The area surrounding the pool is one of the many opportunities around your landscape to show off some beautiful masonry while creating a safe atmosphere in an area that’s almost always wet. Flagstone is one of the most sought-after looks in masonry landscaping, and it makes an elegant poolside stone material. Here’s why landscaping companies might recommend flagstone for an elegant poolscape in Rochester Hills, MI.
Flagstone is a popular landscaping stone, and for good reason. Apart from the striking colors, flagstone is available in an uncut rustic version, or in cut shapes. We may recommend cut stone for poolside use, since not only the edges of the stones but their surfaces will be more uniform to prevent tripping hazards. Even if you’re using uncut stone, it’s often best to choose stone with a minimal texture around the pool while reserving the more textured pieces for a walkway or for the patio.
Uniqueness
No flagstone pool deck, or any flagstone paved surface for that matter, will be the same as any other and this is one of the main reasons people choose natural stone. Each slab of natural flagstone is wholly unique in color and texture. If you’re using natural (uncut) stone, each piece will have its own unique shape as well. Where one stone is beautiful on its own, the combination of many is nothing short of spectacular.
Rich Colors
Flagstone colors are one of the main reasons this natural stone is chosen for pool areas. Ranging from a light buff color to reddish tones to deep, almost chocolate browns, the stone looks exceptionally warm and vibrant in the low light of early morning and evening. Even on a cold and dreary day, flagstone in the most common red tones can add a wonderful element of color.
Durability
Flagstone will last an incredibly long time around your pool as long as it is regularly sealed (once every three or so years). When sealed, flagstone is highly impervious to water, which will decrease the chances of damage from the freeze-thaw cycles. To increase the lifespan of flagstone even more, consider using a permeable paver system to allow water to slide between the individual stones.
Continuity of Design
Integrating the pool patio into the rest of the hardscape will make the design feel more intentional. You can continue the flagstone look throughout. Flagstone is a popular material in many facets of a residential landscape, including the patio and walkways. Flagstone isn’t suitable for driveway applications but there are concrete paver alternatives you can use on the driveway that will give you the look of flagstone.
Vertical Elements
Flagstone can also be used in certain vertical applications around your pool. A stacked flagstone wall in a technique called dry stack (no mortar) can be used to encircle plant beds and give your pool area a rustic feel. Thin flagstone pieces can be used as a veneer on masonry features such as the pillars of a poolside pavilion, an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or the walls of an outdoor kitchen or bar.
