Flagstone steppers set in river rock with plastic edging in a front yard

Materials · Flagstone

Flagstone

Natural stone split into flat, irregular slabs. Here’s how flagstone gets used in San Antonio yards, the two common ways to install it, and the projects where we’ve used it.

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Veteran-ownedMilitary discipline on every job

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Free estimatesWritten quote after we see your yard

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Built to lastProper base prep, edging and grading

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Clean job sitesCleaned up daily, gates closed

What flagstone is

Flagstone is natural stone split into flat slabs with irregular edges. Around San Antonio you’ll mostly see limestone and sandstone flagstone, in tan, buff, gray and reddish tones. No two pieces are the same shape, so a flagstone path or patio looks natural instead of manufactured.

It’s used for walkways, stepping-stone paths, patios, and the treads of garden steps.

Two common ways to install it

Steppers set in rock or grass

Individual stones are set on a compacted base with space between them, and the gaps are filled with river rock, gravel or grass. Water drains through the gaps, the cost is usually lower than a solid surface, and a stone can be re-leveled later if it settles. This works well for side yards and paths through beds.

Mortared flagstone

Stones are fitted closely and set in mortar over a solid base, and the joints are filled. You get one continuous surface that’s easy to walk on and to set furniture on, which suits patios and main walkways. It takes more labor and is harder to change later.

What makes a flagstone path last

  • A compacted base under every stone, so pieces don’t rock or sink
  • Spacing that matches a normal stride for stepping-stone paths
  • Thicker pieces where stones carry regular foot traffic
  • An edge (plastic, steel or stone) to keep the rock between the stones in place: see landscape edging
  • Simple upkeep: sweep it, top up the rock now and then, and re-set any stone that starts to rock

Our flagstone projects

Every finished project we tag with flagstone shows up here automatically, with its full story and before & after photos.

Thinking about a flagstone path? Let’s talk.

Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll come out, look at the space and give you a free written estimate.