--- title: Flat Lava Flagstone with Moss | Mid Valley Rock url: https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/flat-lava/ 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/) - [Stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/) - [Flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/flagstone/) - Flat Lava # Flat Lava Flat lava is a black surface stone covered with green moss and lichen, often used for walkways around ponds and some water features. Pieces differ in moss cover and size, so choose yours at Mid Valley Rock after a quick call to check what is in. Flat Lava Colors vary by pallet and wet vs dry. See it in the yard. Flat lava brings an aged, natural look from day one. It is a surface stone, collected from the ground rather than quarried, so it carries green moss and lichen on its black face. That living finish makes a new path look like it has been there for years. Its flat shape makes it walkable, and it is a favorite for paths beside ponds, streams and some water features, especially in shade gardens and Asian-style designs. ## Black stone with moss and lichen The black base sets off green moss and pale lichen. Together they give a soft, woodland feel. Moss and lichen need some moisture and shade to stay healthy, so place the stone where it will not bake in full afternoon sun. The flat shape is why it is often used in walkways. The moss and lichen keep a path from looking manufactured. ## Paths around ponds and water Flat lava is often laid as stepping stones or a walkway along a pond or stream. See our [water feature ideas](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/water-features/). Not every stone suits constant water or treated water. Tell staff how it will be used, and read [choosing stone for water features](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/choosing-stone-for-water-features/). ## Setting it on a soft base If you want moss to grow between stones, use a soft base of sand or soil rather than mortar. See [soft set vs hard set](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/soft-set-vs-hard-set/). Avoid pressure washing, which strips moss and lichen. A gentle rinse is enough. ## Popular uses - Pond-side walkways - Stepping stones - Shade garden paths - Asian-style gardens - Stream edges ### Is it in the yard today? Stock changes with the quarries. Ask us and we will check what is on hand for Flat Lava. [Is it in the yard today?](https://midvalleyrock.com/contact/?stone=Flat%20Lava#quote) ### At a glance - **Category:** Flagstone - **Sold by:** Weight, on pallets - **Pricing:** Call for today’s price - **Stock:** Changes often. Ask before you drive over - **Delivery:** Flatbed + forklift, Mon-Sat ### Good to know - Place it in partial shade to keep the moss green. - Skip the pressure washer and sealer to protect the lichen. - Set stones on a soft base so moss can fill the joints. ### Keep reading - [How much flagstone do I need?](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/how-much-flagstone-do-i-need/) - [Flagstone thickness guide](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/flagstone-thickness-guide/) - [Soft set vs hard set](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/soft-set-vs-hard-set/) - [Sealing flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/sealing-flagstone/) - [Flagstone patios](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/flagstone-patio/) ### 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) ## Pairs well with Flat Lava - [Lava: Black Lichen Lava Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-black-lichen-lava/) - [Moss Rock Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/moss-rock/) - [Mexican Pebbles Cobbles and pebbles](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/mexican-pebbles/) - [San Pablo Blue Cobbles and pebbles](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/san-pablo-blue/) ## Flat Lava questions Still unsure? Call the yard at [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239). We are happy to talk it through. ### Why does flat lava have moss on it? It is a surface stone collected from the ground, so it carries natural moss and lichen. ### Will the moss survive in my yard? Moss and lichen do best with some shade and moisture. In full sun they may fade over time. ### Can I use flat lava in a pond? It is often used for walkways around ponds and some water features. Tell staff your plan so they can advise. ## More flagstone - [Sydney Peak Boulders / Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sydney-peak/) - [Sockeye Red Quartzite Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone / Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sockeye-red-quartzite/) - [Grizzly Stone Ledge and wall stone / Flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/grizzly-stone/) - [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/) - [Mt. Moriah Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/mt-moriah/) - [Bluestone: Lilac Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/bluestone-lilac/) - [Storm Mountain Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/storm-mountain/) - [Sonoran Gold Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sonoran-gold/) - [Sunrise Flagstone / Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sunrise/) [All flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/flagstone/) ## 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