What Flagstone Shape Works Best for You?
When planning a project that involves flagstone, you have a few choices available to you. Because of its unique makeup, this stone is used for a variety of landscaping jobs and is easy to place in a variety of visions. Rock Products, Inc. provides four commonly sought types of flagstone that are consistently used by landscapers, contractors, and homeowners alike – we describe them here.
What Is Flagstone?
Flagstone is comprised of multiple layers of thin rock that’s been compressed over time, which is why it’s so easy to break and shape. These malleable rocks allow stonemasons to give them the desired form with greater ease. Typically, these stones are one to three inches in thickness and have a wide variety of uses. While the sedimentary style is the most common type, flagstone can also be produced from the following rocks:
- Sandstone
- Igneous
- Metamorphic
- Marble
Different Cuts of Flagstone
Since flagstone is so easy to manipulate and structure, it comes in a wide array of shapes and sizes, including:
Irregular Flagstone
Unlike other types of flagstone, irregular flagstone receives no additional treatment after being broken up during processing. While it may resemble common geometric shapes, each piece will be unique, and no two will look exactly the same.
Natural Clef
This refers to flagstone that has been carefully cut along the grain of the stone. While this results in a smooth, cleaner edge around the rock, you’ll notice that the edges also have a distinct wave-like look to them.
Patterned Flagstone
Flagstone that has been cut to resemble a circle, square, or any other geometric shape is known as patterned flagstone. The edges around these are cut with precision so that the shapes are easily identifiable.
Thermal and Tumbled
Once the flagstone is broken down to the appropriate shape and size, it’s then heated and placed in a tumbler. This process causes loose fragments to break off and provides a smooth, uniform finish, which is known to lend additional appeal.
How Do You Decide?
Flagstone is typically used for many backyard and walkway projects, and each type of flagstone is crafted to accentuate your projects and add a rustic feel to your design. Of course, it can be difficult to know where to begin when choosing a shape. No matter how you break it, the top and bottom areas of irregular flagstone are almost completely flat. This makes it one of the best materials to use if you plan on building a retaining wall for a flowerbed or nursery. Or, if you want to lay flagstone for a backyard patio or walkway, patterned flagstone is a popular choice. With an even cut and customization abilities, you can create the exact pattern you planned for, and the precise shapes make for a rustic aesthetic.
Rock Products, Inc. has been providing high-quality flagstone to landscapers, contractors, and homeowners throughout New Jersey for nearly two decades. Once we’ve helped you identify the best type of flagstone for your project, we’ll deliver the materials right to your door. Contact us today for more information.