As the winter months have us longing for outdoor activities, many of us find ourselves daydreaming about the outdoor projects we’ll embark upon once the warmer weather graces us with its presence.
While you’re in the process of envisioning your ideal backyard or walkway, it can be both enjoyable and practical to explore the various materials available for your project. Among these options, flagstone stands out as a particularly appealing choice for walkways, steps, or patios, thanks to its natural appearance that seamlessly integrates with the outdoor environment.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of stone slabs and determine if they are the perfect fit for their project, the following article from eHow serves as an invaluable starting point. Remember not to stifle your creativity! These generously sized pavers offer flexibility in installation—opt for a uniform arrangement or leave gaps between the stones, allowing you to incorporate your preferred ground cover. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination roam free as you plan your outdoor oasis.
Types of Flagstone
If you’re looking to design an outdoor walkway, steps or a patio, you’re not between a rock and a hard place in terms of choosing the right material: This stone offers a range of shapes and colors that can complement just about any landscape design or home decor. Knowing basics about stone types can help you make the right decision when selecting which type of stone will best suit your needs.
What Is Flagstone
The term “flagstone” refers to sedimentary rocks that can be cut or split into layers, producing flat stones appropriate for landscaping and outdoor decorative purposes. A quarried stone, flagstone has a smooth straight edge if it has been cut and a ragged border if it has been split. According to Bob Vila, a leading U.S. expert on home renovations, most people recognize it by its split-surface and uneven border, which give it a natural look.
Types of Flagstone
Commonly found types of flagstone include limestone, bluestone, sandstone and volcanic stone. In addition, there are many specific kinds of flagstones found in particular states or regions of the United States. New Mexico buff flagstone, featuring a soft brown color, is easy to cut. Pennsylvania blue flagstone is known for its dramatic blue color. Arizona flagstone comes in colors that range from a vibrant red to a soft buff. Colorado flagstone frequently comes in a red hue but also can be found in muted beige tones.
Colors
Flagstone is found in a variety of colors determined by the binding materials that are part of its natural formation; consequently, flagstone colors vary by region. For example, if iron oxide is a dominant binding material, the flagstone will have a reddish tint. Common flagstone colors include white, brown, orange, red, gray and gold, and even lighter tones such as lavender and pink. As a design element, flagstone offers the choice of using uniformly colored stones or mixing and matching complementary tones.
Quality
Landscape architect Dean Hill suggests that consumers closely examine the quality of the flagstone they’re considering purchasing. If you want the stone to retain its durability and beauty, don’t choose stone that appears flaky, gritty or porous. If the surface isn’t uniform, water may seep into the cracks and crevices after installation outdoors. The more solid the stone, the greater the chances it will remain sturdy and attractive for years to come.
Installation
Proper installation can determine not only how long flagstone lasts but also its appearance as time goes on. Hill recommends choosing a stone that’s 1 1/2 inches thick for best results; pieces 1/2 inch thick or less are not a good choice for long-term projects. Using leveling sand to support the flagstones will minimize settling and help the stones remain in their original position. Flagstones should be supported all the way across with the leveling sand; a void could cause cracks in the stone.
Flagstone, with its remarkable versatility, proves to be an exceptional choice whether you’re considering a driveway, garden, or pond. With numerous varieties to choose from, harnessing the beauty and natural appeal of flagstone allows for easy customization of your outdoor design.
If you’re feeling inspired to turn your outdoor dream project into a reality with the timeless elegance of flagstone, consider reaching out to Camosse Masonry Supply. Our expertise extends to collaborating with multiple reputable paver manufacturers, offering an extensive array of stone options. We are committed to assisting you in seamlessly integrating flagstone into your unique project, ensuring it’s a perfect fit for your vision. Contact us today to embark on your flagstone-inspired outdoor journey.
