We recently designed a new flagstone patio in our backyard knowing it would be a functional and simple way to update the space. We chose flagstone for many reasons, including its durability, the minimal maintenance requirement, and how it looks with our home exterior.

Flagstone is a beautiful, natural stone that can be used in just about any hardscaping application but that is especially well-suited to a patio. The stone has a lovely profile that complements the natural landscape well, and it has many benefits that make it well-suited to patio use.

The slate is very durable. As long as you take care of it and don't have any accidents, the slate can actually be used for centuries. Yes, for centuries. Some architectural landmarks still feature stone slabs, so we know that stone will stand the test of time.This stone is easy to install. You don't have to cut the stone down to fit into the nooks and crannies, and you don't have to smooth it with mortar. Slate can be installed piece by piece, and even amateurs can achieve a beautiful look with DIY projects. The stones are simply pieced together, but the overall appearance is very forgiving because of the natural edges, so you don't have to match exactly and space evenly.

If you are considering installing patio slabs for your outdoor space, there are a few things to consider to ensure the best decision is made.This type of patio is very popular among customers in Denver, Colorado. They bring a rustic atmosphere to outdoor spaces, are easy to install and repair (if needed), and are relatively affordable.Let's look at some things to consider before you decide to buy a slate patio for your backyard.

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.

Last spring, my wife and I got rid of our trampoline. It's a bit sad, but the kids are in college now. All that was left of our backyard was this huge circular void. So, I said, "I get it - let's build a patio and fire pit before the Martians think this is a new landing site." My wife loved the idea, and the rest is history, and a slight back pain.This tutorial will show you how I created a 20 foot diameter flagstone patio. It took some hernia-inducing work, but now I stare at my backyard through shattered granite eyes and say, "Oh, yeah. I built that."How to Make a Flagstone Patio. here we go!

Flagstone is a natural material that can enhance the beauty of your backyard. The earth tones and organic shapes of the slate blend with nature rather than compete with it. If you're landscaping, use these flagstone patio ideas as inspiration.

When undertaking a paving project, before you begin marking out an area or pick up a single tool, there is something to consider before that – which material are you going to use?It’s important to work out for yourself, or for your client, exactly which paving is going to be the most suitable. Each material type has unique characteristics and style. Some are more hard-wearing, others have more colour variations and often the surface finish of one material can be different from another.

Installing pavers is like building a giant puzzle, but with an extra twist in the third dimension: those pavers have to be level! Whether you want to build a simple pathway or a large patio in the middle of your yard, the fundamentals of laying pavers are the same, and you can totally do it yourself! These are the basic steps you'll need for a successful project, and if you need any help beyond this, you can always reach out to Dammann's Garden Company for help!

Bring texture and interest to outdoor spaces by embracing the crazy paving trend.Crazy paving might sound like a cheap alternative to a full-scale landscaping job but it’s not only a bona fide design resolution for a stone finish, it’s a trend that continues to gain ground in homes everywhere.Landscaping your backyard with outdoor pavers can take it from sad and neglected to a series of spectacular spaces to relax, entertain and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

As landscaping trends move away from manicured, minimalist and formal styles towards something more rambling and whimsical, crazy pavers (also known as flagstone pavers)  are gaining ground. Unlike pavers that are uniform in size and shape, crazy paving refers to stone that is cut in irregular, asymmetrical pieces and laid in a mosaic-like fashion.  The concept of flagstone paving was born out of a desire to use up otherwise wasted off cuts and broken pieces during the installation of larger cut stone and outdoor pavers.WATCH: Charlie Albone explains the basics of landscapingAward-winning landscape and interior designer Adam Robinson is a fan, saying crazy paving “provides a more organic approach to paving. I find it works especially well in areas where we don’t have a lot of room for planting and softness, but you still want an organic garden feel.”

