A flagstone patio can do wonders for an outdoor area that needs a more natural look. Flagstone is a generic term for sedimentary rock split into flat layers. Rather than the name for a particular mineral, "flagstone" describes various types of stone laid as "flags" in patterns on outdoor surfaces. The following types of stone are typically quarried and laid as flagstone:

• Bluestone
• Basalt
• Limestone
• Quartzite
• Sandstone
• Slate
• Travertine

As you can see, there's quite a variety in color and texture when it comes to flagstone. Depending on the flagstone you choose, your flagstone patio could benefit from the natural, rustic look of sandstone, the deep, luxurious look of slate, or a number of other interesting and beautiful minerals.

Whichever type of flagstone you choose for your patio, know that you'll gain the following benefits.

Natural Look
Concrete and paver-based patios have a nice, tidy appearance, but if you're looking for something closer to nature, install a flagstone patio. Because flagstone is natural stone, your patio will consist of one-of-a-kind stones configured in custom patterns. Since nature itself has a more chaotic appearance than a neatly laid brick or paver patio, your patio will seem more in-tune with its surroundings.

Durable
You've heard the old cliche, "stuck between a rock and a hard place." Rocks have a reputation for being immovable, tough, and solid, and those are great attributes for a patio. You don't want a patio that will shift, crack, or settle. Flagstone is a wonderful material for creating a patio that will withstand years and years of heavy use. 

Can Be Laid Dry
For some landscapes, drainage becomes a big issue, especially if you have unusual slopes or small valleys adjacent to your home. In this case, flagstone can help with the problem because it can be laid dry to create a more permeable surface. Landscapes with drainage issues will have much more luck with dry-laid flagstone than with poured concrete or other wet-laid materials.

Friendly to Ground Cover
If you love the look of old English gardens with moss growing between the pathway stones, flagstone is for you. In addition to moss, grass and hardy ground covers can be planted and grown between the stones, giving your patio the impression of having always been part of nature. Your hardscape truly becomes part of your garden and foliage when you plant between your flagstones.

Rich Color
While pavers and concrete can be customized to match your home's bricks or exterior paint, nothing quite matches the rich, natural color variations of natural flagstone. You can choose the hue and basic look of your flagstone patio by selecting one of the above minerals in the bulleted list, but within that category, you may have some flagstones of a different shade, or you may see unique, beautiful veining or crystal flecks in some of the stones. These variations add a great deal of depth and interest to your patio.

Design Options
Because flagstone is so versatile, it can be installed in various patterns and layouts. Since each piece of flagstone is unique, your flagstone patio will be one of a kind when it's all finished. It will enhance your landscaping and create a beautiful focal point .

Since uneven surfaces can create tripping hazards, we recommend supporting your flagstone patio with a concrete base and then mortaring the flagstone to the concrete. This preparation keeps the flagstones even for walking and for placing furniture on top.