Platform Decks

Was it wrong to use stonedust mixed with gravel in the bases for my in-progress flagstone and brick patios? I have two patio now under construction in my backyard, in holes I dug mostly myself to a depth of from 10 to 18 inches. One, to be covered using flagstone, is 500 sq. ft, while the circular one, to be paved with brick, is of 14 ft diameter. The contractor indicated he would lay grade "B" gravel underneath and grade "A" 3/4" stone in the next layer, both on top of geotextile, and compact every 2 inches. He did lay the geotextile, but put down a combination of what looks more like stonedust mixed with gravel,. He didn't even try to compact until the end. As we understand it, the will cause water to accumulate like a sponge. We live in Ottawa, Canada, where there is lots of freezing and unfreezing due to seasonal changes, and you can imagine what problems with the base that might cause. Note that the holes holding the base stone do not drain water well anyways, due to clay bottoms. Nevertheless, is there a justification for what has been put down as a base?

How do I repair badly flaking flagstone pool patio? I have an inground pool in my backyard with a flagstone patio which surrounds it, a few areas of the stone are badly flaking. Is there anything that I can apply over top the stone so it stops falling apart... I swept it a few days ago and just having my dog run over top of it, makes it start completely falling apart... Is there a thick clear coat sealant that can be applied over top of it?

What is the best way / method/ technique to make a flagstone patio? This is for a "highend" new backyard (no existing landscaping) in a "highend" neighborhood. I am told there are two ways to do the flagstone: * the same way as pavers, with sand layer underneath, the pavers set, filled in and swept with sand, and watering it down when done? or, * with a concrete layer first, then glue the flagstone with mortar and filled in with ??? **sealed or not sealed with something? *** should it be attached or not attached to the slab foundation? **** How far up the foundation (or down from stucco) should the level patio top be? ***** Can it be DIY? Or I need above info to find out what method the contractor should use (one told me uses sand method) The yard is large, so there may be one or two patio areas, a back and a side. The back patio may be 20ft x 30ft or larger. Also, the area is east bay california (some seismic activity). The soil is not soil, it's like clay when wet. One contractor I am considering is an older guy "just starting out" on his second career. He said "flagstone patios are easy" and would use the set in sand method. The other far more expensive contractor works only with a team of two hires - he seems to use concrete mortar.

How do I get masonry white paint off my flagstone patio? The wind blew over about 1/3 of a can of masonry/concrete paint (white) on my gray flagstone patio. What is best way to get it off - it's pooled and gummy and drying now in a puddle....

Is it better to dry lay or wet lay a flagstone patio? We currently have a flagstone patio in cement and mortar. Its about 20 years old, and looks horrible. We are debating if we should do a dry lay installation this time or do a wet lay again. If we do a wet lay again, will we have the same issue in another 10-20 years?

Best way of cleaning a flagstone patio? I HAVE A FLAGSTONE PATIO WHICH ITS GETTING DIRTY, I OFTEN WASHED IT WIHT WATER AND SOAP AND A BROOM BUT THATS A HARD JOB. IS THERE A BETER WAY OF DOING IT, MAYBE SOME SPECIAL CHEMICALS.

How to convert a dry-laid flagstone patio to wet-laid? I have a patio which was dry-laid with irregular flagstones. I am not really happy with the look, or the maintenance required, as I get weeds between the stones. Is it feasible to convert this to wet-laid without ripping up the whole thing? In other words, can I do it in sections, by picking up a few stones, putting down cement, replacing the stones in the same pattern as before, and then moving on to a new section? Thanks

Flagstone patio project for next spring - where to buy materials near Pittsburgh? I'm looking for a place to buy loose flagstone near Pittsburgh, PA for a 'next spring' project... Anyone have any ideas where I can go to buy the flagstone? I've tried looking online, so please don't give me ideas for seach engines - I'm looking more for names of companies...Thanks!

