Patios Made with Flagstone
Flagstone patios add a contrast of textures and color, enhancing a yard with natural beauty. Flagstones are weather resistant and durable. They're a practical choice for do-it-yourselfers as you can lay them on either a concrete base with mortar or over a bed of sand and gravel. Flagstones are split into flat pieces and sold in irregular shapes. Their non-slip surface makes them a good fit for patios. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits
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Flagstone patios offer a rustic charm that complements a number of different types of homes and landscapes. Flagstones hold up to frequent traffic and harsh weather conditions. It's a safe surface for fire pits, fireplaces or an outdoor grill. If there's a possibility that you may sell, a well-laid flagstone patio can increase the value of a home.
Characteristics
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While the appearance of your landscape changes with the seasons, a flagstone patio remains the same, offering a sense of permanence to your yard. Unlike molded or cut patio pavers that are uniform, a close look shows that flagstones are unique. The texture and shapes of the individual stones are formed by nature, which adds to the character of your overall landscape.
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Patio Design
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The design options for a flagstone patio are as varied as other materials, but the layout of your stones takes more preparation. Whether the patio is round or rectangular, it's advantageous create a layout of the stones beside the site so you know where to place them once the foundation is set. Place the stones with an even distribution of large and mid-sized stones so the surface is eye pleasing, and use small stones to fill in any large gaps. The thickness of flagstones will vary so the level of each stone will need to be adjusted until it is even with the other stones. Neglecting to level each stone will result in an uneven surface.
Maintenance
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In time, the natural hues of a flagstone surface can fade, taking away from the appeal of your patio. In addition to protecting the stones, sealant preserves the strength of the grout used to lock them in place. If your stones are set over a gravel base with sand joints, you'll need to refill the joints each year and then add sealant to hold the joints. Clean the surface with a power washer and wire brush so that dirt and stains do not get trapped. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying sealant or the surfaced will have a clouded look. Plan to reapply the seal every 2 to 3 years.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit arched garden image by bruce long from Fotolia.com
