Installing a flagstone patio in your backyard comes with a host of details to consider. Many homeowners love the idea of a flagstone patio due to the natural aesthetic and design flexibility, but there are a few things that you, as a homeowner should consider prior to having a flagstone patio installed. Flagstone is a great choice rock to use for your yard space.

What is Flagstone?

First off, let’s start with what flagstone actually is.

Contrary to what many people assume, flagstone is not a geological term, but rather, a colloquial term referring to a group of stones that carry specific attributes.

Stones that are under the umbrella of the flagstone family include sandstone, limestone, slate, travertine, as well as other similar stones.

Flagstones are categorized by their flat surface and are usually made from sedimentary rock. A sedimentary rock splits along layers resulting in a flat, thin stone perfect for patios.

Benefits of Flagstone Patios

Flagstone patios offer many benefits. If you are a homeowner who is considering this type of patio, here are a few of the benefits to aid you on your decision making journey.

Flagstone is Versatile

Due to varying dimensions, shades, and shapes, flagstone is extremely versatile and is able to accompany virtually any home style. You can opt for a bluish flagstone patio, red or rich brown stones, or if you want to be extra creative, you can even mix and match. Besides being incredibly versatile color and shapewise, flagstone can also be easily used for either indoor or outdoor patios.

Flagstone is acid resistant meaning that it can be laid directly on soil without the need for a concrete or aggregate foundation.

Flagstone is Reasonably Priced

Flagstone, being a natural and extremely versatile stone, can seem a little on the pricier side at first glance. However, if you consider what you are getting for your money, flagstone is actually quite a good investment for homeowners.

It is durable, weather resistant will last for many years, and is exceptionally beautiful. Installation is relatively simple, some homeowners even opting to install their own flagstone patios, and replacements or repairs are extremely convenient.

For most flagstones, you can expect to pay between $15 and $30 dollars per square foot. If this is out of your price range, consider using flagstone in conjunction with other complementary materials such as brick or concrete.

An additional way that you may cut down on cost when having flagstone installed is by dry laying the stones over a sand and gravel base instead of having it laid on a concrete base.

Flagstone is Durable

Flagstone is a highly durable patio option. It can withstand varying climates, is slip resistant, and is convenient to maintain or repair.

If roots grow beneath your flagstone patio it won’t crack (unlike concrete patios) and you can remedy your roots issue with a simple adjustment of sand to level out your flagstone.
Roots that grow underneath may press up on the patio, but unlike a concrete patio, it won’t crack.

Replacing or repairing damaged flagstones is also relatively simple.

Flagstone Allows for Aesthetic Creativity

Flagstone, due to its organic look and natural hues, allows homeowners extensive amounts of aesthetic creativity. You may use a variety of different shapes, dimensions, and shades to add character and texture throughout your yard.

Flagstone patios compliment firepits, patio furniture, gardens, and ponds in a unique way that can define your yard. You can use a flagstone patio to bring the details of your yard together into cohesivity or a complementary color palette.

If you are looking for a formal look throughout your yard, flagstone patios can easily manage the job with a deep color palette and crisp edges, your yard will look like it was made for a landscaping catalog. If you wish for a more natural and wild aesthetic, you can utilize flagstone to achieve this look as well. Go for varying shapes, sizes, and colors of flagstone.

Allow a small grout between stones for wildflower or moss growth. Opting for a more irregular and random flagstone patio fashion will ensure that your yard looks wild and natural. Plants like Dichondra, sedum or moss grow well between flagstones so be on the lookout for these.

Another pro-tip is to purchase flagstone that is native to your region. This will cut costs down and will lend an additional natural element to your design.

Having a Flagstone Patio Installed in Your Yard

Flagstone installation is a custom job that requires a certain level of expertise and artistry. If you intend to have your flagstone paved on ground soil, you will first need a base layer with gravel and sand before the flagstone can be installed. Once the pavers have been set, they must be secured with polymeric sand as a filler. This sand filler lends its soil binding properties to depress the growth of seeds buried in the ground.

Installing a flagstone patio is a highly customized job that often requires specific tools and knowledge. Working with a professional landscape designer will ensure that you have the most beautiful flagstone patio and that you didn’t make costly mistakes along the way with the installation.

Hiring the Best Landscape Designers to Install Your Flagstone Patio

New Life Rockeries has been proudly serving homeowners in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. Our team of landscape experts specializes in creating landscape designs and rockery installation.

We would love to help you with your patio installation or outdoor aesthetic improvement. If you would like to receive a quote for your project or have additional questions, contact our landscape experts today, we’d be more than happy to have a chat with you.