Blue stone might be easier to set. It comes in saw-cut squares and has a much more even (flatter) surface than flagstone. I'm trying to say that it is more finished when you buy it than flagstone. It is very common in PA, is not very expensive, and you can get it cut in a variety of sizes.

I built a small bluestone walkway last year, about 9 x 9 feet (more or less). Cost slightly over $100 for the stone, not delivered (I picked it up).

Thanks Bob - I do think Bluestone may be the way to go. I like the look of it. Just not sure if I want dry-laid or wet. If we do bluestone we may also condsider doing the steps as well.

Thanks Carol. We are going to go to some places and check out some prices. SH is not sure if he wants a natural stone or pavers now. Did you do dry-laid or wet?

He thinks he may want to do it in concrete and I think that is more work than we may be able to handle. I want dry but close joints - and theres that special sand that people were talking about. I can;t rememebr the name I have it written down at home.

Thanks Again!
Ruth
Do you have any pictures that you could share. I would love to see it.

I have always used the dry-laid method with blue stone, and I have not had any problem with settling or shifting. One walk was done about 25 years ago, and it is still fine. You can lay bluestone with tight joints, since it is saw cut, and then fill the joints with sand. I think polymeric sand is the special sand you mean. I've never used it, but it sounds like it would be good for preventing weeds in the joints. Remember, though, polymeric sand is only used in the joints, not as the base.

There is a discussion on laying stone walks in the Carolina Forum, with very recent entries. One message includes a link to a website that has instructions.