Pavers or flagstone?
Pavers are uniform concrete or stone units laid in a pattern. They give a clean, even surface that’s easy for furniture and grills, and individual pavers can be lifted and reset if they ever need it.
Flagstone is natural stone in irregular shapes, often limestone or sandstone in this part of Texas. It has a more natural, rustic look that suits stone and ranch-style homes, like the limestone flagstone walkway in our project photos.
Walkways and stepping stones
Not every hardscape is a patio. A flagstone walkway can turn a muddy side yard into a clean path, and stepping stones set in turf, like the ones beneath a live oak in our projects, give you a route across the lawn without a full walkway.
Built on a solid base
A patio is only as good as what’s underneath it. Clay soil moves with moisture, so a well-compacted base and good drainage keep pavers and stones from heaving, sinking or holding puddles. The finished surface should slope slightly away from the house so rain runs off.
Caring for a patio
Hardscape is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Sweep regularly, pull weeds from the joints while they’re small, and top up joint sand on pavers when it washes out. Polymeric sand, which hardens once it’s wet, helps keep weeds and ants out of paver joints. Flagstone set in gravel or decomposed granite may need its joints refilled now and then.
Shade and finishing touches
In West Texas sun, a patio is far more usable with shade. A pergola over part of it, or a healthy tree nearby, makes a big difference. Lighter-colored stone also stays cooler underfoot than dark stone. Planting beds or river rock around the edges finish the look.