What Are the Benefits of Flagstone?

Appearance

• One of the main benefits of a flagstone patio or walkway is its attractive, individual appearance. Each stone is a different shape and size, and coloring varies from stone to stone as well. You can choose from several basic shades, including blue, brown, beige and red. Because of the distinctive look of each flagstone, you can create a patio or walkway that is truly one of a kind. You may still opt to use stones that are all roughly the same size, but the pattern created will be natural and random. For a formal look, you can also have flagstone cut to create uniform stones for a more organized pattern.

Durable

• When installed properly, flagstone provides an extremely durable surface for your patio or walkway. It withstands freezing and thawing conditions and does well in very hot temperatures as well. Flagstone also stands up to moisture well, so it is not adversely affected by heavy rainfall or snow.

Can Be Dry-Laid

• Installing a flagstone patio or walkway can be because it is a heavy material and requires proper safety gear to place safely. However, despite the fact that you many need to hire a professional contractor to build your surface, a flagstone surface offers quick installation because it does not require a mortar bed for installation. Instead, the stones may be set on directly on compact sand or crushed rock. The joints between the stones should be set with mortar, though, to provide a stable surface.

Nonslip

• Flagstone is an ideal material for patios and walkways because it provides a nonslip surface. The natural texture of the stone provides traction that makes walking on it very safe. It is an especially effective paving option if you have children who will be running around your yard. In addition, it is also an ideal surface for placing furniture on because you do not have to worry about the pieces shifting or slipping when you're eating at an outdoor table or reclining on a lounge chair.

Low Maintenance

• Flagstone is a very low-maintenance paving material, which makes it ideal for use as a patio or walkway. You may want to treat it with a sealant when it is first installed to help protect it from environmental factors, but otherwise, only sweeping and occasional hosing are necessary to keep it clean of dirt, leaves and other debris. Avoid using harsh cleansers on flagstone because they can strip the natural color from the stone.