Who should fix my flagstone patio? I had a flagstone patio installed by a licensed contractor almost 2 years ago. The initial circumfrance of the job was 2 feet short of the proposed job(mistake made by the workers). There is now a crack that runs around the entire patio where the mistake was corrected. Do I just live with it or should I call the contractor?

How do you clean mold stained flagstone (patio)? We live in costal Texas, mold is a big problem here, and flagstone is porous - would prefer to not use chemicals that would harm the lawn when they run off.. but think power washing may ruin the flagstone, which seems to flake easily. Also, any way to seal the flagstone after cleaning?

what can I put between flagstone to keep weeds from growing? I have a flagstone patio and the stones are just laid on the dirt. They seem to be setting just fine but I want to keep the weeds from growing in the dirt between the stones. I would like to keep the natural look and don't want to mess with planting things I will need to water. What can I use to fill in the area between the stones to keep weeds from growing?

what can I put between flagstone? We recently bought a house and our backyard has a nice flagstone patio. I like it, but I dont like that there is grass and weeds groing between the spaces (which are a about an inch wide) What can I do to remove the weeds and what should I put in between to keep them from growing back. I dont want to put in moss or flowers either.

What is the best way to clean a flagstone patio that has darkened and has some mildew issues? I need to make sure the cleaning doesn't harm the surrounding grass in the process.

Does flagstone have to be sealed? I just put in a flagstone patio. I know there are products to seal the stone. Is this necessarry?What are the pros and cons?

What to plant in between flagstone? We have a flagstone patio that is laid in sand. We are tired of this look and want to plant something in the seams- any suggestions? I did some dichondra seed but not sure if that will work. We live in AZ- so needs to be heat and drought and freeze tolerant.

I am building a flagstone patio & need some help finishing it out. I need some grout type of stuff to fill gap I live down in TX (S.A. area) and need to know what I can use to fill in the gaps in between the stones. I have read a little about something called Polymer(ic) sand but I don't know where I can find it. If anyone knows where I can find this stuff or if you know of any thing else that would work really well, I would greatly appreciate the help.

Can I use "Portland Cement" and "sand" as a top dressing for flagstone patio? I was thinking about mixing some cement and sand together dry and spreading it onto my flagstone patio and brushing it in the cracks. Once I did this I'd spray it down with water and let it harden up. Wondering if it was a good/bad idea?

Should I put a sealer on the grout of my flagstone patio? The grout has become brown in many areas --in just a matter of weeks. Should I have put a sealer on the grout upon completion of the project?

Has anyone tryed using flagstone molds to make a faux/fake flagstone patio? And if you did, were you happy with the results, what type of cement material did you use, and how/ what color did you use to make it look more natural? I just priced some flagstone/sandstone and it's very expensive in my area. Thanks for replies........... I have been looking at stone molds on eBay and some seem like they would be easy to make. Is there a trick to get the tops of the stones smooth so when you walk on them the stones will not hurt your feet?

what can I plant in the cracks of flagstone patio? To keep the weeds away and make my patio look special, I would like to grow a colorful plant in the cracks of the flagstone patio floor

If I use Oxi-Clean to kill mildew on my flagstone patio, will it harm the grass as it is washed off?

Looking where to buy flagstone patio sections that are connected by mesh on the bottom.? Saw the flagstone pavers put down by novices on Home and Garden show yesterday and it look easy to do, so I want to try and do my own. Needs to be in Central Wisconsin.

I am making a flagstone patio about 10X15 ft. insize. How much sand do I need? I have to lay the sand about 6 inches deep. Lowes sells the sand by the 40lb bag. How much would I need to complete the job. I also have to scatter some between the stones.

How do you care for flagstone patio after installation?

I want to lay a flagstone patio. Currently I have about a 2" gravel patch, what do you recommend?

how do i get the wet look to appear on my flagstone patio?

