Flagstone walls are made from sedimentary rock and can be used for retaining or decorative purposes. They require an experienced bricklayer and can be built using slabs or a nucleus covered in paving. Flagstone comes in various shades and can last for decades with minimal maintenance, adding aesthetic appeal and increasing property value.
A flagstone wall is a wall that was built from flagstone, a type of sedimentary rock that has been enjoyed in construction for centuries. Flagstone walls can be used as retaining or decorative walls in gardens and landscaping features, and are also used for animal enclosures or as walls in a house. Installing a flagstone wall requires the service of an experienced bricklayer to ensure that the wall is properly laid, as he can lay out and execute an effective brickwork design.
Rather than being one specific rock, flagstone is actually a family of related rocks, all of which share all the characteristics of being close-grained sedimentary rocks that flake off in layers. This flaking quality is what makes flagstone attractive, because the flakes can be broken into flat slabs that can be used in construction. Flagstone is often used in flooring, roofing and paving as well as walls, and comes in a range of shades, including blue, green, gray, cream, rust and brown.
There are two construction methods that can be used to make a flagstone wall. In the first case, flagstone slabs are laid on top of each other to gradually build a wall. Historically, these walls were sometimes made without mortar, with carefully chosen slabs that fit together like puzzle pieces. Nowadays, mortar is usually used to make the wall more stable, ensuring it won’t be damaged by the weather and collisions from animals, falling trees or vehicles.
In the second construction technique, a nucleus is built and then covered with paving. The flagstone is leaned against the wall, almost like a tile, and cemented at the base. The mortar is then used to fill the spaces between the flagstone slabs, creating a uniform look while strengthening the wall and protecting the base from water damage. A wide variety of materials can be used as the core, including concrete, cinder block, or wood. Flagstone can also be used to clad walls constructed of other materials, in which case the flagstone is cemented on top of the wall and grouted.
The advantage of a flagstone wall is that, when it’s well built, it will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Flagstone also weathers very well, blending into the natural environment and complementing the surrounding architecture and landscape. The aesthetic appeal of a flagstone wall is also prized in some regions of the world, and the installation of such walls can elevate property values or increase interest in a property among prospective buyers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
