Just like snowflakes, no two flagstones are the same. As a true product of nature, flagstone comes in a million different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on where it comes from. This incredible diversity helps homeowners like you create hardscapes that are truly unique.

Flagstone patios and walkways provide rustic intrigue to your home. They are large, flat stones often used for patios, walkways, and pool decks. They are popular due to their durability, natural look, rich colors, and their versatility in installation; either setting them in sand or mortar. Flagstones can give your yard a boost by providing a more interesting look than stamped or poured concrete and pavers.

This DIY article; and the rest of the how-to section of my blog, cover most of the basics of how to properly build a flagstone patio. These articles provide general guidance, or at least advice, useful for hobbyists, DIY landscape designers/builders, and professional builders alike. So, what type of foundation should we build for our flagstone patio: sand, cement, or gravel? Short answer: It depends. Quarry screening (if one is available in your area) is usually best done under flagstone. Screening is also one of the best options among gemstones, but there are other options available to achieve different aesthetics. First, we'll address the structural question of "what to use under the slab." Cement - at some point it (may) break. It may last a long time, but when it does break down, fixing it will be a lot more work than repairing dry slate. Sand – ants will dig it up and leave it everywhere…sand can also be washed away, causing rocks to settle. Gravel – There’s really no problem here, just use the right type of gravel. Even better, use modified gravel as a base and then stone powder (aka quarry screening, aka grit, aka quarry dust) as the final leveling agent. Okay, so let's be more specific.

When it comes to home design, the use of natural stone cladding can instantly elevate the aesthetics and ambiance of your living spaces. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, traditional look or a sleek, modern feel, natural stone cladding offers versatile and timeless design possibilities. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best ways to incorporate natural stone cladding into your home design.

Could your current dining/living area design be described as “rustic yet modern”? Or, maybe this blend of design styles applies more aptly to your dream entertaining space. In either case, stacked stone tile is a surfacing trend which may very well appeal to you. In this article, Cosmos SurfacesTM will tell you all about how stacked stone can be used to accentuate the interior or exterior of your home. Plus, we’ll offer pointers on what to consider when deciding whether this material is a good fit for your design & lifestyle.

Just like snowflakes, no two flagstones are the same. As a true product of nature, flagstone comes in a million different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on where it comes from. This incredible diversity helps homeowners like you create hardscapes that are truly unique. Different flagstones don’t only look different, though. They also have varying thicknesses, textures, levels of permeability, and uses. These durable, versatile unsung heroes of landscaping can be a part of just about any hardscape you could think of.To help you narrow down the possibilities, we’ve come up with eight flagstone ideas to incorporate in your yard.

Cement will (probably) crack. Especially grade level cement. Especially in a climate with winters like ours in Pennsylvania. Worse way to go about it would be to lay the flagstone upon a bed of gravel and then cement the joints between stones. Horrible idea. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. Well, if the base was done poorly the movement might be more then slight, but let’s assume the base was done well. A gravel base will definitely move a bit — looking at any of my patios, you’d never know that, but the movement does happen. Cement is rigid — if you put a rigid top on a flexible base then systemic cracking is inevitable.Cement is of course a fine joint filling material if the flagstone happens to rest upon a concrete foundation. But why on earth would you want to have a concrete foundation anyway? The concrete itself will crack, eventually. In a northern climate it will likely crack within ten years — and the chances of it cracking within the next three years are pretty high too. Environmental impact of concrete production is no small issue either. Anyway, I personally prefer dry stone work. More harmonious, warmer, just better. The feeling you get from a well done dry laid flagstone patio, IMO, is just better than a flagstone patio set in cement. My opinion.A flagstone patio set in cement can of course look good and last a long time. I’ve built many that look great,–many years later too. But if there is cement between the joints, there just had better be a concrete foundation. I mean it.

Natural stone is one of the elements most highly valued by professionals when it comes to choosing the material to clad the facade of a building. Using natural stone cladding for your project is definitely a great choice. There are many benefits derived from the use of natural stone cladding, among others, because it is...Natural stone is one of the elements most highly valued by professionals when it comes to choosing the material to clad the facade of a building. Using natural stone cladding for your project is definitely a great choice.There are many benefits derived from the use of natural stone cladding, among others, because it is durable, sustainable and resistant material.From L’Antic Colonial we tell you 10 reasons you should use natural stone cladding, in addition in our catalogue you will find a wide variety of products of excellent quality.

Cement based mortar is a fine joint filling material if the flagstone happens to rest upon a concrete foundation. But why on earth would you want to have a concrete foundation anyway? The concrete itself will crack, eventually. In a northern climate it will likely crack within ten years—and the chances of it cracking within the next three years are pretty high too. Environmental impact of concrete production is no small issue either. Anyway, I personally prefer dry stone work. More harmonious, warmer, just better. The feeling you get from a well done dry laid flagstone patio, in my humble opinion, is just better than a flagstone patio set in cement.

Considered as one of the finest grained metamorphic rocks, slate is a widely used construction material worldwide. Primarily used on floors and roofs, this stone is found to be fire-resistant and an excellent electric insulator. From its formation, composition to application, get to know everything about slate tiles in this post.

Have you thought about using stepping stones in your landscaping? If so, you’re in good company. Stepping stones are a versatile and beautiful option to implement hardscape into your yard or garden. This blog post will look at five of the most common ways to use stepping stones.

This DIY article; and the rest of the how-to section of my blog, cover much of the basics of how-to properly build flagstone patios. These will be of much use to the hobbyist, DIY landscaper/builder, and to professional builders as well. If you need guidance for site-specific issues for your stone hardscape installation I offer consultation services as well.

Many homeowners have the experience, skills, and confidence with do-it-yourself projects that will allow them to install manufactured stone veneer themselves.

When it comes to creating a stunning and durable countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, natural stones are an exceptional choice. Not only do they provide an elegant and timeless look, but they also offer remarkable strength and resilience, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best natural stones to use for countertops, each with its unique beauty and practical benefits.

Nothing beats using stacked stone ledger and brick to create a natural texture that adds character throughout your home. You can find stacked stone and brick in easy-to-use panels, and with so many design options, it’s no surprise it remains a builder’s favorite. Let’s dive in and discover how to add stone ledger and brick to your home.

Ledger stone is a type of natural stone veneer that is frequently used for decorative wall cladding.

There are various materials you can use for patio and landscape design. For example, you can create different finishes with concrete. Besides this, you also have natural and manufactured options. Let us discuss pavers vs. flagstone so that you learn a bit more about these materials.

Just like snowflakes, no two flagstones are the same. As a true product of nature, flagstone comes in a million different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on where it comes from. This incredible diversity helps homeowners like you create hardscapes that are truly unique.

Engineered quartz and natural quartzite are both popular choices for countertops, backsplashes, bathrooms, and more. Their names are similar, and are sometimes (incorrectly) used interchangeably. But even aside from the names, there’s a lot of confusion about these materials. A recent article titled “Natural Quartzite and Engineered Quartz: What’s the Difference?” by Karin Kirk does a great job explaining the differences. Below are some excerpts from her article.

Engineered quartz and natural quartzite are both popular choices for countertops, backsplashes, bathrooms, and more. Their names are similar, and are sometimes (incorrectly) used interchangeably. But even aside from the names, there’s a lot of confusion about these materials.