5 Benefits of Flagstone Patios

Are you thinking of building a new patio or upgrading an old one this year? Patios can be made from many different materials, but one of the most popular right now is natural flagstone. Before you settle for a plain concrete or man-made paver patio, consider the benefits of using flagstone for your new patio. Here are five advantages of choosing flagstone for your patio project.

  1. Long-lasting stone. Flagstones can be hundreds of years old before they are used for an outdoor patio. This resilience is one of the reasons so many people choose them for their paving needs. They can last for decades and still look wonderful.
  2. Uniqueness. No two natural flagstone patios will be exactly alike. Each stone can be a slightly different color, pattern or shape, giving your patio a unique quality, which only natural stone can achieve.
  3. Easy maintenance. Flagstone is easy to maintain. It is meant to be outdoors and is quickly cleaned with sweeping or pressure washing.
  4. Add value to your home. The popularity and longevity of flagstone makes it an excellent investment into your home. It can add value to your home, making it more desirable if you decide to sell in the future.
  5. Natural beauty. There is nothing like natural stone to add beauty to your outdoor spaces. A flagstone patio offers uncompromising aesthetics that cannot be replicated with man-made pavers or concrete.

If you want a stylish patio that will add beauty, value and elegance to your home, choose flagstone for your paving material. Visit your local quarry to view the various flagstone options available for your next paving or stone-building project.

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

The Exquisite Versatility of Flagstone

Flagstone is a natural stone with timeless appeal that has had extraordinary staying power in both residential and commercial landscaping. Roughly-hewn, highly-textured flagstone slabs are the stuff of picturesque, rustic walkways while geometrically-shaped, smooth flagstone pavers are used for all sorts of hardscaping, from steps and patios to retaining walls and pillars. Flagstone also has indoor applications; a gracefully-aging, natural flagstone floor adds solidity and understated grandeur to any kitchen, hallway or wine cellar and brings an earthy, outdoor ambiance to indoor settings.

Naturally occurring flagstones are cut from limestone, bluestone, slate and sandstone rock outcrops. The irregular colors, shapes, sizes and textures of natural flagstones are a key aspect of their distinct charm and appeal, since no two flagstones are ever the same. Nowadays, there are many manufactured concrete and composite products on the market that imitate the look of natural flagstone. While these may have their uses, it is helpful to know that artificial flagstones do not have the durability or special weathering qualities of their natural counterparts.

Outdoor flagstone elements such as walkways or patios can be installed in a number of ways. Flagstones can be set directly into soil or sand. Natural flagstones are fairly heavy and once tamped down into the ground, they will hardly budge. On the other hand, flagstones can be set down on a concrete base and jointed with mortar for a more stable, permanent installation.

Flagstones also allow for versatile layout effects. Setting flagstones close together creates a patio effect while setting them further apart yields a playful “steppingstone” look. Flagstones may be evenly spaced for more formal walkways or randomly spaced in an informal path. There is also the option of planting creeping thyme or other groundcovers in the crevices between flagstone rocks to reduce soil erosion and achieve a truly rustic look.

Whether you are bordering a garden or building a walkway, elegant, hardwearing flagstone is an excellent choice for your exquisite landscape designs.

Cutting Flagstone

Flagstone is a very popular type of stone used in a wide variety of landscaping projects from patios and walkways to fireplaces, walls, waterscapes.  When you need to cut flagstone to a desired size or shape, you have several options.  If you need a clean, straight cut you will need to borrow or rent a masonry saw.  If a rough or approximate edge is desired, you can score it with a circular saw or a hammer and chisel and break it along the score line.

To cut flagstones to an exact size or for a straight edge, rent a masonry saw from a tool rental facility or your local home improvement store. Mark a straight line on the flagstone and use the masonry saw to cut along the line.  Don’t try to force it or push too hard on the saw.  Let the weight of the saw and the saw blade do all of the work.  This is a very loud and dusty job so be sure to wear ear protection, googles, and a dust mask.

For a rough edge, use a hammer and a chisel to score along the line.  Turn the stone over and do the same thing on the other side.  Keep at it until the stone breaks along the line.  Don’t hit it too hard or the stone will split where you don’t want it to.

If the stone is too thick to break using a hammer and chisel, you can use a masonry blade in a circular saw to score the line in the stone.  These blades are not strong enough to easily cut through the whole stone, but they can cut a groove in the stone.  Cut both sides and tap along the line with your chisel to cause the stone to break along the line.