Flagstone can be used to create a variety of patio styles, from formal to informal. And it is ideal for other hardscape features, such as walkways and retaining walls.
Why? First and foremost, flagstone is an extremely durable material that can withstand years of wear and tear, even in harsh climates. It is resistant to cracking, chipping, and staining.
This natural stone comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to create a patio that is both unique and beautiful.
Flagstone Benefits
Beyond its strength, flagstone features a number of benefits that might make it the perfect fit for your patio project:
Unique Look
Each flagstone is completely unique. Even from the same quarry and batch, individual flagstones will display differences in texture, veining, and patterning.
Since no 2 flagstones are alike, this is an option that can be perfectly suited to homeowners who do not want a strictly uniform surface. One stone on its own has a lot of charm, but the real magic happens when each stone is put in place, highlighting the variety and dimension of the completed look.
Versatile Usage
Flagstone can be purchased uncut and arranged in a puzzle-like fashion, which is a wonderful option for curved walkway patterns and rustic patios.
That said, you can also purchase flagstone that has been cut and shaped into rectangles or squares, which makes for:
Faster installation
A more formal or modern landscape
Adaptable to Your Landscape
Large-format flagstone blends wonderfully with any modern design aesthetic. And even if your landscape is more formal, the larger sizes will allow you to fully appreciate each stone’s individual beauty.
The stunning textures and colors of large-format flagstone will be brightened by other masonry features, especially when used as accents and borders. Flagstone will lend warmth to your outdoor ambiance, and bring a casual flair to more structured and formal spaces.
Non-Slip Texture
Flagstone naturally has a fairly rough, sandpaper-like texture made up of very fine particles. And the slightly uneven nature of flagstone allows for plenty of ways shoes and bare feet can properly grip. All of which makes this an excellent stone for non-slip applications.
Not only is this an advantage during rainy and snowy weather, but it also makes flagstone a great choice around places with lots of excess water, such as a pool deck.
Long-Lasting (with the Right Treatment)
As a type of sandstone, flagstone is somewhat porous. If water gets into the flagstone repeatedly, the freeze-thaw cycles may cause it to crack, crumble, or spall (flake). This can be avoided with a regular application of proper sealant.
In certain climates, homeowners can leave flagstone in its natural state, but in our freeze-thaw environment, we recommend a sealant. As a bonus, in poolside applications, this sealant will also create a smoother, more predictable surface, which is great for waterside living.
Easy to Replace
If your flagstone isn’t set in concrete but in the sand, a damaged stone can actually be replaced without causing upheaval to the rest of the surface! The caveat is that this won’t always be so easy when you are replacing an uncut stone on a rustic patio, where the “puzzle” would need to be rearranged (or the replacement stone cut to shape).
Fillable/Growable
Oftentimes, flagstone hardscapes use irregular pieces that create different-sized gaps between each stone. These gaps can be filled in a few different ways.
Some landscape designers may go even further by adding plants to the gaps, such as grass, low ground covers, or moss. This creates an enchanting and naturally vibrant outdoor setting.
When Flagstone Makes Sense
Select flagstone is often hand-picked for a uniform color, textural pattern, and consistent thickness, so the finished project has an elevated look. It has an organic charm that is hard to beat, creating intricate patterns and expansive spaces equally well.
Flagstone can be ideal for both large and small patios of any shape. Whether you choose uncut or cut flagstone, eyes will tend to linger in the space. In effect, a small patio may feel a bit larger than it would with a more structured appearance, while a large patio may feel less monolithic.
The lighter tones of flagstone make it an appealing choice for pool decks, as it absorbs less heat from the sun and therefore remains comfortable to swimmers’ feet. Cut flagstone, irregular slabs, and smaller, puzzle-shaped pieces offer variety for designs on patios, walkways, and stepping stones.
Overall, flagstone isn’t just for rustic homes. It establishes a stunning contrast against ultra-modern architecture, and creates a wonderful transition between a home and the surrounding natural landscape.
Types of Flagstone
Flagstone is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock made up of thin, compressed layers of sandstone. It is commonly found in warm, earthy colors such as rusty red, pink, yellow, or light brown. The colors vary widely depending on where the stone is quarried.
Other types of flagstone are less common, including bluestone, which is quarried in Pennsylvania, New York, and, to a lesser extent, Quebec.
The composition and bedding planes of the flagstone mean that it is typically flat and smooth, which makes it a fantastic patio stone.
As flagstone is naturally occurring, it is available in various forms for landscaping:
Natural Flagstone
Natural flagstone is available in irregular shapes and sizes that present a challenge for building a patio. Using natural flagstone is sometimes referred to as “crazy paving” in the industry, because of the relative difficulty of fitting irregular pieces together. Landscape designers will spend time finding the best look for your patio before setting the stone in place.
But there’s no question that the effort is worth the reward. The finished result of a natural flagstone patio is a gorgeous, relaxed setting that helps a landscape blend into its surrounding environment.
Shaped (Cut) Flagstone
You can also find flagstone that has been cut and shaped. This simplifies the construction process and gives a more structured look to your patio.
While more formal, a patio made of cut flagstone still has many of the unique, natural qualities of uncut stone. It’s a sure-fire way to ensure your outdoor living space looks one-of-a-kind.
Flagstone Patio Patterns
Some of the most popular flagstone patterns produce dazzling results for your patio. A few examples:
Herringbone pattern: This pattern is created by laying flagstones at a 45-degree angle to one another. It’s a classic and elegant pattern that is well-suited to both formal and informal patios of any size.
Ashlar pattern: The Ashlar pattern is created by laying flagstones in a random pattern—a more informal look that is well-suited to rustic or natural-looking patios.
Circular pattern: Created by laying flagstones in a circular pattern, this is a dramatic look well-suited to elegant patios. Circular patterns often center around a central focal point, such as a fire pit or fountain.
Conclusion
All in all, flagstone can have a beautiful effect on your overall outdoor living environment while creating a highly usable surface for your patio. Its many aesthetic and functional advantages are sure to take your landscape to the next level.
Questions? Get in touch with a design consultant today to ask or talk about all things flagstone patio.
