Things to Remember When Installing a Flagstone Patio or Walkway
Flagstone is a beautiful product to work with. They come in so many colors, sizes, and thicknesses. It certainly beats using plain old concrete for a patio. Whether you use it for a patio, walkway, retaining wall, or something else, flagstone can last for several years after it has been installed, and it’s easy to replace if any pieces get damaged. However, that doesn’t mean you should dive in blind if you decide to incorporate flagstone into your newest landscaping venture. There are several factors you need to consider and plan for so that your project becomes a success.
What Do You Want It To Look Like?
The first thing you need to look at before you begin to build anything is the location you want to build it. Depending on the terrain of your yard and the climate that you live in, there are several options to look for. Fortunately, if you’re unfamiliar with how the landscape can affect a landscaping project, you can always seek the advice of an expert. Many home and garden stores, such as Rock & Block Hardscape Supply, have experts who can direct you on what products would be best to use and what area of your yard would be best to build on for safety and aesthetic reasons.
The next thing to consider is the style you want. Do you want a more structured look, or do you prefer a more casual take on it? This can determine how your flagstone will be cut. For more structured, formal designs, the flagstone would have even cuts and be more uniform when placed on the ground. Meanwhile, if you want a more casual and fun look, then uneven cuts are your best option, giving it a more artistic look. Fortunately, thanks to how versatile flagstone is, both options are possible.
How Much Will It Cost?
Like everything else, flagstone still costs money. Fortunately, it isn’t only popular because it looks good. Flagstone is a reasonably affordable product for landscapers building on a budget. Unlike standard pavers, which cost between $3-$6 per square foot, flagstone can cost about $2-$3 per square foot. Though remember that thickness can also contribute to the price range, as thicker flagstone can cost more.
Besides the flagstone itself, there are other costs to consider as well, such as labor and overhead costs if you plan to hire a contractor. Hiring professionals is highly recommended if you want to lay gigantic slabs of flagstone instead of cobblestone size or smaller. Not to mention that if heavy-lifting equipment is required, it’s best to have someone there who knows how to use and operate it.
How Do You Install It?
While it’s possible to handle flagstone with minimal equipment, there is still a lot of preparation required to install it properly. The most important thing you’ll need to do before you even start laying flagstone down is to excavate and create a base layer. While mortar isn’t required to keep flagstone in place, using sand or small stones is an ideal substitute to prevent the flagstone patio from shifting. It is also the best way to provide drainage when it rains or snows. Another thing to add before installing the flagstone is edging, which will help keep the sand in place.
After the base layer is in place, you can start installing the flagstone itself. As mentioned before, depending on the size of the flagstone used will determine whether it would be best to hire professional help. You should also consider this if the excavation area is large.
Rock & Block Hardscape Supply can not only provide you with the correct size of flagstone you want but also with the equipment needed to excavate and build the foundation for your flagstone patio or walkway. They have many kinds of flagstones to choose from and experts ready to point you in the right direction. From classy, uniform slabs for a flagstone walkway to a casual mishmash of sizes for a flagstone patio, there are plenty of options to choose from at Rock & Block.
Learn More Rock and Block Hardscape Supply
Rock & Block Hardscape Supply has all the tools and professionals ready to assist you with any landscaping and hardscaping project. Come visit our stores in El Cajon or Temecula today, or look at our website at https://rockandblock.co/ to view our many offers and services. Let’s start your next project today!