Flagstone and Slate Patios

Flagstone is the most commonly used material for stone patios, but the word itself causes some confusion. The term “flagstone” is actually a generic term for various sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. They’re called “flagstone” because they can be easily split into flat sections of varying shapes for use on walkways and patios. There’s speculation the word “flagstone” is derived from the Old Norse word flaga, which means slab or chip.

Flagstone can be irregularly shaped and installed in a mosaic pattern, or shaped into squares and rectangles (known as “pavers”) for a more linear installation. Large sections of flagstone are known as “slabs.” Some types are available as “tumbled” flagstone, which undergo processing to smooth the edges.