The Pros and Cons of a Flagstone Patio
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.
If you are considering installing a new patio or remodeling one you have, you should talk to a stone supplier or a patio designer about the best choices. However, here are some pros and cons of using flagstone for a patio that you should consider:
Pros
Flagstone is durable. So long as you care for it and no accidents befall it, flagstone can actually last for centuries. Yes, centuries. There are architectural landmarks that still feature flagstone, so we know that the stone stands the test of time.
The stone is easy to install. You don’t have to cut out the stone to fit the nooks and crannies, and you don’t have to mortar it. Flagstone can be installed stone by stone, and even amateurs can achieve a beautiful look with a DIY project. The stone just has to be pieced together, but because of the natural edges, the overall look is very forgiving, so you don’t have to get exact matches and even spacing.
Flagstone stands up to the extreme climate in Arizona. You don’t have to worry about the stone expanding or contracting as the temperatures bounce from one extreme to the other. Flagstone won’t crack, and it won’t shift position because of the changing temperatures.
The stone is easy to maintain. You don’t have to do anything to flagstone to keep it looking good except sweep it or spray it down. If any stains set in, such as from mold, you can remove them with a mix of bleach and water. If you ever do get a broken stone, such as from an accident, you can easily replace it by lifting out the broken stone and laying down a new one. You don’t have to worry with grout or mortar.
Cons
While there are some drawbacks to flagstone, you’ll find that they are minimal, and that the benefits far outweigh them.
Though flagstone is technically easy to install, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive to install. The stones are quite heavy, so you better be prepared to put in some good sweat equity or to pay someone to do the installation for you. You’ll also spend a bit of time piecing the stones together in a way that you think is pleasing.
Flagstone can stand up to temperature extremes, but it is not immune to them. Flagstone can become extremely hot in the sun, and it can become very slippery in the rain. Since hot temperatures and heavy rains are common in Arizona, you might want to consider adding a cover to your patio to avoid these inconveniences.
Finally, if you install flagstone over a bed of sand, you may have to adjust it as the sand and the ground beneath it relevels. You can avoid this issue if you install the flagstone with concrete mortar.
With that installation, you will get permanent results and won’t have to make any changes or adjustments after the patio is finished.
Flagstone does have a few drawbacks, just like any natural stone, depending on your perspective. But when you look at the larger picture, it’s easy to see that flagstone offers many more benefits. It is a beautiful and long-lasting stone that will require little maintenance over the years. Meanwhile, it will give you the same look and performance year after year, saving you money and the aggravation of replacing a patio you don’t really want to replace. Consider installing a flagstone patio in your Mesa home.
Centurion Stone of Arizona is a top stone supplier for Mesa and the surrounding area. We sell all types of landscaping stones and patio pavers, including flagstone, faux stone, travertine, and more. We sell driveway pavers, manufactured stone veneers, and all types of patio pavers. You can find everything you need to remodel or improve the exterior of your home, including your siding, driveway, patio, walkways, and other hardscaping features. We offer the stone for direct sale, or we can install it for you. Explore our online catalog or contact us today.
MESA LOCATION
1608 N Greenfield Rd
Mesa, AZ 85205
Office: 480-654-2995
480-654-2996
Email: [email protected]
Website: centurionstoneofaz.com
PRESCOTT LOCATION
8950 Long Mesa Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Office: (928) 759-8543
