There are two basic types of brick landscape pavers.

Bonded pavers measure about 4" x 8" and pack together almost seamlessly over a sand base. Modular pavers are slightly smaller and are installed with mortar.

for paths, walks, and walls.

Flagstones have been used to create stepping stones and paths for centuries. The term flagstone can be applied to almost any natural landscaping stone that’s flat and hard. The best are split from dense metamorphic rock with uniform internal layers and a surface texture that provides traction. Schist, bluestone, slate, and metamorphosed sandstone and limestone all make excellent flagging materials. The thicker the slab, the longer it will last—in some cases, more than a century, even under constant use.

Flagstones are usually 1" to 3" thick and are either cut to size in various rectangular shapes (dimensional flagging) or cut, chipped, or broken into irregular shapes (natural flagging). Depending on where the stone is quarried, flagstone can range in color from pale buff to rich blue to greenish-blue or even lilac. There are also variegated flagstones, and flagstone mixes of subtle or strikingly complementary color combinations.

Dimensional flagstones can vary in size from as small as 6" x 6" to 3' x 4' or larger. Varying the sizes in the pattern (using multiples of each size, both squares and rectangles) creates interesting rhythmic patterns, especially for large expanses of flagging, such as a terrace.

For a more formal look in wall construction, consider snapped ashlar. These brick-shaped stones stack with tight joints that can either be dry-laid or mortared in place.

brick

Because brick is made from naturally available clays, it’s been a historical material for landscaping since Colonial days. While you can use vintage brick in landscaping projects, be aware than brick is fired for different degrees of hardness, depending [ cont. on page 47]