Pavers vs Flagstone

Pavers vs flagstone is a hot topic for many homeowners. The materials are beautiful and durable. However, there are some key similarities and differences between them that every homeowner should be aware of before buying. You don't want to make a mistake that will leave you disappointed with your investment.

Pavers vs Flagstone: What’s the Difference?

Pavers and flagstones are stone materials that can be used for various applications, including patios, walkways, and driveways. They make a beautiful and durable addition to any home. Sometimes, it can be difficult to decide which is right for your needs. That is why a homeowner must do due diligence to learn about the key similarities and differences between these two popular materials before making a purchase.

In most cases, these materials are installed professionally by a landscaping company. This helps to ensure that they will be level and properly spaced. It also helps to avoid any legal issues that could arise from an improper installation. No one wants to be liable for an accident that could have easily been avoided.

Also, remember that both of these materials are susceptible to cracking and chipping. They will need to be regularly sealed to protect them from the elements and keep them looking their best.

Pavers

Pavers are stones made of concrete, porcelain, natural stones, clay bricks, or cobbles. They are usually four to six inches thick and come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. This makes it easy for homeowners to find the perfect style for their needs. They can also be laid in patterns to create a unique look and feel.

Even though pavers have chemical additives, they remain a popular choice for many homeowners because they are durable and require low maintenance. If well-sealed, they will resist staining, fading, and cracking. They can also be easily replaced if one becomes damaged. Installing pavers is also a relatively simple process that most do-it-yourselfers can do. Some come in an interlocking system that makes the job even easier.

Pavers can be used to make patios, walkways, driveways, and even pool decks. Properly sealed pavers provide a non-slip surface that is perfect for wet areas. However, if not sealed properly, they can become stained by dirt, grass, and other outdoor materials. That's why you need experts to do the work properly.

At Aviara, we use a high-quality sealer to protect your investment and follow all the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) standards for proper installation, including patios, walkways, and driveways.

Advantages

• Pavers come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to create a unique look.

• Pavers are durable and require low maintenance.

• Pavers can be easily replaced if one becomes damaged.

Disadvantages

• Pavers can become stained by dirt, grass, and other outdoor materials.

• If not sealed properly, pavers can crack and chip.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a type of sedimentary stone that is made from sandstone, limestone, travertine or slate. It is usually one to two inches thick and comes in various colors, including grey, red, blue, and green. Flagstone portrays a natural look that many homeowners find appealing.

Since flagstone is not manufactured, it is important to select pieces that are of a similar thickness. Otherwise, your patio or walkway will have an uneven appearance. Also, the pieces should be laid close together to avoid any gaps. Gaps can cause the stones to shift and become loose over time. It needs an underlying material and a good arrangement that creates a solid foundation.

Once installed, the flagstone must be sealed to protect it from the elements and prevent staining. Be sure to use a high-quality sealer to get the best results. At Aviara, we use a top-of-the-line sealer to keep your flagstone looking great for years to come.

Advantages

• Flagstone has a natural look that many homeowners find appealing.

• Flagstone comes in various colors, making it easy to find the perfect style for your needs.

• If installed properly, flagstone is a durable material that will last for many years.

• The stones can be laid close together to avoid any gaps.

Disadvantages

• Since flagstone is not manufactured, it can be difficult to find pieces of a similar thickness.

• Gaps can cause the stones to shift and become loose over time.

Comparison Between Pavers and Flagstone

Now that you know more about pavers and flagstones, it's time to compare them to choose which one is right for your needs.

Similarities

• Both come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.

• Both are durable and require low maintenance.

• Both can be easily replaced if one becomes damaged.

• Both must be sealed to protect against staining and fading.

• Both can be used to make patios and walkways.

Differences

• Pavers are made from concrete, clay bricks or cobbles, while flagstone is a type of sedimentary stone.

• Pavers are less porous than flagstone and don't absorb stains as easily.

• Flagstone is a natural material, while pavers are man-made.

• Installing pavers is a relatively simple process because some come in an interlocking shape, while flagstone needs an underlying material and a good arrangement to create a cohesive arrangement.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The major distinguishing factor between pavers and flagstone is the material from which each one is made. Pavers are man-made from concrete, clay bricks, or cobbles, while flagstone is a type of sedimentary stone. This means that flagstone is a natural material, while pavers are not.

When to Use Pavers

The best time to use pavers is when you want a durable, low-maintenance material that is easy to install. Pavers are also a good choice if you want a material that can be used for various projects, such as patios, walkways, driveways, and even pool decks.

When to Use Flagstones

You can use flagstones any time you want, a natural material that has a unique appearance. Flagstones are also a good choice when you want a material that is easy to clean and maintain since the stones can be sealed to prevent staining.

Which Is Better: Pavers or Flagstone?

The better material is pavers for various reasons. Pavers are more versatile because they can be used for various projects, such as patios, walkways, driveways, and even pool decks. Pavers are also less porous than flagstone, so they don't absorb stains as easily.