What is the best way / method/ technique to make a flagstone patio?

Question

This is for a "highend" new backyard (no existing landscaping) in a "highend" neighborhood. I am told there are two ways to do the flagstone:
* the same way as pavers, with sand layer underneath, the pavers set, filled in and swept with sand, and watering it down when done? or,
* with a concrete layer first, then glue the flagstone with mortar and filled in with ???

**sealed or not sealed with something?

*** should it be attached or not attached to the slab foundation?

**** How far up the foundation (or down from stucco) should the level patio top be?

***** Can it be DIY? Or I need above info to find out what method the contractor should use (one told me uses sand method)

The yard is large, so there may be one or two patio areas, a back and a side. The back patio may be 20ft x 30ft or larger.

Also, the area is east bay california (some seismic activity). The soil is not soil, it's like clay when wet.

One contractor I am considering is an older guy "just starting out" on his second career. He said "flagstone patios are easy" and would use the set in sand method. The other far more expensive contractor works only with a team of two hires - he seems to use concrete mortar.

Answer 1

With areas that have ground movement or freeze/thaw problems, having the pavers attached to concrete will probably cause cracking later on. I just tore out a pathway that was installed on ground that wasn't properly compacted & the freeze/thaw cycle horribly cracked the concrete. You will probably want yours to have "float" room.

It's a lot of work, so be prepared if you DYI. I'm currently laying natural stone. I've spaced mine so I can have "stepable" plants in between the rocks. I want moss & lichen to grow, but otherwise you'll have to seal the stones.

If you have to build up, make sure you compact the ground very well. Settling will cause dips and uneven areas. As big as you are planning, consider a contractor. They do it for a living, they know the tricks for the area you live in. They also have heavy rollers for compacting the ground, you'd have to rent one.

Answer 2

Slate, flagstones and tiles must be laid in concrete to keep them from breaking. As a general rule, set in concrete any paving material that is less than 1 1/2 inches thick.
Lay paving on as stable a base as possible. Undisturbed ground is best. When you dig, avoid disturbing the base soil; excavate only as deep as necessary. If ground has been dug, moisten the soil and compact it with a compactor or with the end of a 4 x 4 timber. In areas where ground freezes, put a layer of base rock (pit-run gravel or crushed rock) under paving to keep from heaving and becoming uneven as a result of repeated freezing and thawing. This layer should be 4-8 in. deep. Spread 2 ins. of damp sand on base rock, compact it and level it. Wherever you plan to run irrigation pipes or wires under the pavement, place 2 in. or larger PVC pipe in the excavation before spreading the base rock.

Answer 3

Here is a really good article that lists the materials you need and the steps on how to make a flagstone patio. I hope this helps!

http://hippshelp.com/how-to-build-a-flagstone-patio/

Answer 4

Try Irish moss. It has a small white flower in the spring, and it will spread to fill in the cracks. Cut it into small pieces and fill in the gaps with it. You can fill only about 1/2 the spaces (like a 2" piece then a 2" gap, and it will fill in.