When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor living area, a flagstone patio is a top choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and functionality. With its timeless appeal and a variety of practical benefits, a flagstone patio can transform your outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and entertainment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages of building a flagstone patio and provide a step-by-step guide on bringing this elegant addition to life.

Create interest or separate outdoor living spaces in your backyard by building a flagstone patio or pathway. Flagstone is a natural, rugged stone available in a variety of colours and sizes. You can install a flagstone patio or pathway using mortar or using the dry method where the gaps are filled with other landscaping materials like sand, stone, mulch, grass or groundcover.

If you’re having trouble keeping up with the weeds in your flagstone patio, the solution is to fill in the gaps. Adding new material to fill in patio gaps won’t just make maintaining the patio easier, it will also make it more beautiful, level, and safe. You can do this project all by yourself. Here’s what you need to know to fill gaps in your flagstone patio. 

Laying flagstone patios in stone dust or sand, as opposed to mortar or concrete, is known as dry-set or sand-set. Dry construction is much easier for do-it-yourselfers because you can build directly on the ground, while mortared stone requires a concrete slab foundation to prevent cracking in the mortar. For a lasting installation, a dry-set stone patio does need a foundation, though. It's best to start with several inches of compacted gravel, followed by a layer of stone dust, also called decomposed granite, or DG.The DG is pulverized stone and contains small pieces along with gravel-size and sand-size particles. The variation in particle sizes allows the material to compact well. And while it is still loose, you can use it to level the stones, just as you would with sand. You can buy flagstone and DG at local stone yards and landscaping materials suppliers.When choosing stone for the project, select the largest stones you can maneuver by hand, and choose them for consistent thickness and appearance. The stones should be at least 1 1/2 inches thick for strength; 2 inches thick is better. Note that "flagstone" merely describes the stones' wide, flat shape; flagstone comes in many different types of stone.

Flagstones, bricks, or pavers are options to make a backyard concrete patio more than a cold, gray slab. To start creating a patio for your yard, pick a spot where you want to build it and sketch a basic plan. Then, before you break ground, contact your local utilities to make sure you don't disturb any underground lines, pipes, or cables. Also, decide which method you'd like to use to install your patio: sand or mortar. This piece covers both ways.

I love the natural feel they give to a landscape design. Instead of just using boring old paver blocks or even cement, flagstone will make your backyard more interesting and unique.In this article, I’m going to share exactly how to install a flagstone patio (or path) easily and without the use of concrete or special tools.Just like everything else, there is more than one way to get this job done. The method I’m showing you is optimized for a balance between simplicity of installation, longevity, and a high-quality professional look. So, not only will it be easy to install, it will last a lifetime.Let’s get started…

Adding a flagstone patio to your yard gives a natural and unique and chic feel to your property. This project involves a bit of heavy lifting and time; however, at the end of it, you’ll be so happy you upgraded your yard. Some people prefer to do a professional patio job, but if you are up for a little DIY then this article is for you!

This past spring my wife and I got rid of the family trampoline. A little sad, but the kids are in college now. We were left with this big circular void in our backyard. So, I said, “I got it — let’s build a patio and fire pit before the Martians think this is a new landing site.” My wife loved the idea and the rest is history, along with a slightly aching back.This tutorial will show you how I created a 20 ft diameter flagstone patio. It took some hernia-inducing work, but I’m very proud now when I gaze on my backyard through eyes of chipped granite and say, “Oh, yes. I built that.”

Flagstone patios make a unique design statement in your outdoor living space. Because they’re 100% natural stone (one of the only all-natural materials you can use for a patio), they offer one of a kind color combinations and shapes. If you’re thinking of using them for a patio space, you will need to build some flexibility into your patterns.Their uniqueness as a material is wonderful from a design aspect but does present a few challenges when it comes to working with them on a DIY project. Features like their distinct colors and shapes, and cost need to be taken into consideration before adding them to any patio project.Here are some things homeowners need to know about using flagstone pavers to build patios, and some suggestions to make working with these beautiful stones easier.