Update and improve the look of your home, garden or yard with these landscaping tips and techniques. Learn how to design walks, paths, or patios by laying flagstones yourself.
Flagstones can make attractive walks. Whether it be a formal walkway to your front door or a natural-flowing garden path, the choice is yours. Locate the area you want to design, dig out roughly six inches, and level the site. Be sure to smooth the area as best you can and apply landscaping fabric (or choose to lay on well-compacted soil). Fill the area with about four or five inches of sand. Make sure to level and tamp the sand before adding the stones. Arrange flagstones firmly into the sand with at least one inch between them for a more formal appearance or space irregularly for a naturalistic touch. An irregular flagstone walk that widens into a patio also gives an appealing appearance. Fill in the gaps with remaining sand by applying directly to the walk and sweeping into the cracks. For a more natural design, plants can be used instead. Herbs such as thyme or chamomile provide added beauty and fragrance. Grass can also be incorporated between the flagstones.
Laying flagstone patios in sand rather than concrete is an easy alternative for those who prefer to do it on their own. Patios and entertaining areas should maintain a level and smooth surface; therefore, try to select stones that will accomplish this feat. Laying flagstone in patios is not difficult and much the same as with walks. Irregular shaped stones generally fit together like a puzzle and smaller pieces can be scored as needed. As with walks, choose a level area for your patio. Measure the area and mark it off on each side with string and stakes to keep it even. Dig around the perimeter and excavate the soil about four inches (for two-inch thick flagstones). Insert boards along the staked area. Tamp down the soil well and make sure the area is level. Apply landscape fabric and a two-inch layer of sand. Any excess sand can be used to build up low areas. Tamp the sand firmly. You should begin placing stones (into the sand) in one corner and work your way throughout the designated area. Try to keep the gaps to a minimum while continuing to check for levelness. After all of the stones are firmly in place, deposit more sand onto the patio and sweep into the cracks between the flagstones. Remove the boards around the patio, fill in with any remaining sand, and tamp well. You could also use a decorative type of crushed stone instead for an attractive border along your flagstone patio.
Choosing flagstone for walks, paths, or patios creates an elegant and charming appearance to your home. Keep in mind that these areas are seen and utilized most often by others; thus, it is important to retain an attractive and friendly atmosphere with your design. Flagstones accomplish this task quite well.
