Building a Flagstone Patio | Flagstone Patio

Introduction:

A patio just outside the back door provides a great place where you can entertain quests, star gaze, or have a barbeque set up. There are a number of choices when selecting material to use for your patio but one of the best that you can use is flagstone. Flagstones are natural flat stones that come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

One of the advantages of a flagstone patio is that the flagstone is inherently attractive. Its natural appearance creates a rustic look that goes with just about everything outside your home. Not only are flagstones used for patios, they are ideal for a flagstone walkway and flower bed walkways. Building a flagstone patio is a relatively easy DIY task.

Flagstones are attractive and are very durable. They are very strong and do not crack easily. A flagstone patio area will last for years and they don't require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking great. Some home owners prefer to install a raised wooden patio but the problem with wood is that is has high maintenance requirements. Pressure treated wood or cedar is commonly used to build a raised patio deck. Unfortunately, these wooden platform patios must be sealed every year to protect them from the elements. And if they become infected with termites you will have to rebuild them. You will not experience these maintenance requirements and insect hassles with a flagstone patio.

Stamped concrete is also often used in patio design but they do not look natural. Stamp concrete and concrete paver patios do not look as good as flagstone patios. There is little money savings building these type of concrete patios and they are not as attractive as a flagstone patio. Flagstone patios are easy to install, look great, are relatively maintenance free and will last a life time. Preparing the area for a flagstone patio is a relatively easy DIY project. The suggestions below will aid you in building a flagstone patio.

Preparation to lay the flagstone:

·       Pick a location that suits your requirements.

·       Remove the sod and level the ground

·       Use a string line for leveling to insure that are not dips and that you have a slight slope for water to run off.

·       Used patio edging to establish the area of your patio.

·       Place approximately three inches of stone dust on the surface of the patio bed.

·       Level the stone dust and compact using a light spray of water and a tampering tool.

Laying the flagstone:

·       Lay the flagstone in a random pattern with approximately one inch between the edges of each piece.

·       Insure that there is a straight edge along the outside.

·       Once the flagstone is laid in place brush more stone dust between the pieces.

·       As an option, you may consider grouting the spaces with mortar cement. This will help prevent grass or weed growth between the flagstones.    

 That is all there is to building a flagstone patio.

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