Flagstone patios are a common addition to many Canadian homes. It’s not a surprise since they have numerous benefits. Flagstone patios are incredibly durable, easy to clean and maintain and look absolutely gorgeous. But that’s only if installed correctly! Luckily, an interlocking patio isn’t some hard-to-learn-dark magic. We gathered common mistakes to avoid when laying flagstone patios, and all you need to do is read, remember, and avoid them. Or you can simply hire an EcoPro Home landscaping contractor and get interlocking services, such as a gazebo, a patio, or a deck, with no mistakes and unpleasant surprises at all.
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What is Flagstone?
Generally speaking, a flagstone is a stone. But not a regular one. It’s a sedimentary rock. Flagstone is usually cut into different shapes (mostly regular rectangular or square) and is widely used for decoration and interlocking. You can see this flat stone slab on memorials, facades, walkways, driveways, and any other construction that can be paved. Flagstone can be natural, which is obviously a far more expensive material to work with. It forms for years from the mix of sandstone with minerals like silica, calcite, or iron ore. Or you can go with the stamped concrete option, which will imitate flagstone. It looks good but wears off faster.
Why Mistakes Appear During Flagstone Patios Installation?
People make mistakes, and that’s quite alright. Even experienced workers can miss something because they are tired, think of other projects, or have whatever “human factor” you can think of. Luckily, the percentage of mistakes in EcoPro Home projects is way below 10%. Let’s look at the most common mistakes we AVOID during the flagstone patio installation.
#1. Patio grading
Everything can go wrong from the moment you choose a place for it. Patio grading refers to how the patio differs from the surrounding earth. It’s no surprise that any building on your property should be slightly elevated to avoid water damage and moisture issues, and the patio is no exception. We will help you choose the best place for your flagstone patio and create a proper drainage system to completely eliminate the risk of water accumulation.
It seems like a tiny detail, but it truly matters. As they say, “The devil is in the details.” With our experienced team, you will avoid costly major repairs. There won’t be unjustified flagstone cracking due to the water on the patio floor. Trust us with patio interlocking in Richmond Hill or anywhere in Canada, and enjoy the results for years to come.
#2. Wrong flagstone patios size
Now that you have decided where your patio will be, you need to consider how big it will be. Again, this seems like an unnecessary step, but it may play against you in the long run. We understand that you want just a peaceful and cozy place to spend evenings with your family. So, how many members do you have? Do you want to invite guests, throw parties, or even have a wedding? How many chairs and tables do you want to fit in your flagstone patio?
We, as your reliable landscaping company, will ask you these and many other questions to deliver the best Flagstone patio. If you don’t want to share your personal info, no worries. Just think it through and share your estimated results with us. We help you choose the best and most convenient option for your needs, not too big and expensive and not too small.
#3. Poor base installation
Everyone knows that proper base installation is more important than anything else. This applies not only to flagstone patios but also to the general landscape. It’s better to spend more time and effort properly compacting the sand-gravel base than pay for mistakes in the future.
If the flagstone is laid on the ground too soft, it will crack due to the uneven pressure distribution. Furthermore, it may spread in different directions and sink, increasing the risk of stumbling and falling and making your new patio look like ruins after just a few years.
#4. Choosing DIY instead of professional flagstone patios installation
There’s nothing more tiring than waiting. Many people want everything — and just now! That’s why they skip the part about the economy and tight budgets and jump to handmade projects. While it seems tempting to see the fruits of your labours every day and be proud of them, there’s one unpleasant detail — not everyone is born to be a professional carpenter or contractor. Unfortunately, watching several YouTube videos won’t make you a flagstone expert.
You now know about common mistakes during flagstone patio installation, but who said we listed all the nuances? Sometimes, paying more for a professional contractor in the beginning pays off in the future. This is just the case. We will help you save on maintenance and repair and make a patio that will stand the test of time.
Bottom Line
Flagstone patio installation is a hard yet interesting process that requires the help of professional landscaping contractors like EcoPro. We know not only the top four but also all the mistakes to avoid during the construction process. Trust us and our experience and get the most durable and stunning flagstone patio of your dreams for an affordable price.
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Why should I install flagstone patio?
Flagstone is a natural material. It is eco-friendly, durable, and looks great. A flagstone patio will be a convenient addition to your backyard and a safe space for cozy evenings with family and friends.
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Can I use flagstone to make a walkway?
Of course! Flagstone is a versatile material that can be laid anywhere. We are also experts in interlocking walkways, so don't hesitate to ask for a free consultation!
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When is the best time to install a flagstone patio?
We recommend doing all home renovation and construction work during the summer. However, with modern technologies, we work each season without breaks.