Is it possible to stamp a preexisting concrete patio to look like flagstone? I know that they can stamp concrete to look like flagstone. What Im not sure of is if there is a way to, maybe add a thing layer of new concrete over the old concrete patio and stamp THAT. cause I want to expand a concrete patio with stamped concrete, but I want the old part to be stamped so the whole thing matches. Is this possible? and about how much would stamping the old part cost if it is possible?

Have you used stone molds to make your concrete patio look like flagstone or other types of stone? I've been looking at stone molds such as brick, flagstone and molds that would make a decorative steeping surface on my old concrete patio. Would like to hear if anyone has tryed this on a concrete surface and liked the results? I'm thinking about trying to use the mold and then install the finished product over my exsisting concrete patio. Will this work?

what sand do i use for flagstone? im doing a cheap diy flagstone patio project. what sand should i use to fill in the cracks? secondly, whats the difference between play sand and all purpose sand?

Can flagstone be put on top of a concrete patio? We have an exsisting concrete patio with a few hairline cracks and "pits" starting to appear. Would it be ok to put flagstone down?

Can someone give me some flagstone advice? Am renting a power washer tommorrow to strip all of the old patio paint from my concrete patio, trying to get the patio ready for flagstone. What is a good type of bonder-concrete grout that I need to use with the flagstone and information on how to do/use it?

flagstone patio? What is the best material for building an outdoor patio? In terms of ease of installation as well as price? I plan to build an above ground pond next to it that will be just high enough to still easily view while seated on the patio. I have used concrete pavers to build up around a pond before. I think maybe brick will look nice next to flagstone. Our house is white with black shutters. Color suggestions for stone/brick?

Flagstone Patio? how much can i expect to pay for a flagstone patio?

building a flagstone patio 12 by 5 by 4 inch depth. How much bluestone dust do I need?

Can I put flagstone vertically over an old raised brick patio? I want to cover the front of my raised porch with flagstone. Is it possible to just mortar right to the face of the existing brick wall?

question about flagstone groundcover? I live in Seattle and want to plant a low ground cover between the stones in my flagstone patio. The yard gets good sun from sunrise to about 2, so I think moss won't hold very well. There is an inch or two of dirt between stones, which sits on top of 1 inch of sand and three inches of gravel. Any ideas? Thanks.

Where can I buy flagstone for a patio in Indio, CA?

Does anyone know of any flagstone dealers in Arkansas? Want to buy some Arkansas Gray Flagstone to make a patio floor with. Am having problems finding any dealers that carry flagstone this time of year. Most have bought and sold all that they are going to for this year....Thanks for any info......

what kind of sand can I use for putting in a flagstone patio and where can I find it cheap.?

Flagstone Patio Repair I had someone install a flagstone patio which was laid by buttering each stone and laying on a large glob of martar and sand pushed into the large joints. I originally planned to put in mondo grass but most of the sand has washed out. How can I fix this? Sand does not stay in the joints. Can martor be put into the joints over the settled sand with a mason's bag. Any suggestions how to fix? If using martor in the joints should I remove the loose sand first. I also thought about mixiing martor with play sand and sweep into the joints and wet it down.

What can I put between flagstone rocks on my patio besides grass and pebbles to make it even?

how can I get a grease stain off of a Flagstone patio?

Is it a bad idea to lay flagstone in/ontop of concrete as a small patio? I just dont like the idea of using sand, and I was wondering if this would work. If so, do you know the specific rules to doing this type of patio. P.S. the patio would only be about 6'x6'

Building Flagstone Patio? I live in Southeastern Oklahoma where the ground cracks from the heat every summer. I am going to build a flagstone patio around our inground pool, but I need to know whether it is better to build the patio on sand and crushed rock, or a concrete bed. Or if it's better just to use sand and dirt beneath (for the old-world style, moss between the flagstones look - which would be nice)? However I build this, it needs to have excellent drainage and be an even surface for patio furniture. Also, once the flagstone is set, is it better to mortar between the stone? I don't want everyone getting sand or crushed rock in the pool.

