Flagstone pavers are pavers which are made from flagstone, a type of stone which has been utilized in construction and landscape design for centuries. Flagstone is a type of very flat stone that forms in layers which can be flaked apart to make pavers, tiles, and roofing slates, among other things, and it comes in a range of colors which can be used in a variety of ways. Many home supply stores carry flagstone pavers, and it is also possible to order them directly from companies which produce flagstone products.
Pavers are flat slabs of stone which are designed to be used outdoors. One classic use of pavers is in garden pathways, creating a space for people to walk without crushing plants. Pavers can also be used to make patios and other recreation areas, or to line pools, ponds, and water features, along with raised beds and other decorative landscaping features. One distinct advantage of flagstone is that it is very durable, and it weathers nicely in the garden, requiring little to no maintenance to look beautiful for decades.
A variety of shades of flagstone are available to mesh with different landscaping and architectural styles. Greenish and bluish flagstone are very common, but it is also possible to find taupe, cream, reddish, gray, and veined flagstone pavers. Because stone is a natural product, each paver will look slightly different, with subtle textural and shading variations. For people who like a more regular look, it is a good idea to purchase flagstone in single batches, to ensure that the stone has been processed all at once, so it will look relatively uniform.
People can set flagstone pavers directly onto the ground, or they can set them in mortar for more stability. For more durable landscaping features, the ground should be compacted with gravel so that it is level and it promotes drainage before the pavers are set down and the cracks are filled with sand to keep the pavers in place. Periodically, an area may need to the resanded to replace sand which has worn away with the weather.
The natural weathered look of flagstone pavers often takes a few years to develop. For people who prefer a more uniform look without natural staining and the development of lichens, flagstone pavers can be sealed to resist stains. This can be especially useful in the case of pavers which are used in the driveway, as the sealant will resist stains from oil and other car fluids.