Have you ever heard someone talk about their awesome natural stone flagstone patio and wondered what the big deal was? You’re not alone. Flagstone is something of a hidden gem. It’s versatile and beautiful, yet not everyone understands its value.
We’re here to educate the public on the virtues of flagstone. What can you use it for? What do most people like to do with it? Let’s find out.
What is flagstone?
Flagstone isn’t just a boring old rock. Its naturally thin width makes it perfect for paving and stacking. It is a sedimentary rock that splits into thin layers along bedding planes, or layers of rock below the grass. Here in Nashville, we can easily see such bedding planes when driving down the interstate where they have blasted into hillsides to lay asphalt roads and highways.
Flagstone is usually made of sandstone bound together by such minerals as silica, calcite, or iron ore. The colors of flagstone are derived from these binding agents. It is usually red, blue, or pale yellow-brown in color. Arizona and Pennsylvania are common places for mining flagstone. Now that we know what flagstone is, why is it so popular? Once you see all the ways you can use flagstone, you’ll see.
Uses for Flagstone
Flagstone is a flat stone, making it perfect as a paving stone. For the most part, flagstone is used to pave walkways, patios, driveways, and other low-key paving projects like steps. The flat nature of this stone also makes it perfect for stacking. You’ll see flagstone as part of stacked stone columns for fences and even used as grave headstones and facades.
For example, flagstone makes a great pathway. Pavers made of flagstone can be laid within inches from each other to create an aesthetically pleasing path, as in this DIY article. Check out these ideas on Houzz to get a feel for what you could do with flagstone on your own property. With its natural beauty and ergonomic texture, you’ll find it to be the perfect landscaping material.
Flagstone Cost
If you’re starting to lean toward flagstone as a landscaping option, you are probably wondering what price range it is in. As a basic raw material, flagstone rings in around $3-$5 per square foot. You have to also think about if you want a contractor to install it for you (Costhelper.com says you should add on $7-$20 per square foot for labor). The cost for materials can run anywhere from $30 to $200 for sealers and cleaners. This locally oriented cost calculator can help you figure out your project costs so you can get ready for the big picture of installing flagstone.We think it is worth it due to the durability and beauty of flagstone, but it is always good to know how much money you’ll need to spend before you start a project. We here at The Rock Place are always available to answer any questions you have.
Do you have flagstone in your landscape?
Flagstone is a versatile and beautiful landscaping material. The earth creates the natural thin width of the flagstone so that we don’t have to cut the stones. And If you’re in Nashville, TN, flagstone is readily available here at The Rock Place. Flagstone may not be the cheapest paving material, but the natural colors and shapes it has are worth the investment.
Do you have flagstone in your Nashville landscape? Or are you considering it for your patio? We want to know your story! Insert a link into our comment box below to show us pictures, or simply tell us your journey toward flagstone.
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