Can you substitute slate floor tiles for flagstone in the yard? I want to put in a small patio. About 12' x 5' and was planning on using flagstone, until I saw the price. $9.99/sq. ft. However, I found boxes of slate floor tiles in the clearance isle for $.1.87/sq. ft. Just want to know if it can be done and they won't break if they freeze or something.

Help with Flagstone Patio? I want to put down a 500 square foot patio behind my house. I just dug down about 8 inches from the base of the house and have it somewhat level. I was planning on putting down 4 inches of concrete then the flagstone on top. My backyard is pretty sandy dirt, and I have very moderate weather-never snows. My questions are: 1. Is the 4 inches of concrete below the flagstone overkill? 2. Should I put sometype of base down on the sand-like some type of road base or grit? 3. Can I just use the premix cement to lay each piece of stone on top? Thanks!

I'm installing a flagstone patio, is this okay? I want to rent a small mixer and pour a little bit a day (30-40 sq. ft.) of a patio that would be 230 sq. ft. This would mean cold joints This patio would be layered from bottom to top of 2-3 in.of concrete then a 1 1/2 in. flagstone or concrete between the stones. These seperate pours would all be in rows. I hope that makes sense. I just want to know if the "cold" joints would effect my end results, structurally. thank you.

Concrete Patio - Flagstone on Top? My contractor poured concrete for the patio in two big 22X15ft blocks and poured 6 steps finishing one and half step on a rainy day while I was out. He told us the concrete he ordered was not enough so, finished remaining steps two days after. We are now concerned about any future cracks even though he said there won't be any. Now that he is going to lay flagstone on top, are we going to face any problems in future. Is there anything else I should be concerned about?

What's the best way to repair a flagstone patio? We have a small (11x8 or so) screened in flagstone patio that is a couple of feet off the ground. It has a roof over it but rain comes in through huge screens on 3 sides. So I guess it's more of like an outdoor patio. We wanted to put some patio furniture out there, but there are a couple of issues: 1) The stone is flaking off so it is a bit uneven 2) After it rains, there is some standing water on it I thought we could seal it and just put a patio rug on it to protect the stone from being damaged/flaking further, but would the water sit between the rug and stone and cause mold? (The sealing alone probably won't help with the chipping/flaking, correct?) I really want to avoid replacing the flagstone all together. Here's a photo: http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/6051/patiota1.jpg Any help or ideas would be much appreciated!

How can you fix, repair, a flagstone patio??? I need lots of help!!? so my parents have a ok sized yard in arizona and they thought it would be a good idea to put a flagstoned patio/deck on the side of the yard with a fire pit...however one of the pipes in our pool burst and the yard was drenched for days...when it was finally fixed the flagstone got orange stuff on it and in the grout. Now it is flaking off the top layer and my parents bought sealer but they dont know what they can do to make sure the flagstone doesn't flake off or get further damaged!!! What do you think we should do??? What can we Do???

need a groundcover to plant in sand between flagstone in a high traffic area. Need it to stay low, full sun.? Currently we have sand underneath and between flagstone but the sand is right outside our patio door and is a constant mess in the house. We'd like to plant a groundcover that will stop the sand problem to fill in between slabs. We're in the Sacramento area, full sun, very low plant meant to fill the gaps. Any suggestions?

Kuhli Loaches and flagstone question? I'm getting some kulhi loaches sometime in the next week or 2 and was wondering if they need sand in the quarantine tank. Its bare bottom right now. ..................................... Separate question I have some flagstone left over from patio and garden beds- if I boil and soak it can I put that in my tank to make a cave for them? The flagstone doesn't bubble when i pour vinegar on it so I think its more quartz based.

how do you make a patio with cast in place concrete? I saw an article last year in a magazine,with a patio with irregular shaped pieces of concrete that looked like flagstone. Then grass grew in between the (pavers).The article said the pieces that were approx. 3' x 3' and they were (cast in place). What does that mean? Could I just dig areas in my lawns and pour in concrete to make a "flagstone" patio?If so how deep should they be,How do I prepare the ground underneath? Should I add anything to help strenghten the concrete. Thanks ham m But I don't mean any kind of paver you can buy. What i want to do is make my own quite large sections of concrete right on the ground surface, by digging out say 4-6 inches of earth and pouring cement in the area to make an irregular shaped "flagstone". I want to end up with a patio that is approx. 15' x 20', I also would like to leave 3" spaces between these pavers for grass to grow

What is the purpose of edging when building a patio? I am trying to build a flagstone patio (dry) and was wondering if I really needed to edge.

