--- title: Flagstone Patio Ideas and Stone | Mid Valley Rock url: https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/flagstone-patio/ business: Mid Valley Rock phone: (916) 363-4239 address: 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00, Sat 7:30-3:00, Sun closed --- - [Home](https://midvalleyrock.com/) - [Ideas](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/) - Flagstone patios # Flagstone Patio Ideas A flagstone patio can be hard-set in mortar over concrete using 1 1/4 inch Select, or soft-set on sand and decomposed granite using 1 1/2 to 2 inch stone. Pick the color first, then the thickness that matches the base you want. A finished flagstone patio A flagstone patio is one of the most popular stone projects in Sacramento yards. Natural stone gives you color and texture that stays interesting for years, and no two patios look the same. The big decisions are the look you want, the stone color that suits your house, and how the patio will be built. Once you know those three things, choosing the right flagstone gets much easier. This guide walks through ideas, stone choices and planning basics. ## Patio design ideas Large pieces make a calm, open surface. [Stand-up Select flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/flagstone/) comes in pieces of about 4 to 12 square feet, so a patio needs fewer joints. Smaller patio flagstone, from about 8 inches to 4 square feet, gives a busier, more natural mosaic. Think about how the patio connects to the rest of the yard. A patio that flows into a [flagstone walkway](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/flagstone-walkway/) or steps down to a lawn feels planned. A low seat wall along one edge adds seating without extra furniture. - Tight joints with mortar for a clean, formal dining area - Wider joints with decomposed granite or low plants for a relaxed garden look - A border of tumbled flagstone or cut bluestone to frame the space - Mixing two stones that share a color for a custom look ## Which stone works and why Sandstones like Arizona Buckskin and Rosa are popular for their warm colors. They are medium hardness and very porous, so many people seal them. Quartzites like Storm Mountain, Mt. Moriah and Autumn Gold are harder and denser, with gray, gold and silver tones that suit modern homes. Color changes when stone is wet. If you love the wet color, a sealer can give a similar look. Read [wet look vs natural](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/wet-look-vs-natural/) before you decide. Availability changes with the quarries, so call to check what is in the yard today. A gray flagstone patio with a cobble wall ## Planning and installing basics Decide on a hard or soft base first. Hard-set means mortar over a concrete slab. It is permanent and easy to clean, and 1 1/4 inch Select is made for it. Soft-set means stone laid on sand and decomposed granite. It lets water soak in, and 1 1/2 to 2 inch stone is thick enough to use without concrete. Our [soft-set vs hard-set guide](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/soft-set-vs-hard-set/) covers the details. Wider joints use less stone but more fill. If people will walk the patio in heels, keep joints tighter. Flagstone is sold by weight, so the [flagstone calculator](https://midvalleyrock.com/flagstone-calculator/) helps you turn square feet into an estimate. ## What to bring when you visit Measure the patio with a tape and write down the square footage. Bring a photo of your house and your landscape plan if you have one. Tell staff whether you plan to hard-set or soft-set, and whether you want to seal. With that, they can suggest stone, cuts and supplies like mortar, sealers and Gator Dust in one visit. ### Visit or call - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed 5300 Excelsior Road Sacramento, CA 95827 Arrive 45 minutes before closing so we have time to help. [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239) ### Keep reading - [Walkways & paths](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/flagstone-walkway/) - [Soft set vs hard set](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/soft-set-vs-hard-set/) - [Flagstone calculator](https://midvalleyrock.com/flagstone-calculator/) ## Stones that work well - [Arizona Sandstone Buckskin Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/arizona-sandstone-buckskin/) - [Arizona Sandstone Rosa Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/arizona-sandstone-rosa/) - [Bluestone: Full Range Flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/bluestone-full-range/) - [Storm Mountain Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/storm-mountain/) - [Mt. Moriah Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/mt-moriah/) - [Autumn Gold Flagstone / Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/autumn-gold/) - [Sonoran Gold Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sonoran-gold/) - [Petrified Seashore Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/petrified-seashore/) ## Questions we hear a lot Still unsure? Call the yard at [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239). We are happy to talk it through. ### What thickness of flagstone do I need for a patio? Use 1 1/4 inch Select if you will hard-set it in mortar over concrete. Use 1 1/2 to 2 inch stone if you will soft-set it on sand and decomposed granite. ### How much flagstone do I need for my patio? Measure the area in square feet and bring the number to the yard. Flagstone is sold by weight, so staff will help you convert your measurements for the stone you choose. ### Should I seal my flagstone patio? Sealing is optional. Sealers protect the stone and can give a wet look or a matte finish. Never seal wet stone; wash it and let it dry 5 to 10 days first. ## Come see the stone in person Walk the yard with us, bring your measurements and a photo of your house, and we will help you pick stone that fits the project and the budget. 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mid+Valley+Rock&query_place_id=ChIJhQvD0VfCmoARcSXoEbY0WSc) - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed