Flagstone Patio Ideas

Flagstone is one of the best materials for patios primarily due to its narrow packed joints that allow water to permeate instead of running off. Flagstone patios also have a very natural, organic look due to their shape and earthy shades of browns, reds, grays and blues.

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The most common types of flagstone used for paving patios are sandstone, slate and limestone. Flagstone provides a durable and naturally slip-resistant patio surface that will last for years.

Benefits of a Flagstone Patio:

• Natural look
• Durable
• Can be laid dry for a permeable surface
• Moss, grass or a hardy ground cover can be grown between the stones
• Rich color with natural variation

Flagstone Patio Patterns & Layout

Flagstones can be used to create a formal or informal patio. For a formal look, select cut flagstones and have them laid in a repeating pattern. For an informal look, select irregular flagstones and have them laid randomly. This informal style is often called crazy paving. Get flagstone design ideas with color tips, material match ups, steps, and more.

Random Rectangle Pattern

Selecting flagstone in a random rectangle pattern is ideal for creating a formal, organized look. The rectangle shape provides continuity in conjunction with the staggered joints that break up the monotony. When this pattern is mortared, it makes for a smooth surface for sliding chairs in and out from a dining table.

Irregular Pattern or Crazy Paving

For a more casual, organic appearance, an irregular flagstone pattern emphasizes the natural shape of the stone. Small stones or groundcover are used to fill the gaps, or it can be mortared. This layout may be more difficult to move patio furniture around on because of the rough stone edges and the series of small joints. Wide, sturdy wooden furniture is most suitable so that the chair and table legs don’t get stuck between the stones.

See all flagstone patterns.

Sometimes the surface of a flagstone patio can become uneven. This problem is typically caused by improper installation or deep freezes that cause the ground to heave. Ask a professional installer how to avoid this issue. Learn more about flagstone maintenance.

• Pro Tip: Avoid furniture with feet that are incompatible with the joint size and planting in an on-grade flagstone patio. See Ideas for Flagstone Joints.

Flagstone Patio Prices:

The cost of a flagstone patio varies widely depending on your location, the amount of flagstone needed, as well as the type and color of flagstone. You can expect to pay between $15 and $30 dollars per square foot. Because flagstone is expensive, many homeowners choose to use it in conjunction with other materials such as concrete, bricks or manufactured pavers.

Flagstone patio prices also depend on how it is installed. Mortaring flagstones on top of a concrete slab is typically more expensive than dry laying the stones over a base of sand and gravel.

• Pro Tip: We start by looking at the intended use of the flagstone area. If it is to be used primarily for the main dining and entertaining area, we recommend that the flagstone is mortared directly to the concrete base underneath. This is because we can provide a surface that will accommodate patio furniture and traffic without the uneven surface that plants and gravel cause,” says Roger Haywood of Accent Landscapes in Colorado Springs, CO.

How to Install a Flagstone Patio:

Here is a general overview of how a flagstone patio is installed:

1. Prep and grade the area
2. Dig down 3-6 inches
3. Compact a gravel base
4. Top with decomposed granite
5. Lay flagstones like a puzzle
6. Cut stones to fit if needed
7. Level each individual stone
8. Fill the gaps between the stones

Laying flagstones requires a lot of hard work. Did you know stamped concrete can be used to achieve a similar look? Check out these design ideas for faux stone concrete patios.

Related Reading:

Patio Design Ideas

Patio Pavers

Brick Patios