5 DIY Flagstone Projects

Do you love the beauty of flagstone but not the price tag on hiring a landscaper to build your flagstone project? You can save a small fortune if you build your flagstone hardscape yourself. While no flagstone project is simple or easy, there are some that are better suited for do-it-yourself homeowners than others. Here are five DIY flagstone projects that only require moderate skills but can save your money on your project.

Walkways

With a little planning and preparing, you can build a gorgeous flagstone walkway for your front entrance or garden. The trick is outlining your path first and digging your trench. Then you can position your flagstones like puzzle pieces for a beautiful stone walkway.

Patios

While bigger, patios can be simpler that pathways due to the set shape. Once the area is prepared, start placing stones working from the inside out. Once you get the outside, you may need to cut stones to create the right edge.

Steps

Have a slope that you want to access? Use flagstones to create treads up your slope. This is fairly simple, just requires some hard work digging your steps and placing your treads.

Fire Pit

Flagstones are a perfect surrounding surface for a stone fire pit. Whether you build your fire pit yourself or buy a premade option, you can build the flagstone surround for your seating area.

Seating

You can build a simple, gorgeous stone bench from flagstone. All you need is two similar stones for the base and one long, flat piece for the top.

Flagstone is an easy and forgiving stone product for DIY projects. With a little planning and some time watching instruction videos online, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by creating flagstone hardscapes yourself.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Where Does Flagstone Originate?

What is flagstone and where does it come from? This popular natural stone is used in many landscaping and hardscaping projects, yet most people are unaware of what this stone is and where it originates. The flat shape makes it perfect for paving outdoor areas or covering surfaces, used for outdoor and indoor natural stone projects. Understanding the nature of flagstone and the different options available can help you determine the best type for your next project.

What Is Flagstone?

Simply put, flagstone is not a certain type of stone but more of a shape of sedimentary rock. Most flagstone is made from slate or limestone and can come in a variety of colors, but it is usually sold as a flat rock in various sizes. These rocks are used in paving, retaining walls, fireplaces and surface coverings for a natural and beautiful appearance that is durable and can withstand the elements.

Tennessee Flagstone

Flagstone can be quarried from anywhere with sedimentary rock formations, but one popular area in the U.S. is Tennessee. The flagstone from Tennessee is usually brown or gray, with varying hues of these colors depending on where it is quarried. Tennessee flagstone is shipped all over the U.S. to landscape suppliers due to the high quality and demand for this unique and durable natural stone that can be used in many different projects.

If you are planning project using natural stone as a paving or covering, consider the benefits of using Tennessee flagstone. Contact a local quarry or landscape supplier in your area that offers Tennessee flagstone to see the different sizes and varieties available to create a unique and lasting surface made from beautiful natural stone.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Make the Most of Your Slopes with Stone Retaining Walls

If you have steep slopes on your property, this can be wasted space. It can be difficult to plant, and erosion is a concern when the wetter months arrive. Retaining walls are not only a way to combat erosion; they can be used to transform slopes and hills into useable spaces. Here are some ideas to make the most of your slopes with retaining walls made from natural stone.

Tiered Garden

Using two or more retaining walls, you can tier your slope and create one or more flat spaces for planting. The natural stone walls create the perfect edging for a stunning rose garden or a bed of wild flowers. You can turn a unused hill into a beautiful landscape for your front or backyard that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Hill Patio

Another option is to use retaining walls to create a patio to overlook your property. This can be a nice place to add a fire pit for evening marshmallow roasting, created with flagstone or fieldstone for a natural look to blend in with the surrounding plant life. By night it can be a place for “camping” at home, while during the day it can be a beautiful hardscape that enhances your nearby slope.

Natural stone retaining walls can add depth and interesting edges to your property, while protecting your property from erosion and creating useable spaces. Visit your local quarry to find the right natural stones to use to build your retaining walls to revamp your slopes and hills. Your local supplier can give you tips on the ways to use natural stone and refer you to local hardscape contractors that can help build your new useable slope.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Add Value to Your Home with Flagstone Step Treads

Few materials are as beautiful and durable for landscaping as flagstone, which is why it is such a sought-after stone for hardscapes. There are many landscaping projects that can be enhanced with flagstone, including patios, walkways and fireplaces. Another use for flagstone is step treads, which can be a stunning way to add value and beauty to your home. Here are a few ways to use flagstone for natural step treads on your property.

Hill Staircase

Do you have a slope or hill on your property? Flagstone can be used to create a staircase to make it easier to navigate sloped areas while adding a lovely touch to your landscaping. The irregular shapes and unique colors blend perfectly with your hillside, while adding a functional staircase.

