We are putting in a patio at this time and opted for the stamped concrete. We talked about the flagstones or brick, but it will be on the north side of our house and will have a lot of snow on it, depending on the severity of the winter. I was told that water would get under the flagstone or brick and push it up and it would have to be reset in a few years. The way that we were going to do it was: frame it up, put down a layer of sand, position bricks or flagstone and then put sand over the top of that and sweep it over it so it will get between. It will sort of form a concrete to hold them in place. This, of course, is the simplified instructions! Go to the library and they will have a lot of books with plans in it. Good luck. I know that I am really looking forward to getting mine finished!