The Top 9 Ideas of How to Use Flagstone in Your Landscaping Project

Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and finishes, so it’s no wonder it’s a great option for all kinds of home flagstone landscaping projects. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or more rustic and natural, you can find the perfect flagstone option to bring your vision to life. But with so many choices, it can be hard to decide where to start!

To make it easier, the Stone Center team has put together some of the most popular ways to use flagstone in your landscaping. Let’s dive in and explore how you can transform your outdoor space with this beautiful and natural material!

1. Creating a Flagstone Patio

Creating a flagstone patio is one of the most popular ways to transform your outdoor space. A flagstone patio adds a timeless, beautiful touch to your home and is perfect for outdoor gatherings with family and friends.

There are plenty of design options when it comes to flagstone patios. You can go for a sleek, modern look with clean lines or choose an irregular pattern for a more rustic or country vibe. Flagstone is versatile enough to complement any style you have in mind. Are you already interested in making a flagstone patio? You’re in the right place! Check out our blog for more outstanding design ideas for a flagstone patio.

2. Building a Flagstone Retaining Wall

A flagstone retaining wall might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can make for a stunning addition to your yard. By stacking flagstones, you can create a beautiful, low wall that adds both dimension and style to your landscape.

When building a retaining wall, you can choose to stack the stones without mortar for a natural look, or use mortar for extra durability. If you’re looking for a wall that lasts longer and stays sturdy over time, we recommend using mortar.

3. Designing a Safe Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone walkways are a fantastic way to guide people through your garden or connect different areas of your yard. Whether you prefer perfectly cut stones for a sleek look or irregular flagstones for a more whimsical feel, you can create a walkway that’s both functional and beautiful.

Plus, flagstone is naturally slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about slippery paths when it rains! It makes the outdoors safe and enjoyable for everyone in the family.

4. Enjoying a Swimming Pool with a Flagstone Pool Deck

Flagstone is an excellent choice for pool decks because it’s naturally slip-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling. Some types of flagstone, like sandstone, don’t absorb heat, so you can walk barefoot around the pool without burning your feet.

Another great benefit is that flagstone is permeable, meaning water won’t pool up or flood your yard — this is perfect for keeping your lawn looking great even during heavy periods of rain.

5. Adding Flagstone Steps to Your Landscape

Flagstone steps are a great way to connect different levels of your yard or garden. This material is both durable and blends beautifully with natural surroundings.

Since flagstones aren’t typically very thick, you’ll likely need to stack a few layers and use mortar to get the right height for your steps. Hiring a professional is always a good idea to make sure your steps are safe and even.

6. Relaxing on a Flagstone Seating Area

Looking for a creative way to add seating to your yard? Try building a flagstone bench! Simply stack stones and use mortar to hold them together, creating a natural, sturdy bench.

We recommend building the bench about 18 to 22 inches high, with a smooth stone on top for a comfortable seat. It’s the perfect addition to your garden or around a fire pit, blending in beautifully with your outdoor space.

7. Warming Up Near a Flagstone Fire Pit

A flagstone fire pit is a fantastic way to create a cozy gathering space in your yard, regardless of the season. The natural beauty of flagstone will give your fire pit a rustic, inviting look that fits in perfectly with the rest of your garden.

Just make sure to use fireproof materials for the inside of the pit, and finish the outside with mortared flagstone for that stunning stone finish. Whether you’d like to make a classier or more modern gathering space, Stone Center professionals provide practical and beautiful fire pits in Ohio!

8. Adding Flagstone to Your Garden Landscaping

There are so many ways to use flagstone in your garden! One idea is to place flagstone around a tree, creating a path or base that highlights the natural beauty of the tree.

Flagstone also works well as garden edging, helping keep grass out of your landscape beds while giving your yard a polished, finished look. If you prefer a more geometric, modern style, opt for pavers. Or, for a more natural feel, choose irregular flagstones for a softer aesthetic.

9. Feeling Closer to Nature with Flagstone Stepping Stones

Flagstone stepping stones are a fun and easy way to add charm to your front or backyard. Simply space the stones a few inches apart and fill the gaps with pea gravel, river rock, or ground cover plants to keep weeds away. Of course, one image isn’t enough to get fully inspired by how stepping stones can improve your backyard. Take a look at 15 ideas of stepping stones for every style you can even think of!

Stepping stones are also an affordable option compared to traditional pathways, and they bring a whimsical, natural feel to any garden.

Things to Consider When Choosing Flagstone for Your Landscaping Project

When navigating how to use flagstone in landscaping and choosing where you will place this beautiful natural material in your yard, there are a few things to consider before beginning the project. Let’s break it down.

How Flagstone Is Sold

Typically, you will find flagstone sold by the ton versus per piece or by the pound. The cost of this will vary depending on the rock you choose, but usually will cost around $40 to $320 per ton, depending on how high-end of a stone you choose.

When you begin your search for your ideal stone, you may find some irregular slabs or unique shapes organized by color, size, and type. These slabs will usually be secured on palettes to keep the types and sizes all together in one place. In some locations, you have to buy this collection in full and cannot pick which you like most. However, if you need a smaller quantity and want to individually select, some rock yards will allow you to do so with pallets that are already open.  

What Thickness and Width Do You Need?

The thickness of stone you need depends on what you are using it for. For instance, if you are laying a path or walkways without using mortar, you don’t want to use a super thin stone, but instead, opt for one at least two inches thick. This is essential to avoiding cracking and breaking. However, if you plan to use a mortar base, you can use a thinner stone.

When it comes to width, on the other hand, there’s a wide range of choices, and again, it depends on the project. If you are creating a pathway, you’ll want to look for large flagstone slabs, usually at least two feet in width. However, if it’s for a patio, you can use various irregular shapes and sizes and fit them together.

How Much Flagstone Will You Need?

The amount of flagstone you need depends largely on your unique project, but there is a formula that can help.

To find the amount you need, multiply the length and width of the project to find the square footage. Then, determine the “coverage” you are seeking, meaning the amount of area your flagstone will cover.

Once you have the square footage and coverage, it’s time to use the formula. To do this, divide the total square footage of the project by the total square footage of the coverage. For example:

100/50 = 2

This means you need 2 tons of flagstone to build your project.

Design Your Unique Landscaping Project with Flagstone from Stone Center

Ready to begin designing your own flagstone landscaping but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.

At Stone Center, we understand that each project is unique. With this in mind, we work with each client in the Cincinnati and Columbus area to create a custom solution, using the finest quality stones and craftsmanship when developing your landscaping with flagstone. Don’t hesitate to contact us to help you create a flawless garden project.