Pavers vs Flagstone: Which Should You Use in Your Patio?

There are various materials you can use for patio and landscape design. For example, you can create different finishes with concrete. Besides this, you also have natural and manufactured options. Let us discuss pavers vs. flagstone so that you learn a bit more about these materials.

Whether you want retaining walls, a fire pit, or a stone path, upgrading your patio is an excellent home improvement. We recommend you take the time to revive your outdoor space. As a result, you’ll have a place where you can relax and entertain your guests.

Both pavers and flagstone have their pros and cons. Today, we’ll compare both of them. If you’re deciding between these options, then you should continue reading our blog. You’ll learn about these patio materials. Thus, you’ll be able to choose the material that will work best for your project.

Pavers vs Flagstone: Make the Right Decision!

Both natural stone and pavers are excellent choices for outdoor living construction. They can both bring beauty to your yard. But, each one offers distinct advantages. Since not everyone has the same visions for their yards, people will benefit from different materials.

Whether you choose pavers or flagstone, they will complement the rest of your yard. You can be sure that both materials will look amazing with your landscape design, outdoor lighting, and other features. Your new patio design will also help increase your home’s value if you want to sell it in the future.

The pavers vs. flagstone decision can be pretty tricky as they are both quality materials. Concrete pavers offer various design options. But, natural flagstone will last much longer than pavers. Finally, pavers are easier to install and repair. As a result, they are less expensive.

Both Pavers and Flagstone Offer a Variety of Design Options

Whether you choose manufactured pavers or flagstone, you get a variety of design options from both materials.

However, with concrete pavers, you get way more options for your patio. It is because pavers come in various shapes, colors, sizes, or patterns. You can even make it mimic the look of natural stone.

As a result, you can make your patio look precisely how you envisioned it. Unfortunately, pavers don’t go well with brick-patterned homes as it can cause an overall cluttered visual effect due to its stamped concrete finish type.

If you want a natural look for your yard, then it’s best to choose flagstone. Even though it doesn’t have as many options as pavers, it can still bring your patio to life. When looking for an earthy, nature-inspired hardscape, then you should go for flagstone.

The reason behind this is that flagstone tends to come in different shapes and sizes, thus providing your place an organic appearance.

Some popular options tend to go for regarding natural stone include:

• Slate
• Travertine
• Bluestone
• Sandstone
• Quartzite
• Limestone

Flagstone Is More Durable

Both pavers and flagstone are quality materials that will last for many years. But, natural flagstone will last longer than a paver patio. Because of flagstone’s composition, it can last almost a lifetime. Concrete pavers can last nearly 50 years. So, it is still a good option.

Moreover, another thing to keep in mind is that the flagstone itself requires little to no maintenance. However, the mortar between the stones needs upkeep every decade or so.

On the other hand, concrete pavers require cleaning now and then. Not only that, but you’ll also need to reseal it to protect it against harsh weather conditions and stains.

Lastly, pavers are susceptible to cracking, separating, and even breaking whenever the ground shifts. When this happens, it can cause an uneven surface that’s a hazard. It’s also susceptible to weeds growing between the paving stones.

Fortunately, concrete is simple to patch up, which we’ll talk about in our next point.

Pavers Are Easier to Install and Repair

If you want a project that’s easy to complete, you may have to consider concrete pavers. Pavers are often less labor-intensive since they all come in the same size and thickness. In other words, they are easy to lay between each other. Moreover, you won’t need to worry about any cutting or shaping of stones.

Finally, pavers require no mortar upon their installation as professionals set them with pea gravel or polymeric sand. Unlike regular sand, this material won’t wash away over time.

Flagstone is an entirely different issue. It is much more challenging to install because it comes in irregular shapes. Also, each stone can come in different thicknesses. Thus, it makes the installation process much more difficult, not to mention that it’s harder to repair any cracks.

For the installation of flagstone, you’ll need a base layer of poured concrete and mortar. That way, the stones will stay in place. Unfortunately, if the mortar deteriorates, your contractor needs to use a grinder saw to clean out and replace the mortar. This procedure makes it even more labor-intensive to repair.

Pavers Are More Affordable than Flagstone

For people that are on a budget but still want a patio upgrade, they should consider pavers.

A natural flagstone patio can cost between $15 and $21 per square foot. Besides buying the stones, you also have to consider the labor costs. As we mentioned before, flagstone is more challenging to install. As a result, this increases the labor costs.

Along these lines, another factor that makes the natural stone more expensive is that contractors need to quarry and transport it.

Before concluding this article, we would like to give you some ideas on which spots would work best for each material.

If you’re looking for a durable option for your pool decks and driveways, you should go for pavers. Nevertheless, if you want a more aesthetically pleasing material for your landscape design project, choose flagstone.

Now that you know the main differences between pavers vs. flagstone, it’s time for you to decide which is best for you!

Remember that when in doubt, you can always contact the crew of J&R Chavez Landscaping. Whether you require professional advice or services, we are here to help you out!