Flagstone Patio - Design and Installation
It can surely resist any wear and tear that can be brought about by the elements.
Using flagstone is perfect for patios. Plain old concrete or even wood is no match for the beauty and the durability of flagstones. This kind of material will lend a natural look to your deck and will go well with other natural surroundings.
Another thing to like about flagstones is its flexibility. You can cut it almost anyway you want it to. If you want a more formal look for your deck then you cut the stones evenly. If you want a more casual and fun look, then you can cut the stones in an uneven manner and just piece them together like a puzzle. Flagstone also goes well with other materials. You can use pebbles or other stones together with this material and you will have a very unique patio that you will definitely be proud of.
Flagstones are perfect for DIY projects. It is very easy to handle and to install. You and your family will definitely have fun building your own patio.
Flagstone Patio Installation
If you have ever looked into high end landscape installations, you will find that the products are of a natural quality. Man made products are an antithesis to landscaping. The purpose of landscaping is to be in nature. This is why high end landscapes typically use flagstone for the patio and walkways. High end landscapes most often use select flagstone. Select pieces are much larger than average. Then, moss or thyme is planted in flagstone cracks. Moss and Thyme keep out weeds, hold the stones in place, and flower tiny beautiful flowers. Elfin Thyme is preferred because it grows very dense and low to the ground.
To complete this project you will need, a strong back, shovel, pick, boots, gloves, level, two by four, large mason chisel, mini sledge hammer, helper, and a skill saw with diamond blade. You may also need metal landscape edging, bender board, and stakes.
Stone Beauty
Select stones are quite striking. There are shades of glittery gray, brilliant white, deep red, feathery blue, and tortoise green. They somehow shimmer back at you in a friendly way. You can create quite a masterpiece by using multiple stone colors, shapes, and hand picking unique stones. Irish Moss and Elfin Thyme soften the hard stone, cool it, and bring in natural beauty.
Pricing
You can expect to pay around $5.00 per square foot installing yourself. Contractors charge $10.00 to $15.00 per square foot (including material).
How To Install
Dig Out Dirt
First, if necessary, dig out the dirt. Stake out the patio edges and decide how high the patio can be. In most cases, you will need to dig down six inches. The stone will be 2 inches, the gravel base will be 2 inches, and the sand will be two inches.
Install Edging (Optional)
Use metal landscape edging or bender board to hold the edges in place. This step is purely optional. The larger select stones will stay in place well without the edging. Edging is more necessary if you use smaller patio stones.
Compaction
After you dig out the dirt make sure the base is compacted well. You can rent a plate compacter from a construction rental store or you can use a hand tamper.
Using flagstone is perfect for patios. Plain old concrete or even wood is no match for the beauty and the durability of flagstones. This kind of material will lend a natural look to your deck and will go well with other natural surroundings.
Another thing to like about flagstones is its flexibility. You can cut it almost anyway you want it to. If you want a more formal look for your deck then you cut the stones evenly. If you want a more casual and fun look, then you can cut the stones in an uneven manner and just piece them together like a puzzle. Flagstone also goes well with other materials. You can use pebbles or other stones together with this material and you will have a very unique patio that you will definitely be proud of.
Flagstones are perfect for DIY projects. It is very easy to handle and to install. You and your family will definitely have fun building your own patio.
Flagstone Patio Installation
If you have ever looked into high end landscape installations, you will find that the products are of a natural quality. Man made products are an antithesis to landscaping. The purpose of landscaping is to be in nature. This is why high end landscapes typically use flagstone for the patio and walkways. High end landscapes most often use select flagstone. Select pieces are much larger than average. Then, moss or thyme is planted in flagstone cracks. Moss and Thyme keep out weeds, hold the stones in place, and flower tiny beautiful flowers. Elfin Thyme is preferred because it grows very dense and low to the ground.
To complete this project you will need, a strong back, shovel, pick, boots, gloves, level, two by four, large mason chisel, mini sledge hammer, helper, and a skill saw with diamond blade. You may also need metal landscape edging, bender board, and stakes.
Stone Beauty
Select stones are quite striking. There are shades of glittery gray, brilliant white, deep red, feathery blue, and tortoise green. They somehow shimmer back at you in a friendly way. You can create quite a masterpiece by using multiple stone colors, shapes, and hand picking unique stones. Irish Moss and Elfin Thyme soften the hard stone, cool it, and bring in natural beauty.
Pricing
You can expect to pay around $5.00 per square foot installing yourself. Contractors charge $10.00 to $15.00 per square foot (including material).
How To Install
Dig Out Dirt
First, if necessary, dig out the dirt. Stake out the patio edges and decide how high the patio can be. In most cases, you will need to dig down six inches. The stone will be 2 inches, the gravel base will be 2 inches, and the sand will be two inches.
Install Edging (Optional)
Use metal landscape edging or bender board to hold the edges in place. This step is purely optional. The larger select stones will stay in place well without the edging. Edging is more necessary if you use smaller patio stones.
Compaction
After you dig out the dirt make sure the base is compacted well. You can rent a plate compacter from a construction rental store or you can use a hand tamper.
