Flagstone is a time-honored classic when hardscaping for long-term beauty and character around a home. Its durability, natural beauty, and ease of care are well-documented. Running a close second for hardscape design projects are pavers, which share many of the benefits of flagstone plus a few more. Long-lasting and beautiful, they are also environmentally friendly and can be used to achieve formal or relaxed settings in your yard and garden.
Flagstone Features: Function and Beauty
Flagstone is well-suited for patios, walkways, and stepping stones with its natural non-slip surface. It’s easy to clean for everyday use and ages well–looking more distinguished and beautiful as time goes on.
Diverse shapes and striking, earth-toned colors convey a strong sense of natural beauty. An ordinary path or set of steps can become an eye-catching highlight and conversation piece when the rich reds, browns, yellows, blues, and grays are set against your landscape.
Hardscape Design
While flagstone is often used for a patio, fire pit or outdoor dining room, large slabs can make a dramatic statement when used as steps or pathways. Incorporating plants and water features softens the look and provides rich texture in complementary colors.
For a playful and more informal look, turf or hardy ground covers can be planted between the stones. Take this inviting approach one pleasing step further by using an aromatic ground cover like creeping thyme, mint, or chamomile.
The Rising Popularity of Pavers
Flagstone alone is not the only option for eco-friendly hardscaping. Resourceful design will often incorporate the use of complementary materials such as bricks or pavers. Pavers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that allow for a lot of creativity in patios, walkways, and even driveways. The snug fit between paving stones keeps surfaces weed-free, another bonus.
Benefits of Dry-Laid Construction for Flagstone and Pavers
At Frontier Landscaping, we install dry-laid flagstone and pavers, using a thick layer of compacted rock leveled with sand as the base for construction.
This method is more cost-effective than a mortared concrete installation, but the benefits don’t end there. Dry-laid construction generates significant environmental benefits as well: the permeable sand-and-rock base allows water to drain and filter through the layers of soil below, reducing runoff and limiting erosion.
Feeling Inspired? Resources for Additional Reading:
Hardscape Design with Paving Stones
Mutual Materials (Pavers and Local Showroom)
Frontier’s installation experts are well versed in laying flagstone, pavers, and other hardscape materials to deliver a beautifully finished product that will stand the test of time and add value to your home.
Email [email protected] or give us a call: (360) 574-8979
