When designing a landscape, many landscape companies continue to turn to flagstone. This incredible masonry material has improved landscapes for centuries, and it’s still incorporated into modern design. Flagstone can add warm colors and gorgeous textures to a landscape in Rochester Hills, MI, in the following ways.
Related: Flagstone Patio Guide: Benefits, Types & Patterns
A Rustic Patio
When you’re going for a naturalistic look, there may be no better option than incorporating rustic stone into your patio. The natural colors and textures of flagstone will give the outdoor living space a relaxed atmosphere that blends with the surrounding landscape, providing your patio with a “been there forever” look. Flagstone, when quarried and left in an uncut state, are completely unique. This, in turn, will make any of your landscape surfaces completely unique as well. Finding a way to fit the uncut flagstone pieces together can be a challenging, yet rewarding and fascinating, puzzle. Even cut and shaped flagstone pieces still retain their individual charm, for a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space.
A Modern Patio with Character
When you’re going for a modern look, the randomness of uncut flagstone may look haphazard when contrasted with sleek and linear modern design features. You don’t have to throw away the flagstone colors and textures from your design altogether, however. Using cut flagstone will add texture and color to the space. Cut flagstone offers a cleaner look while maintaining the natural look and feel of the stone.
Walking on a Stepping Stone Path
There are few ways to make a dreamy stepping stone pathway than with the use of flagstone slabs of uncut or shaped flagstone, you can build unique walkways to connect your outdoor living spaces. The spaces in between the steps matter for how the walkway is perceived. If you put lots of separation between each stone, it will highlight the beauty of each stone and make each step a playful jaunt. If each piece is very close together, you can make some outstanding visual patterns to guide your guests along. The spaces between the slabs can be filled with gravel, moss, grass, or a low-growing ground cover.
The Approach to Home
The dynamic personality of flagstone will be on full display in your front walkway. With so many subtle shades of earthy colors, flagstone is great for this application because the stone creates a warm and welcoming feeling on approach to your front door. For a more formal look, use cut flagstone on your front walkway and entry area. If your home features brick siding, you can use brick as a border to integrate the walkway with the home.
Surrounding a Pool or Hot Tub
Flagstone pool decks or hot tub decks can make for a great rustic surround thanks to the non-slip nature of flagstone. All shades of flagstone colors will look great next to the baby blues of your pool, whether in direct sunlight or in the last rays of sunset. The colors will deepen when wet for a dramatic look. For best results, use cut and shaped flagstone to minimize any rough edges that can be hard on bare feet, and seal the stone to prevent water infiltration.
Where Flagstone May Not Be Ideal
It’s generally recommended to avoid using flagstone on driveways, since the stone won’t hold up to the abrasion of vehicular traffic. However, plenty of flagstone alternatives exist that will give you the same look without the downsides.