Sunken Patio or Firepit

Adding a sunken patio or firepit to your backyard can transform the look and style of your landscape design. Consider using flagstone for the step treads leading down into your sunken area for a gorgeous feature. Pair it with flagstone for the retaining wall, patio or firepit for a jaw-dropping focal point to your outdoor space.

Front Steps

Want a different look for your home’s entryway than boring cement or wooden steps? Consider using flagstone for your front step treads. Your local quarry can cut flat, uniform slabs of flagstone to create unique front steps leading to your door.

Flagstone can be used in so many ways in your landscaping and will last for decades. If you are looking for an interesting material to create natural step treads, consider the benefits of flagstone. Talk to your local quarry about size, color and shape options for your next landscaping project, including outdoor staircases.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

3 Ways to Use Flagstone into Your Next Landscape Project

Do you love the look of flagstone? This gorgeous stone can add a natural beauty to many different hardscapes in your landscaping. If you are updating your outdoor living space or yard, there are many inspirational ways to incorporate flagstone into your next landscaping project. Here are three ideas on how to use this popular stone.

  1. Fire pits and fireplaces. A flickering fire on your back patio can warm up cool nights and extend the evenings you can enjoy your outdoor space. Flagstone can make an excellent covering for your fireplace or fire pit, as well as the surround area. The stone is naturally fire resistant and durable enough to last for decades.
  2. Garden pathways. Flagstone makes a wonderful walk or pathway paving material. The varying colors and forms fit naturally as stepping stones through your gardens, a front walkway or a path around your home. You can use sand between the stones or ground covering plants to fill the spaces.
  3. Create a natural stone stairway. Flagstones can be used as stair treads for slopes and hills on your property. You can choose the natural irregular shapes or choose flagstone that is cut into uniform slabs for even stair treads. The flagstone blends perfectly into the slope, while still adding an easier option for going up and down steep areas.

Flagstone is a stunning option for building many different types of hardscapes in your landscape design. Check out the different shapes, colors and sizes of flagstones at your local quarry or landscape supplier to find the best options for your next natural stone landscaping project.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Creative Ways to Use Pavers and Flagstone

Everyone knows pavers are great for driveways, patios and walkways. When you want a more dramatic appearance, flagstone and other natural stones can also be used to create a paved surface. However, there are other ways to use pavers and flagstone around your home to add function and beauty. Here are a few creative ideas to implement paving stones in your outdoor spaces.

BBQ Grill Platform

Make a flat platform for your grill in your backyard. Pavers are a quick and easy option to make a nice grilling area that gives your grill an even surface. If you put your grill on grass, it is often unlevel. This can make it hard to get the right seal for your lid to seal in the smoke and heat. A paved platform adds function and style for outdoor cooking.

Stair Treads

Have a slope or hill in your yard that is hard to climb? Use flagstone or other stone slabs to make natural stone stair treads that make it easy to climb your hill while adding beauty to your backyard.

Fire Pit Safety

If you have a fire pit in your backyard, paving around the pit is a good idea. This eliminates worries of sparks starting dry grass on fire.

Raised Flower Gardens

Paving stones are great for retaining walls, which can make an excellent raised flower bed or garden. Use natural stone for a classic look or formed pavers for a clean, modern style for your raised garden.

Pavers and natural stones like flagstone are very versatile and easy to maintain. Visit your local quarry and landscape supplier to check out the different options available for your next outdoor project.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with a Flagstone Fireplace

What is missing from your outdoor patio? If you love relaxing and entertaining outdoors, you most likely spend most summer and fall nights on your patio. One element that can add beauty, light and warmth to your outdoor space is a fireplace. Make it even more special by designing it from stunning flagstone for a classic, elegant style.

Choosing Your Design

For outdoor fireplaces, you can choose from two basic designs: mantel or fire pit. Both can be created from stylish flagstone, but have different advantages.

  • Mantel fireplace. An outdoor mantel fireplace creates a regal appearance to your patio, making your outdoor space into a second living room under the sky. This is best for adding light and warmth, with limited space to “gather” around the fire.
  • Fire pit. For a more casual style, a fire pit can be a better choice. Seating can be placed around the fire pit, great for a “camping” atmosphere with friends and family on your back patio. You can get closer to the heat and even roast foods over the flames for late night treats.

On top of the type of fireplace design, you want to make sure your new fire feature is safe. Flagstone is a perfect material for the fireplace and surrounding paving to prevent sparks from igniting. You can even create flagstone benches or chairs that will withstand the heat and flames with natural fire resistance.

If fire is what is missing from your outdoor space, consider adding a fantastic flagstone fireplace. It can add beauty and function for evenings outside, with the durability of flagstone to last for decades to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249