Flagstone Patio by Custom Stonescaping
Adding a patio is a great way to extend your living space into the outdoors. With different styles to choose from, here are some options to think about when deciding on your patio. With the right accessories, patios can be an all year round enjoyment for the whole family.
Materials
Permeable Pavers
Permeable Pavers can aesthetically transform you outdoor space while being an added benefit to the environment. Permeable Pavers help reduce stormwater runoff from your property and also helps groundwater to recharge by slowly releasing the water and allowing it to soak into the ground. This slow release helps to replenish our local waterways in between storms.
Custom Stonescaping is a certified installer for permeable pavers for Arlington’s Stormwater Wise Rebate Program and Washington DC’s Riversmart Program. Property owners who live in these areas can apply for their respective rebate programs.
Flagstone
Flagstones are a great option for patios, as well. With their natural look and earthy tones, they are ideal for patios. For a more formal look, choose cut flagstones that are laid out in a pattern or go informal with irregular flagstones.
Style
Dry set
Dry set or dry laid patios require a gravel base for drainage, and either a stone dust or sand layer to help ensure the top stones or pavers are level. The joints are then filled with stone dust, sand, pea gravel, or polymeric sand.
Wet Set
Wet set or veneered patios require a concrete slab base over gravel with wire mesh and or rebar in the concrete first. Stone can then be mortared or veneered onto the concrete base. The joints are then filled solid with mortar.
Size & Shape
Custom Stonescaping can build any size or shape patio. Often times an organic free flowing shape is preferred and can be cut into whatever shape the client chooses at no additional cost. Both dry set and wet set patios have advantages and disadvantages depending on the location and the application.
Accessories
Wall
Walls can be decorative, functional or both. Adding a wall can help balance out the design of your patio or perhaps your space needs more seating and can double as a bench wall.
Fire Pit or Fireplace
Fire pits are a much more economical way to enjoy an outdoor fire in a relaxed cozy seating arrangement. Many times the fire pit can double as extra seating during the summer months, then can help to extend the outdoor season well into the fall and start up much earlier in the spring.
Fireplaces can be an amazing focal point of an outdoor living space. Custom Stonescaping has designed and built a wide array of fireplaces including pizza ovens, Argentinian parrillas and dual use cooking ovens/fireplaces. You can choose the size, type of stone, type of mantle (if any), built in storage, log storage even connecting counter tops and benches.
Pergola
If your patio is placed in a well sunlit position, adding a pergola can create contrast while providing shade.
