QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Flagstone

What do you put under flagstone?

Fill between the stones with topsoil to within approximately one inch of the tops. Cut sod into strips and press down between the stones. If you do not want grass growing between the stones, put down a layer of landscape fabric below the stone dust and packed stone dust between flagstones.

Can I lay flagstone directly in soil?

Consider using flagstones that are at least 1-1/2 inches thick as stepping stones or patio flooring. With the latter, flagstones can be laid directly in soil or a bed of sand. Thinner slabs should be laid in wet mortar or concrete to prevent cracking when stepped on.

What is the best material to put under flagstone?

The Bottom Layer of Base: Crushed limestone is the best material for the bottom layer of a patio base. Using a metal bow rake, spread the limestone one inch thick over the entire area of the patio and tamp it down. Repeat this process until you have four to five inches of compacted limestone.

How far apart should flagstone be?

You don’t want them too far apart so that it feels awkward to walk along your path. Make required adjustments and then begin adding the other stones at one end of the walkway. Position them around the larger stones in the middle to your liking, being sure that the gaps between each stone are around 1″ or 2″.

Can you lay flagstone over pea gravel?

Things You’ll Need Flagstone is a strong, attractive hardscape material used for laying walkways, patios and edging gardens. You can use pea gravel between flagstones to inhibit weeds, and provide a comfortable walking surface between the larger stones.

What kind of sand do you put under flagstone?

Polymeric sand can be great and can prevent weeds and grass from planting between stones, but be sure the spaces you’re filling between your stones are no wider than 1-1/2” and ideally as deep as the height of the stone to be sure the sand sets. Wide and shallow spacing can cause sand to crack and loosen.

How much does a pallet of flagstone cost?

Flagstone pallet prices range from $600 to $2,200, or $0.20 to $0.55 per pound. Pallets weigh around three to four tons. One covers 210 to 560 square feet, depending on the dimensions of the stone.

Do I need gravel under flagstone?

Dry-laid flagstone simply means that the flagstone pieces are placed on a bed of sand and gravel. It is recommended that a patio or walkway base be at least 3” deep, then filled with a layer of compacted gravel covered with coarse sand.

How much area does a pallet of flagstone cover?

The average thickness variance on a pallet is 1½” to 2¼” and an average pallet weighs about 3,500 pounds. The approximate coverage per ton is 80 – 90 sq. ft. and approximately 4 – 12 sq.

How do you lay flagstone on uneven ground?

Lay flagstones on individual beds in uneven ground by placing the stone and tracing its outline in the ground with a trowel or shovel. Dig out that area to twice the depth of the stone, fill it with sand, compact the sand with a tamper and set the stone in place.

How many inches of gravel do I need for flagstone?

To estimate the correct depth for excavation, consider the width of the flagstone, 4-5 inches for the road crush base, 2 inches for sand and the slope.

Do you seal flagstone?

All flagstone is subject to water stains, particularly in areas where the water supply is alkaline or contains minerals. For this reason, all new flagstone paving should be sealed upon completion. A sealer fills the pores in the stone and repels spills.

Is flagstone cheaper than pavers?

On average, yes, flagstone costs around $2 to $3 per square foot while pavers range from $3 to $6. However, in the end, the flagstone flooring project costs more than pavers. The overall material costs a bit more, and the labor to install it’s pricy too.

How thick should a flagstone walkway be?

The stones should be at least 1 1/2 inches thick for strength; 2 inches thick is better. Note that “flagstone” merely describes the stones’ wide, flat shape; flagstone comes in many different types of stone.

What type of cement is used for flagstone?

1:1 Mortar Mixture If you decide not to use hydrated lime in mortar for your flagstone walk, a good sturdy mixture is made from sand and Portland cement. Landscapers, accustomed to the extreme fluctuations of Colorado weather, have had satisfactory results mixing 1 part Portland cement with I part sand.

How do you level flagstone?

Leveling the stones to one another can best be accomplished using a length of a 2×4 that reaches across several flagstones at once, maybe 4, and a rubber mallet. As you set each stone, level it with some loose gravel insuring that the stone is totally supported on its bottom side.

Can you just lay stepping stones on top of grass?

Installation – Over Grass Porcelain pavers can be laid directly over existing grass or lawn as ‘stepping stones’ or to create a pathway, but for better stability of the pavers, the grass beneath the pavers should first be removed, together with a shallow layer of the topsoil.

Does stone dust get hard?

Does stone dust get hard? Yes, it does and this is one of the reasons people use for wanting to apply it in their installations. But this is not a good reason to use it. Stone dust does not drain well, keeping water sitting above it and below the product installed while the water very slowly if ever drains through.

Why is flagstone so expensive?

Factors that impact the cost of flagstone Some flagstone is more expensive because it is difficult to obtain or limited in availability. For example, bluestone mined in Connecticut will cost a great deal to ship to California because it must be shipped across the entire continent.