Flagstone patios consist of stone pieces laid as “flags” in a particular pattern. Known for their rustic and natural appearance, flagstone patios are a timeless and elegant look to outdoor spaces. Flagstones have irregular shapes and sizes, giving the patio a more organic and natural appearance.
Types of Flagstone
Flagstones have different types of natural stone; such as sandstone, limestone, quartzite, slate, or bluestone. Further, each type of stone has unique colors, textures, and characteristics. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by layers of sand. Most commonly found in the Southwest, sandstone offers a contemporary or earthy look. Sandstone forms in soft pastel colors from beige to red, including pinks, buckskin gold, and dark red.
A common sedimentary rock composed of calcite is limestone. Limestone, found in Indiana, has a natural split surface, but polished creates an elegant look. Colors of limestone include gray, beige, yellow, and pink.
Quartzite is a form of metamorphosed rock. Quartzite, commonly found in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Northern Utah has a glossy, smooth surface and ageless appearance. It comes in a wide range of colors, including silver, gold, lighter tan, blues, grays, and greens.
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed from clay, volcanic ash, and other minerals. It is known for its slip-resistant surface and durability and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Slate has various colors, including grey with red, yellow, or brown overtones.
Bluestone is a type of blue-gray sandstone but much more dense. It is very flat with a rough texture and has a classical look. Primarily found in Pennsylvania and New York, bluestone has shades of blue, gray, and purple.
Benefits Of Having a Flagstone Patio
Flagstone patios are prized for their natural and rustic aesthetics, providing a connection to the surrounding landscape. In fact, they complement a range of architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary. Outdoor spaces that use flagstone include gardens, fire pits, and courtyards. They offer a non-slip surface and are perfect for pool sides, patios, and walkways. Flagstone is highly durable and can withstand harsh outdoor elements, extremely hot weather, and even cold winters without corroding.
Flagstone patios, known for being resilient and resistant to cracking and chipping, are cost-effective and guaranteed to last for years. However, proper maintenance may include occasional cleaning, resealing, and addressing any uneven settling of stones.
Installing A Flagstone Patio
There are two types of installation for flagstone patios: dry-set and mortar. For dry-set installation, we set flagstones in a bed of sand or gravel without using mortar. This installation allows for some flexibility and natural movement of the stones. Alternatively, we can set flagstones in mortar for a more stable and permanent installation.
With either type of installation, we recommend professional installation. Before installing a flagstone patio, it’s advisable to consider factors such as the local climate, the desired style, and the intended use of the space. Contact Cypress Glen Outdoors today to ensure you make the right decision for your flagstone patio!