How much sand do I need for my patio? Last week a gentleman on Yahoo Answers told me that I needed about (15) 50 lb bags of sand to complete a 10 X 15ft size flagstone patio I am making. (6 inches deep) A local nursery sells sand by the scoop. (large & small) On the flyer they have it says a large scoop is 1/2 cubic yard. A small scoop is .65. ( I dont know what this decimal means exactly.) How many scoops would I need if I buy the sand this way? We live close, so we can haul it in our truck bed, even if it means making several trips. So do I need a 1/2 ton then? or a whole ton?? So How Many Tons Do I Need???

How to convert a dry-laid flagstone patio to wet-laid? I have a patio which was dry-laid with irregular flagstones. I am not really happy with the look, or the maintenance required, as I get weeds between the stones. Is it feasible to convert this to wet-laid without ripping up the whole thing? In other words, can I do it in sections, by picking up a few stones, putting down cement, replacing the stones in the same pattern as before, and then moving on to a new section? Thanks

How do I get rid of moss/lichen type stuff on my patio? It makes it really slippery when wet? I have a flagstone patio, and there is some kind of moss/lichen type stuff growing on it...just randomly, not only in areas where water stands or it's shady or whatever. It's everywhere, but it makes the patio look dirty, and when it rains, there are these really slippery spots, and I don't want anyone to fall off, as one side of the patio is over a small incline where my air conditioner is that is fairly steep until you hit my concrete driveway. Does anyone have any home remedies for getting rid of this? I'd rather not use weed killer or anything, because I have desirable plants around the patio and I don't want some indescirminate plant killer to wash off and kill my hostas and lilies. Thanks!

What are these large bees called that live in the sand around my patio? We live in Albany New York. Recently we put in a flagstone patio which has quickly become the home to a large flying insect that looks like a bee - thick tablet shaped body with a redish midsection. Wings flap spastically when its on the ground and it lives in the sand between the stones. I think my parents have this type of bee by their pool - they dive bomb water. But we do not have a pool... any idea on what this bug is called and if its dangerous? Thanks!!

How to grow moss, plants between stones in MI? We have a flagstone patio with about 1 inch gaps with soil where we would like to grow moss or plants to fill in the space. Any recommendations on what to grow there and the best way to do it?

Where can I buy flagstone on mesh backing. Homeowner? Used for outdoors and patios.

Is stamped concrete a patio option for pool in Ontario? We are putting in a pool and have been quoted for a flagstone patio. We would like to put in stamped concrete but were told it would likely crack in Ontario's climate, and would be very slippery when wet. Can anyone advise if there is a way to limit potential cracking and if there is a sealant that can be used to decrease how slippery it is? So what would be the best material to build my patio out of?

How To Lay a Flagstone Patio?

Need info on landscape for backyard cheap landscapers in Lansing, MI? want to put in a fire pit/patio area in back of garage,also need to get back yard in shape from building a garage last year. Soil needs to be amended along with some maintence work in back of garage and along fence line. Maybe a pondless pond with waterfall. We have very little yard to play with as out 24x30 garage takes up yard. Have a long strip of dirt that runs along side of deck and along the garage then have a decent amount behind garage,we where thinking of flagstone patio or decorative cement that they have now.

Flagstone, Treated Cement or Composite Decking? I have a large backyard and I'd like to extend the patio from the house. Which treatment should I go with? I want something that is easy to maintain. I'm in southern US.

