Flagstone Patio Installation Tips from a Nashville Patio Company
A well-constructed patio can be a great spot to spend time with friends and family, enjoy a cookout, or just relax outside any time of the year. If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your patio this summer, consider using flagstone for your pavement instead of plain concrete. Flagstone comes in a variety of colors and patterns that can really enhance the look of your outdoor space, no matter what style you desire. Here are a few tips from professional patio designers at a Nashville patio company on how to install eye-catching flagstone in your yard.
Why Flagstone?
Flagstone patios and walkways can add a touch of luxury and charm to any home in Nashville. Any patio designer will tell you that there are many reasons why flagstone is such a popular hardscape installation material for patios, walkways, and other outdoor features. For one, it is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy amounts of foot traffic. It is also slip resistant, making it a safe choice for areas that may get wet. Another reason flagstone is so popular is that it is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. There are various stone types to choose from, and the stones can be laid out in a variety of patterns.
Different types of stone
Bluestone
Bluestone is a classic-looking, dense, blue-gray sandstone quarried from northeast states like Pennsylvania and New York. It is available in blue, gray, and purple. However, it’s worth noting that bluestone requires special sealing to prevent damage and significant color fading.
Limestone
Limestone is a very heavy sedimentary rock that can look elegant when polished. It is commonly found in Indiana and comes in gray, beige, yellow, and black.
Sandstone
This sedimentary rock is formed by layers of sand and quarried from the southwestern U.S. It comes in earthy pastels such as pink, buckskin, gold, and dark red.
Slate
Slate is a metamorphic rock with clay-like mineral layers that provides an antique look to your landscaping. Found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, and New York, it is available in silver, gray, and copper.
“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”
Best Installation Practices
When you’re ready to add a new flagstone patio to your home, it’s important to take accurate measurements of the space where it will be located. This will help you determine how many stones you need to purchase. Here’s a simple way to measure your patio space:
- Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage.
- Add an extra 10-20% to your total order to account for any cuts or adjustments that may be necessary during installation.
Following these steps will help ensure that you have enough flagstone on hand to create a beautiful, long-lasting patio for your Nashville home that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
There are two different installation methods, depending on the hardscape area:
- Dry setting on a crushed limestone base. We recommend this only for walkways or stepping stones.
- Installing a concrete base and mortaring the flagstone to the concrete using a Type S or Portland masonry mortar mix.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to use a level on each stone as you lay it. Adjust the leveling as needed to make the stone flat or slightly tilted away from your house to keep rainwater from flowing toward the foundation.
Dry Setting
Dry setting is the easiest way to lay flagstone yourself. If you’re planning to dry set flagstone, you’ll need to take some time to prepare the ground first. One crucial step is to create a crushed limestone base. This will provide a level base for your flagstones and help prevent them from excessively shifting.
You’ll also need to spread a layer of very fine limestone gravel over the area. This will help keep the flagstone in place and prevent it from shifting. Once you’ve prepared the ground, you can begin setting the flagstones on your gravel base.
Using Mortar
The process of using mortar for flagstone installation is different when you’re working with a concrete pad. First, excavate the area outlined for your new patio or walkway. You will need to start prepping the base with ¾” gravel and ensure it is level throughout the entire area. Next, form the outline of your hardscape area, using 4” lumber to create a 4” thick concrete slab.
The concrete slab will be the base where flagstone will directly be mortared. After the concrete is poured and dried, it is time to start laying flagstone. Using a Type S or a Portland Masonry mixture, you can now start mortaring flagstones onto the new concrete. It is always a good idea to lay out the flagstones in the pattern you’d like first. This will help determine where cuts need to be made on some of the stones. Always use a level to ensure your patio will be one smooth surface when completed.
Lay Out Your Flagstone in the Desired Pattern
Patio designers can achieve a range of looks by arranging flagstones in different ways. Rustic flagstone features rough, irregular edges that give the design a natural look. More orderly flagstone designs feature stones of similar sizes and shapes laid out in neat rows or patterns.
For a truly unique look, try a naturalistic design, which uses randomly placed stones to create a meandering path or garden border. No matter what style you choose, our patio company recommends laying out your stones before securing them in place. This will ensure that the final product is exactly what you envisioned.
Flagstone designs
Square Cut Flagstone Pattern
Most folks tend to think of flagstone as the big, irregularly shaped pieces that are sometimes used for landscaping. But there’s another type of flagstone that is often used for paving walkways and patios. This type of flagstone is square or rectangular in shape, and each stone in the design is a uniform size. The stone is laid in an orderly fashion, creating a clean, crisp appearance. If you’re looking for an attractive and durable paving option for your home, square cut flagstone should definitely be on your radar.
Random Flagstone Design
Flagstone comes in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to create unique designs. One of the most popular flagstone design trends is the use of uniquely shaped stones to create a more naturalistic, uneven design. Our patio company gets many requests for this approach because it gives flagstone patios and walkways a cottage-like look.
Use a Stone Cutter to Trim the Stones to Size
If you’re laying a flagstone patio, you may need to cut some stones. To make these cuts, you’ll need a stone saw. A masonry saw will work fine, but a diamond blade wet saw or a concrete saw with a diamond blade will make the job even easier. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
When cutting the stone, you’ll want to mark your cuts carefully with a pencil or chalk before getting started. Then, just take your time and let the saw do the work. With a little patience, you’ll have those flagstones cut in no time.
You may be able to rent a saw from your local hardware or garden store. If you work with a patio company for your flagstone hardscape installation project, they’ll be able to supply their own stone cutting tools.
Allow Setting Time
If you’re laying a flagstone patio, another important thing to remember is to allow time for the mortar to set. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the patio, or even longer if possible. This will give the mortar time to cure and harden, ensuring your patio will be strong and durable.
In addition, it’s important to avoid placing any furniture or extra patio features on the area until the mortar has had a chance to set. Otherwise, you risk negatively affecting the flagstones’ leveling or causing them to shift noticeably out of place. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your flagstone patio will be built to last.
Clean Flagstone Surface
One of the most important things for you or your concrete patio contractors to do once the flagstones are set is to hose them down. This will remove any sand, mud, or mortar on the stones’ surface. It’s essential to be careful not to hose off the mortar or dirt in between the stones, as they may still be a bit loose at this point. Hosing down your flagstone regularly will help prevent mildew formation and keep it looking its best, especially if you live in a place like Nashville, where frequent rain can result in standing water in your yard.
Want Help With Your Flagstone Patio from a Nashville Patio Company?
Installing a flagstone patio or walkway is an excellent choice for adding value and beauty to your home. If you’re considering installing one yourself, we hope this guide has been helpful. Even so, if the thought of tackling such a project seems daunting, don’t worry! Greenway of Nashville is a patio company with many years of experience in hardscape installation. Contact us for help with your patio installation, and our concrete patio contractors will take care of everything for you. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
