL BEER

steveningen - love that circular patio! I'm into circles lately, and you have really made it work, filling that space just perfectly. Nice job.

Balsam, I suggest getting a book by David Reed on Stonescaping, your library probably has it. It's all about drystone walls, patios, etc. Very good with lots of photos for ideas.

Haha, ninja. I've been to "workdays" like that, too :P

I'll be smarter and make them work FIRST. We've actually done this twice last spring/fall with four families - it works great!!! Each household gets half a day, a work crew of 8 adults and 10 kids (7 of whom are old enough to actually work - and do!). It's a fabulous way to do jobs that would take many days alone, socialize with good friends, and have two great meals together (lunch and supper). We will definately try it again. Since we all have rural properties, there is no shortage of projects and work needing done.

gottagarden - I'm going to look for that book at our local library. Thanks for the suggestion.

Balsam