Stone slabs add consistency, strength and durability to a landscape, creating a natural landscape element that might otherwise contain plants. Stone slabs are a popular choice for designing patios and walkways. Learn more about this versatile stone and whether it is right for your home.

What is stone slab?
Flagstones are sedimentary rocks that are cut into different pieces and layers. The types of rocks used for flagstone include sandstone, bluestone, slate, quartzite and limestone.

Properties of stone slabs
Flagstones are large, flat slabs of stone milled to a thickness of 1 to 3 inches. Flagstones are sedimentary rocks that are often made of sandstone. It is commonly available in red, blue and brown-yellow colors. Because this is a natural product, no two stones are exactly the same.

Installing Flagstone
Use stone slabs with a thickness of at least 3.8 cm as stepping stones or patio flooring. In the latter case, the stone slabs can be laid directly in soil or a bed of sand. Thinner panels should be laid in wet mortar or concrete to avoid cracking when walked on.

The spaces between irregularly shaped stone slabs can be filled with pea gravel, polymer sand or ground cover plants such as Dymondia margaretae, creeping thyme and dwarf mondo grass.

When stone slabs are laid in a close-fitting design or pattern, mortar is used to fill the seams and gaps. Butting the pieces together and using mortar creates a smoother, more uniform surface that is ideal for patios.

Stone slab applications
Stone slabs can be cut into uniform rectangular shapes or into more random, irregular pieces that can be arranged like a puzzle. In contrast to other stones, the roughened surface structure offers good and safe traction – especially when wet – and is therefore the ideal choice for outdoor floor coverings.
Stone slab terraces
Patios can have flagstones separated by low-growing ground cover or pea gravel rather than cement or mortar. If the stone slab is intended for a patio, any furniture on the stone should be flat, level and stable.

1. Natural stone

If you want to create a long-lasting patio, natural stone may be the ideal choice. These types of flagstones give the place a rustic yet inviting look and are likely to last for generations.

This patio design enhances the backyard with a natural sandstone, fire pit and no cover. The wooden armchairs complement the natural look of the terrace and create a harmonious overall picture.

2. Sunlit terrace

A patio may be the best place to enjoy the warm evening or afternoon sun, or even to tell a story in the warmth of a fire pit on a cool night.

The large natural stone slabs used in the design make the terrace appear larger. The walkway also features flagstones laid beneath the blooming greenery of the backyard to add exciting contrast to the patio.

3. Random flagstone patio

With this design, you don’t have to waste time making difficult decisions. Just place the stone! Using multiple colors for the stone can enhance the look, like in this design that uses brown, blue and rusty blue stone colors.

Use plants and shrubs to naturally separate areas on your patio and enliven the area.

4. Outdoor family area

Family gatherings are more lively outdoors, and how else can you liven up the occasion except with a handy patio?

The irregular stone slab of this design forms the basis of a family terrace with an outdoor area that can be used for dining or simply enjoying a warm, cozy day.

5. Outdoor fire pit

A built-in fire pit within a patio makes it a great central functional feature. In this design, the walls of the fire pit are usually matched to the paved floor to increase the flow of the space.

6. Quiet scene

Peace and tranquility immediately come to mind when you see this terrace. The dark stone slabs paired with the colorful furniture complement each other and bring out the vibrancy of the colors.

7. Create a neutral background

If you already have a patio with lots of existing features, the flagstones can serve as a backdrop rather than the main accent of the room.

8. Terrace with outdoor kitchen

Not just fire pits, a patio can also be an excellent place for a cookout with a well-designed grill.

On this terrace, large, irregularly shaped quartzite slabs harmonize well with the barbecue area and the slab path that leads to the terrace. The fire pit next to the dining area makes this spot a perfect spot for any weather.

9. Use edges and margins

Adding an edge to your flagstone patio will prevent the stones from shifting over time and give it a more finished look.

You can achieve this by adding a bolder edge or inlay to add a touch of pizzazz and make the patio stand out.

10. Eco-friendly rock terrace

The abundance of vegetation and plants on this rock terrace gives it charm and welcoming qualities.

This design is suitable if you have a garden and want to incorporate the natural features of the backyard into the design.

11. Use flagstones as stepping stones

Don’t let a small garden stop you from taking advantage of the versatility of flagstone. Large stone slabs or concrete pavers can be used as access to the terrace, ensuring that visitors do not get their feet wet when crossing the lawn.

12. Natural feel

Sometimes letting nature take its course works well, and with such minimal intervention you could end up with that fantastic patio.

The rustic sandstones form the centerpiece of the patio, while the backyard was allowed to grow between the flagstones, giving the garden a rounded look that complements the natural elements.

13. Rustic-modern stone slab

Flagstone pavers can create a modern look that fits well in a modern mountain home, like these simple gray flagstones.

For visual reasons, a retaining wall in the same color was added to the terrace.

14. Mix and match

Stone slabs are the perfect materials for creating a traditional looking and stylish patio. The combination of cobblestones and quartzite creates the perfect classic look for this patio.

Combined with the vintage-style seats and table, this patio might be perfect for a movie scene!

15. Embrace the curves

A good design should always complement its surroundings; This terrace was designed to achieve this. The stone fence on one side doubles as an outdoor bench with additional fluffy cushions and padding.

The red Colorado sandstones form the patio base with pea gravel between the spaces, while the fire pit completes the design.

16. Picturesque terrace

This beautiful stone slab terrace is located directly on the lake with a river flowing by. Talk about the perfect scene!

The terrace island consists of granite slabs and a matching fire pit. To add some character to this picturesque patio, the designers chose colorful furniture to complement it.

17. Accent with natural plants

Stone slabs can seem boring and lifeless, especially if you don’t have other materials on the patio, such as furniture.

Using natural plants could replace the need for furniture and complement the space, like in this natural stone patio with minimal furniture and lots of natural elements.

18. Stamped Concrete

Want to create the perfect look for your patio on a budget? Then try stamped or acid-stained concrete for your indoor patio design.

Stamped concrete is a good option, especially if you want to design large areas such as terraces, driveways or spacious courtyards.

19. Terrace in the garden

This bright terrace made of natural stone slabs is the perfect addition to the rustic outdoor area. The terrace is arranged around a self-built cobblestone retaining wall.

To give the design a rounded shape, wooden armchairs were used, and stones with a similar texture were used for the fireplace.

20. Grill area

The corner of this front garden has been transformed into a perfect barbecue area with irregular black basalt stones that fit well with the wall surrounding the terrace.

The paved barbecue area and beige furniture create a functional space, while the flowers add a touch of life to the ambience.

21. Beautify your outdoor space with flagstones

Flagstones are a great way to add character and reduce plainness to your outdoor space.

In this outdoor space, a homemade fire pit forms the focal point of a slate patio with several flat stones covering the path to the patio.

22. Multi-level terrace

Why one terrace segment when there are two?! Here, large natural stones separate the two terrace sections made of slate slabs, on one side of which there are sun loungers and on the other side there is a seating area with wooden armchairs.

The design was created to blend into the landscape of the area.

23. Stone slabs and bricks

The combination of bricks and flagstones is not only practical, but also gives you the opportunity to add other essential elements to your patio design.

In this design, the flagstone patio combines well with the flint brick area, eliminating the need for a fireplace.