Exceptional Materials for Landscape and Masonry Artistry (509) 926-3854
Sunrise Inc.
5619 N Harvard RD Otis Orchards, WA 99027 509-926-3854
Flagstone is a term that can be used to describe any flat, wide paving stone. It more often refers to a kind of sedimentary rock that splits into thin layers which were naturally created when the stone was formed. These layers of sediment were compressed by heat and pressure over a long period of time, often taking place underwater. Flagstones can contain pieces of clay and sand in addition to feldspar, quartz, iron oxide, and other trace minerals, often creating multiple hues in a single piece. Sunrise Inc. offers a broad selection of different types, colors, sizes and thicknesses of flagstone for all applications including ‘stand-up’ options, which can span larger than 6 feet in length; ‘patio grade’, ranging anywhere from 12-36 inches in size.
Cowboy Coffee 1-1 1/2 Patio with 3/8 minus basalt
Sand Set Flagstone Dry-set, or sand-set, flagstone installation is generally set into a combination of gravel and fine sand. Dry construction is much easier for do-it-yourselfers because you can build directly on the ground. It is best to dig out your area and lay down a crushed gravel with fines for good compaction, then a second layer of 1/4″ minus or sand on top that the stones will rest on. The thickness of stone should be at least 1.5 – 2″ thick or more to support the weight of foot traffic. You can refer to this guide for brief instructions on sand-setting.
The joints, or spaces between your stones, can vary and are dependent upon the appearance you desire. You can shape your stones to fit snugly and conform to one another, use smaller pieces to fill in gaps between larger pieces, or leave gaps for moss/ground cover to fill in naturally. Using flagstone as stepping stones is also another popular design option. Placing the stones a stride apart is most common. There are multiple choices when it comes to filling your gaps: Sand: Sand is the most common joint filler, but it is challenging to keep in place and needs to be refilled. Rocks: You can use small rocks to fill large gaps, and gravel or crushed rock can be used to fill smaller gaps. Mulch: Bark and lightweight chunks of mulch are another option for in-between flagstone.
For both sand-set and mortar-set applications, you can shape the flagstone if you choose for tighter, cleaner joints, or to accommodate other structures that you might need to work around.
Mortar Set Flagstone Unlike a sand-set application where the stone is laid onto a gravel/sand base and the joints are filled with gravel or sand, a mortar set application refers to when the stone is adhered onto a concrete slab using some sort of cementitious mortar. A concrete foundation is necessary to prevent cracking in the mortar and to provide a structural setting-bed beneath the stone. This allows for stone thickness in the range of 1″ or less. Once your flagstone is level and fit together as you’d like it to appear, you can then use a trowel to apply mortar in between the stones to secure them into place, taking care to clean the excess mortar off your flagstone with a large sponge and water afterwards.
NOCO Polymeric Sand is a great alternative to sand and mortar joints for a variety of uses including pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements, etc. You can use it with a sand-set or mortar-set base. Basic application: sweep into joints, remove excess, water thoroughly. We stock 50lb bags in Tan or Grey. You can visit their website at: https://techniseal.com/pro_en_us/noco-polymeric-joint-211-004
The area in which you will be placing your flagstone should play a role in your selection of stone type and application. For example, if you’re planning to surround a pool with stone, a sand-set application may be less than desirable due to the travel of the joint material that will inevitably end up being tracked into the water. The stone color, especially laid horizontally, will naturally weather and ‘patina’ in the PNW elements, so a buff, lighter colored sandstone will eventually darken and could take on a mossy hue over time. Texture also plays a role in selection: thermal-top has an even, more slip-resistant surface that is great for heavy traffic and wet areas, and there is natural-cleft flagstone that has more of a rough, less even surface that creates a unique, organic finish.
New product Installed 2 years ago
We have many flagstone options!
We carry and stock many natural flagstone options- our garden, outside areas, and entire inside are all displays so that you can get ideas and visualize what it will look like installed in your area. Come in and take a walk around, or you can check out our to see the different products we have for you to choose from!