Many homeowners wonder if flagstone is better than paper when planning a patio or landscaping project. The answer varies from person to person and is dependent upon the home being landscaped, the amount of work needed, and the desired appearance desired. Flagstone is not always better than paper for every home. Before deciding which material is best suited for any given landscaping task, a homeowner should first evaluate his or her individual needs and desires for his or her property. Some landscaping tasks are simply not possible with one type of material, while others require the use of both flagstone and pavers.
One of the best reasons to use flagstone in any landscaping task is its versatility. Flagstone is a naturally porous rock, meaning that it is able to absorb liquids and even dry out after sitting stagnant for some time. This is why many homeowners opt to use flagstone patio as an effective means of providing a spill-proof barrier against liquid spills. Using this type of paving system is the perfect way to add interest to a patio or walkway that could otherwise be dull and boring.
Another advantage to using flagstone in any landscaping project is that it is non-abrasive to the surrounding environment. Pavers are composed primarily of sand, which can contain a variety of chemicals and minerals that can create harmful issues for the home’s water supply and the quality of the soil. Although flagstone is non-absorbent, it is also porous and will attract various types of insects that can prove damaging. However, many of these pests cannot survive in porous materials such as flagstone. It is important to remember that insects can only attach themselves to materials that are of a similar hardness to their own, which is true of sand and many other stones that make up the exterior of a building.
Flagstone’s impervious nature also extends to the patio itself. Unlike paper, which may stain after heavy use or have a natural patching of dried mud from dry soil, flagstone has a very smooth and matte surface. This makes the patio easy to maintain and walk on without becoming stained or dirty. Furthermore, because flagstone is highly durable, it will last much longer than pavers, and in most cases, will need to be replaced less frequently.
There are several things that make flagstone superior to traditional materials like concrete and asphalt in the construction of a patio or walkway. One of the main things is its drainage characteristics. Because flagstone is porous and has a large surface area, it can absorb a large amount of water. The rate at which water flows off of flagstone is directly proportional to the thickness of the stones. This is why it is commonly used as a material for patios and walkways that have flat or gradual slopes.
Pavers on the other hand are designed with a coarse texture. The coarse texture makes them more susceptible to staining from liquids and other types of debris. In addition, they do not have the same ability to absorb moisture. Because of these characteristics, the use of pavers in the construction of a patio or paved walkway often results in dampness, which may eventually cause the formation of mold or mildew. On the other hand, flagstone retains its beautiful appearance and is easy to maintain with minimal care.
Another characteristic that makes flagstone superior to traditional materials is its aesthetic appeal. Although flagstone is generally darker in color than paper, it is far less harsh and is therefore well suited to creating varying designs and textures. Pavers are also commonly used in the building of walkways and patios because of their flat, sleek appearance. On the other hand, flagstone can be honed to create a smooth and glossy surface, which is often incorporated into the design of a patio or paved area. This allows the owner of the property to have a choice between creating a more rustic look with rugged flagstone, or a more modernized look with smoother flagstone.
When you want to know “Is flagstone better than paper?” it is generally a good idea to get several quotes from local contractors to compare the cost and overall quality of materials. If you are choosing a specific combination of materials (such as pavers and sand for a walkway) then get an estimate from at least three local contractors before making your decision. It is always best to get several opinions and ideas because not all installation projects are the same. The final cost of your project will depend largely on your skill and the amount of work involved.