Flagstone patio construction combines craftsmanship, engineering, and artistry. At Details Landscape Art, one of the premier landscape design-build firms in the North Bay, we offer a wide range of hardscape products, including stamped concrete, brick, tile, decomposed granite, and colored concrete. Our specialty, however, is flagstone.
Connecticut bluestone flagstone patio
A well-built flagstone patio is durable, elegant, and timeless. Whether used for outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing in the garden, a flagstone patio adds beauty and value to any landscape.
Why Choose a Flagstone Patio?
A flagstone patio can be constructed either sand-set or mortared onto a concrete base. For patios, we strongly prefer mortaring the stone onto concrete.
Flagstone patio set in compacted fill dirt
A mortared flagstone patio remains stable as the underlying soil expands and contracts with seasonal moisture changes. It also holds up exceptionally well to foot traffic, patio furniture, and years of use.
In our opinion, it is simply the superior method of construction.
Preparing the Site
Once the area has been graded, the patio is laid out according to the design. Proper slope is critical, and the finished surface must carry water away from the house.
Forms are installed and the area is excavated to a depth of approximately seven to eight inches. This allows room for:
- Road base
- Concrete
- Mortar
- Flagstone
The road base acts as a shock absorber beneath the slab and is thoroughly compacted before construction continues.
A grid of 3/8-inch rebar is then installed throughout the area. While concrete may eventually develop hairline cracks, the rebar helps prevent those cracks from expanding or shifting.
The concrete is poured and floated flat, but intentionally left somewhat rough to improve mortar adhesion.
Putting Together the ‘Puzzle’
Now comes the artistic part.
We prefer using thinner flagstone whenever possible. Although slightly more expensive, thinner pieces are easier to work with, require less mortar, and create a more refined finished appearance.
Each stone is carefully selected, turned, chipped, and cut with a diamond blade as we gradually assemble what we often call “the puzzle.”
Flagstone patio – the completed puzzle
We strive to maintain uniform joints of approximately three-quarters to one inch. Color variations are blended naturally, and we always try to place the nicest face upward.
Extra time spent fitting stone properly makes an enormous difference in the appearance of the finished patio.
Whenever possible, we avoid cutting perimeter pieces so the patio retains a natural edge. If cutting is necessary, we may score the underside of the stone and break it to create a more natural appearance.
Again, extra time—but worth it.
Mortaring and Grouting
Once the puzzle is complete, the area must be thoroughly cleaned. Stone cutting creates a surprising amount of dust.
Beginning at one end, each piece is lifted individually, the concrete below is cleaned, and the stone is replaced. Only when everything is perfectly clean do we begin the mortaring process.
We use mason’s mix enhanced with bonding adhesive to strengthen adhesion. Each stone is carefully leveled with adjacent pieces so the finished patio is perfectly flat—not level, but flat—while still maintaining the gentle slope necessary for drainage.
Variations in stone thickness are accommodated with slightly more or less mortar beneath each piece.
After the mortar has cured for a day or two, the joints are grouted. We often tint the grout to complement the stone and generally prefer slightly darker colors, which tend to fade over time.
Enjoying Your Flagstone Patio
Once construction is complete, only a little cleanup remains. Patio furniture is arranged, family and friends gather, and the outdoor living space begins a new chapter.
‘Classic Oak’ flagstone patio
A beautiful flagstone patio is more than a hardscape feature. It becomes an outdoor room where memories are made for many years to come.
And now a little cleanup, placement of outdoor patio furniture, and time for a gathering of family and friends on a gorgeous flagstone patio!