Flagstone Paving: Natural Stone for Landscaping Walkways and Pathways

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Landscape with Natural Stone for Rustic Walkways

Home owners have many choices for natural stone paving to give a great look to yard or garden pathways.  Natural stone is among the most popular options in a wide range of design choices for artistic, quality pathways around a home or property.  Flagstones or natural stone pieces laid in an organic pattern provide an authentic rustic look for projects that need the best quality work.  Easy do-it-yourself projects exist for natural stone, but for some higher-end projects, especially mortared ones, you may want to consult a natural stone contractor.

Flagstone in Squares or
Rustic Cuts

Different shapes of natural stone give pathways distinctly different results.  Square flagstone is popular in large rectangular areas like intersections, porches or patios, but for walkways, many designers choose “jagged” interlays of natural stone where multi-faceted natural stone pieces are carefully matched.

Mortared Stone or Easy-Lay Landscaping Stone

Generally, the more durable landscaping stone projects use mortar to hold the stone pieces in place for a smoother, sturdier design.  Another option is to use gravel or other “fill” material in between natural stone pieces laid directly onto a dirt or concrete foundation.  A good foundation helps mortared stone designs stay in place; the use of sand as a base can cause shifting and crack the mortar of a natural stone project.

Natural Stone Colors
and Styles

From “London Fog” grey to “Sunset” orange, natural stone for landscaping comes in a diverse array of shades and textures.  Some types of stone are created for optimum conformity, smooth and “high tech” for formal paths and projects.  Other types will have more character.  Choosing a good shade and texture is an important part of a stone pathway project.

Selecting Stone Types and Materials

To begin making design choices, take a look at what is offered by natural stone contractors.  The natural stone photo gallery from EnhanceScape shows a wide variety of yard and garden project styles, from neatly mortared squares to simple stone patterns.  Check out a variety of built designs to start to envision what your paths and walkways will look like when given a face-lift with natural stone.