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Flagstone is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Along with being easy to maintain, it adds a lot of visual interest to your yard or garden. When used correctly, it can unite different parts of your landscaping, helping to create a cohesive look. Flagstone is unique since it can be used in many different types of outdoor projects. It is almost always made out of large, flat pieces of sedimentary rock such as slate, sandstone, or bluestone.
If you have the right type of soil in your yard, the flagstone can be installed directly onto a base of soil. Otherwise, the installation process will require a layer of gravel to support the stones. If you want to get great results with this landscaping project, it is important to prepare the ground correctly. As long as flagstone is installed the right way, it can last for many, many years.
One of the best things about flagstone is its versatility. Below are some suggestions on how you can incorporate it into your outdoor space.
Three Ways To Enhance Your Outdoor Space With Flagstone
1. Design A Flagstone Patio
Flagstone patios have a lot more character and charm than traditional concrete patios. Begin by creating a level bed of sand. Next, arrange the pieces of flagstone on the surface, ensuring that it is level. Finish by adding gravel to the joints between the stones. When you are done, you will be left with a beautiful, natural-looking patio.
If you want your patio to last longer and to have lower maintenance requirements, consider pouring a concrete base and arranging the flagstones on top of it as if they were pavers. Most experts don’t recommend trying to join the stones together with concrete. From a stability standpoint, this method is lacking and can easily wind up cracking. If you want your flagstone patio to last as long as possible, the best option is to hire a professional landscaper. They can create a patio that will last for decades.
2. Use Stacked Flagstone To Create Seating Areas
For beautiful, natural-looking outdoor seating, try stacking pieces of flagstone together. Use mortar to hold the slabs together. Avoid building seats that are too tall. In general, you should stick to a height of anywhere from 18 to 22 inches. Another option is to make the base of the seat out of flagstone and to use a smoother capstone on top. This helps maximize comfort.
Flagstone seating looks particularly attractive around fire pits. If you use the same flagstone that you used to construct your patio, this will help create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor space. Alternatively, you could mix and match different types of flagstone to add more textural interest.
3. Create Steps Out Of Flagstone
Another way to use flagstone is to construct stairs. Stairs like these blend naturally with the environment, helping to create an organic look. Because flagstone is relatively thin, you will usually need to layer multiple pieces of it together. Use mortar between the pieces for stability.
When designing your stairs, it is important to think about safety as well as durability. Planting groundcover between the stones can help create softer edges. For instance, plants like moss or creeping thyme can both add beauty while at the same time improving safety.
