Well Daniel, you may have the one type of slate that is the exception to the observation I stated earlier...Vermont region slate is the only one that I know of that would make a suitable choice for most slate applications - even in showers. But on top of being Vermont slate, it is 1" thick and set in a mud-bed! Now that's an installation for you!
IMO anything less than that product and that installation will give you maintenance issues that - OK - the OP may not care about being on a sidewalk. But if it's on his property, he may care how it looks and therefore I am still of the opinion that the chances are the OP is looking at regular, multi-coloured, 3/8" or so -thick slate tiles that come from overseas and unless installed by someone who knows about it, then the chances are very good that the OP will be dissappointed in his choice, maybe not next week but soon.
I am not saying that all slate installations are bad! In fact, Bud, I think you have a picture of a round slate installation you did a few years back, in a back courtyard of a newish house, no? The OP might like to see that. It looked very nice and is, if I remember, a good snapshot of an outdoor slate installation...but correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't recall any other details of the installaton.
The installation issues are significant...over concrete or over brick will take consideration that only experienced installers can provide. But it's all relative: I mean it makes a difference over the "long term" - and who defines "long-term"? Will the OP be just as happy in 2 years, in 5 years, in 10? And how many of us will still be around to care?
Having said all that, there are alternatives. Whether they suit the OP or not - I don't know...
:whistling2:
