Flagstone is a popular design choice for patios and walkways.
Learn about this versatile stone and if it’s right for your home.
What Is Flagstone?
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Flagstone is a sedimentary stone that’s sliced into different pieces and layers.
Types of rock used for flagstone include sandstone,bluestone, slate, quartzite, and limestone.
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock, often made of sandstone.
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It is commonly available in the colors red, blue, and brownish-yellow.
A product of nature, no two stones are exactly alike.
Installing Flagstone
Use flagstones that are at least 1-1/2 inches thick as stepping stones or patio flooring.
With the latter, flagstones can be laid directly in soil or a bed of sand.
Thinner slabs should belaid in wet mortaror concrete to prevent cracking when stepped on.
Before choosingflagstone for a walkway, though, think about the users.
Are there any relatives on walkers or in wheelchairs?
Some cities have building code requirements for ease of access and entry.
Flagstone Walls
Flagstone can be stacked to create a natural-looking low wall.
Flagstone walls can be built dry-stacked or mortared.
Thirty square feet of flagstone costs around $750 to $850, not including delivery charges.
You caninstall a flagstone patioby yourself.
Flagstones are moderately difficult to maintain.
The wide joints between the stones collect organic materials, creating a growth environment for weeds.
Mortaring between the flagstones controls weeds, though.
A flagstone patio will cost about three times more than aconcrete patio.
The price of flagstone materials is much more than poured concrete.
Plus, more hours of skilled labor are required to set up the flagstone patio.
How Much Do Flagstone Patios Cost?Forbes Home.
