12 August 2016
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

Flagstone is a sedimentary rock made of hardened layers of sand, clay and organic matter. This composition results in a rich variety of colors and shading that depend on the region of origin. Indeed, flagstone is known for its variegated coloration, making it a favorite for hardscaping. Utilize sandstone as the centerpiece of a lovely pathway.

Flagstone Colors

The coloration of flagstone varies widely depending on the region of origin. For instance, flagstone from the Northwest is comprised largely of sandstone and quartz, giving it rich warm colors veined with green and grey. Stone quarried from the Central Plains offers lighter, brighter tones of gray, blue and brown. Sandstone from the Northeast is darker and more muted in color. The coloration you choose depends on the façade of your home – look for sandstone that has shades that match or complement your house. Talk to a company like Pebble Junction, Inc. about what kinds of flagstone would look best with your home.

Path Layout

Flagstone is normally snapped or cut to provide a flat surface, making it ideal for walkways. Many homeowners like to have the material cut into regular squares for a straight layout in their walkway. This gives a formal appearance. This geometric design can also be used for a curved path. If you want the walkway to look more natural, leave flagstone in its natural shape. Contractors can still lay the stone close together, or you can have a casual path with deliberate space between the stones, which is especially attractive for curved garden pathways.

Complementary Hardscaping

If you choose a casual path layout, you may not need additional paving. However, a border is appropriate in a more formal path. Brick works well to impose a sense of regularity on the irregular color variegation in sandstone. You could also utilize concrete stained in a complementary color. The Landscaping Network also suggests combining flagstone with wood. For example, if you have a wooden deck, have the flagstone laid right up to the edge. It's even possible to pull the flagstone into the design of the deck, perhaps for the construction of a fire pit.

Complementary Landscaping

Whether your path is straight and formal or curved and casual, you'll want to integrate landscaping into the design. For a formal pathway, consider manicured hedges or regular plantings of short flowers. Think of the landscaping in a formal garden. On the flip side, a walkway with spaced flagstone looks charming with ground-cover plants surrounding each stone. It's also possible to flag the path with natural plantings that grow slightly over the borders.