Advantages and Disadvantages of a Slate Terrace-flagstone patio

Slate is a beautiful natural stone that can be used in almost any hardscape application, but is especially suitable for terraces. This stone has a lovely profile that complements the natural landscape and has many advantages that make it ideal for terrace use.

If you are considering installing a new patio or remodeling an existing one, you should discuss the best options with a stone supplier or patio designer. However, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using slate as a patio that you should consider:

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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.

Slate can withstand Arizona's extreme climate. You don't have to worry about the stone expanding or contracting as the temperature jumps from one extreme to the other. Slabs do not break or move due to temperature changes.

Stone is easy to maintain. You don't have to do anything to the slate to keep it beautiful, except sweep or spray. If any stains appear, such as those from mold, you can remove them with a mixture of bleach and water. If you do encounter a broken stone (for example due to an accident), you can easily replace it by lifting the broken stone and placing a new one. You don't have to worry about grout or mortar.

While slate has some disadvantages, you will find that they are small and the benefits far outweigh them.

Although the slabs are technically easy to install, they are time-consuming and laborious to install. The stones are fairly heavy, so you'd better be prepared to put in some sweat or pay someone to install them for you. You will also spend some time piecing the stones together in a way that you find satisfactory.

Slate can withstand extreme temperatures, but it is not immune. Slabs can get very hot in the sun and very slippery in the rain. Since hot temperatures and heavy rain are common in Arizona, you may want to consider covering your patio to avoid these inconveniences.

Finally, if you install the slate on a bed of sand, you may need to adjust it as the sand and the ground beneath it are re-leveled. This problem can be avoided if the slate is installed with concrete mortar.

With this installation, you will get permanent results and no changes or adjustments after the completion of the terrace.

Like any natural stone, slate does have some drawbacks, depending on your perspective. But when you look at the bigger picture, it's easy to see that slate has more advantages. It is a beautiful and long-lasting stone that requires little maintenance over the years. At the same time, it gives you the same look and performance year after year, saving you money and the hassle of replacing a patio you don't really want to replace. Consider installing a slate patio in your Mesa home.