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July 19, 2005
Arizona Flagstone
Arizona flagstone is one of the most common and readily available stone materials (in California and the West at least). It is frequently used for patios and wall veneers. The stone comes in a variety of colors, mostly beige, pinks, reds, and oranges.
Arizona has the advantage of being one of the lowest cost stone materials, however if it is properly installed in irregular sheets it can often cost more than alternative stones materials that are installed in precut pieces. The material looks best when it is broken into inter-fitting pieces, which has an installation process much like a giant jig saw puzzle. Grout lines should be consistent, with small pieces avoided whenever possible to fill the intersections between stones.
Arizona flagstone is easy to work with, because it is quite soft. Dropping the material is often sufficient to break it. This makes cutting and chipping the stone easy, but exposes it to flaking and breaking. The material does respond well to pressure washing, which, depending on the area and exposure of the installation, can help bring the material back to full luster. It will slowly fade and lose color intensity over time.
The material is best used for patio and wall veneers, especially Arizona ledgestone, which makes a very handsome stone wall.
Visit our Stonework Portfolio for more image examples
Rosa Arizona Flagstone Patio & Steps
Sedona Red Arizona Flagstone Walkway & Steps
Classic Oak Arizona Flagstone Patio
Peach Arizona Ledgestone Wall
Posted by Michael O'Connell at July 19, 2005 09:13 PM
Comments
Please advise us as to sealing Rosa Az. Flagstone from the Tucson area. We live in Sacramento, CA. We are installing a small patio of this material on 2" of crushed rock, then 2" of sand. We are putting polymeric sand in the joints. 2 people have advised us that it is not necessary to seal the flagstone. They advised that, because the flagstone is so porous, it would use too much sealer. Also, they said that leaving it in it's porous state would help keep it more breathable for less algae growth. We are a little worried that, without a sealer, it will stain too much, as it is so porous.
Thank you so much for your help!!! My husband is a Tucson native, and we are really excited about this flagstone.
Pat Witzens
Posted by: Pat Witzens at May 31, 2006 03:03 PM
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