Before you begin any outdoor home improvement project, you must consider the different materials available. When it comes to installing a patio or walkway, you have several options available including concrete, brick, and flagstone. Flagstone is a type of sedimentary rock containing mica and quartz. These minerals are bound together with calcium, silica, or iron oxide. Flagstone has a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before deciding on a hardscape to use in your landscape.
Homeowners take pride in their homes and want their home's curb appeal to be unparallel to other homes in the neighborhood. One way to stand out from your neighbors is to use flagstone. Flagstone is much more beautiful than pavers and other artificial materials like pavers.
Flagstone has unique patterns, which create an elegant looking fireplace or pathway. Because they are natural stones, no two flagstones will look alike. This means you can choose from a variety of color combinations to create exactly the look you want.
Flagstone is extremely durable. Even when exposed to freeze/thaw conditions or extremely hot weather, the flagstones won't corrode. They will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment as flagstones will last for at least 50 years.
Flagstone is a suitable choice for outdoor areas. Because of its unique texture, flagstone will help prevent slips and falls on your walkways and patio areas. These stones provide optimal traction even in the slickest conditions.
The only thing required to keep your flagstone patio or walkway looking great is regular sweeping and spraying. If a stain or mold develops, it can be removed with a mixture of bleach and water. If a flagstone breaks or cracks, you can remove and replace it with ease. The only thing that you need to watch out for is the thickness of the individual flagstone.
One of the biggest issues when working with flagstones is creating an even surface. They come in a variety of sizes and can range in thickness (from one inch thick to thicker) When constructing a walkway or a patio using different sized flagstones, you must prepare the surface to ensure it can handle the thickness of the flagstones. This will ensure they will settle evenly. You never want to try to cut thick flagstones into slices as this can increase the risk of breakage.
Flagstones are extremely heavy, which means installation is back breaking work. For best results, you want to have a couple of people helping with the installation process.
Although flagstones can withstand temperature extremes. They will mimic the outdoor temperatures. For example, when the temperatures are cold, the flagstone will be cold. During the hottest part of summer, the flagstone can become hot.
In order to enjoy your flagstone walkway or patio, proper installation techniques must be followed. Installation requires several stages, including ensuring the ground is level, adding sand or gravel to create a solid foundation, compacting the soil, and more. Trying to eliminate any of these steps can cause an unstable surface.
The pros and cons of flagstones should be taken into account when deciding on a material for the hardscape areas of your outdoor spaces. These stones will create a custom look that will last a lifetime. If you are considering adding a patio or a walkway to your landscape, we can help. We will explain the numerous choices as well as the pros and cons that each offers. Once you have made your decision, we can assist you with installation, repairs, and maintenance.