How to convert a dry-laid flagstone patio to wet-laid? I have a patio which was dry-laid with irregular flagstones. I am not really happy with the look, or the maintenance required, as I get weeds between the stones. Is it feasible to convert this to wet-laid without ripping up the whole thing? In other words, can I do it in sections, by picking up a few stones, putting down cement, replacing the stones in the same pattern as before, and then moving on to a new section? Thanks

at 0.28c a flagstone how much will the est. total amount for a 10 by 10 patio do it yourself project.? building a patio

is it possible to control tree root growth without damaging the tree? We have just started to hard landscape our back garden and one of the most stunning features we have is our tree(the size of which towers over our home)while taking up the old flagstones on the patio, i was a little suprised to see roots from our tree.Now the tree almost reaches our home even though it is situated in the center of the garden, so i should not really have been shocked.I have spoken to a few landscapers and have been advised that the roots will eventually cause problems with the structural integrity of the house if left unchecked and should be cut down.Is there any thing i can do so the tree can remain?or do i just have to cut down a healthy tree?many thanks for any advise

my contractor did substandard work, can i sue? I hired a contractor to take out a wood patio and replace it with a flagstone patio and the work is very shoddy. it looks as if he just laid some rock in gray sand. it is uneven and not even formed. he said that it would take 2 weeks to settle and then it would be good to go but I dont belive him. what can I do?

What is a classy and natural pathway material? Can't be messy Should require no water Not concrete (of course this isn't natural anyway) I can't afford any more flagstone (I have Idaho quartzite patio in my back yard).

I need some ideas for my perennial gardens..... let's do my gardens together! I bet it will turn out great. Hi... I'd love some suggestions on which perennials to plant together along with color choices, placement, etc. I also wouldn't mind adding in some annuals as well. If someone has a garden that they love, please share it with me! Pictures would be great. I have an area around a square flagstone patio, an area along a fence on the entire side of the yard and also foundation gardens. I live in CT and get alot of sun in my yard. Lots of work to do. I'd love to hear your suggestions. Here's my email address to send photos... karenldee@yahoo.com

Will the recipe for making homemade moss grown in direct sun? I watch a natural look for in between some flagstone I'm laying for a sidewalk and patio. I found a recipe for making my own moss but someone told me it won't work in direct sunlight. Is this true? If so, what else could I use that would be natural looking?

suggestions for desert backyard? help. i was going to put grass in my yard so i planted desert plants and palms along the perimeter of the backyard, which is a square shape. The plants along the perimeter are enclosed with curbing all the way around and there is decorative rock surrounding the plants (the curbing was to keep the decorative gravel from spilling into the middle of the yard). I also have a covered patio and some flagstone extending the patio, but the middle is completely bare--no plants, and i dont know what to put in there now other than grass, which sucks water and I live in the desert. i dont have enough money for a pool right now. any suggestions or should I just do th grass? i am also selling my house and most people do look for grass. the space in the middle is approx 40 by 30.... thanks!!

Which is better stamped concrete vs stone patio? I'm thinking of hiring someone to put in a patio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a patio that is either a stamped concrete or a natural stone (maybe flagstone) set in concrete? Are some stones better than others? I live in a very hot climate if that makes any difference?

What color should I paint my ranch style home in Florida? Should I keep the soffit and facia white or go for monochrome? I would like it to look more solid it is light pink right now. The patio has mid pinkish flagstones. I has a lot of windows. Help.

Landscaping - Stamped concrete. Do steps at a landing cost more per square foot than a walkway or patio? I am building a home. Originally considered flagstone for the patio/walkways, but was too expensive. Changed things to stamped concrete, which for the patio/walkways is about the third of the cost of flagstone. The landscaper now tells me that making the landing steps from the house onto the patio/walkway is almost twice as expensive compared to flagstone. Makes no sense, concerned about the honesty of the contractor. Thoughts?.