We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Flagstone Flooring?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,471
Share

Flagstone flooring is flooring made from flagstone, a form of sedimentary rock which is well-suited to splitting into flat slabs for flooring, roofing, and other projects. Many stone floors are made with flagstones, and the practice of using flagstones in floors is centuries old. Home supply stores usually sell several different styles of flagstone flooring, and additional variations can be ordered directly from manufacturers.

Rather than being a specific stone, “flagstone” is actually just a type of stone. Flagstone is characterized by being sedimentary, and formed in layers, which make it easy to split into flat slabs. Depending on how the stone is processed, it may be ground to make an especially even surface, or left slightly rough. Flagstone can be polished to a high sheen, or left with a slightly matte finish, and it comes in a range of colors including gray, blueish, green, brown, red, yellow, and cream. Sandstone is a common choice for flagstone flooring.

Some people like the aesthetic of flagstone flooring, since it can look very attractive. This type of flooring is also easy to care for, as long as it is installed and sealed properly, and it can add significantly to the resale value of a structure. By thinking ahead, people can also install heating and cooling systems underneath their flagstone flooring, using the floor as a radiant heating or cooling source during especially cold or warm weather.

Flagstones can be purchased in the form of slabs which are set and grouted by hand, or in the form of tiles, which tend to have more regular shapes and standardized bottoms to make them easier to lay. Some companies make flagstone tile with a mesh backing, so the tile can simply be rolled out on the floor and cut to size, without having to worry about spacing the tiles properly for grouting since they are already precisely spaced on the backing.

There are several key issues to be considered when installing flagstone flooring. The first is the condition of the subfloor. If older flooring is being replaced with flagstones, the subfloor should be examined for signs of rot, mold, and mildew, and it should be reinforced or replaced as needed. It is also critical to seal flagstone flooring to avoid staining and to prevent water from leaching through to damage the subflooring. Many companies sell pre-sealed flagstones, but the floor should be sealed again after grouting, and it may need to be periodically stripped and resealed.

When caring for flagstone flooring, the best regimen involves frequent sweeping, and occasional mopping with warm water only, as chemicals and soaps can stain the flooring. It is also a good idea to felt the bottoms of chairs, tables, and other furniture to avoid scuffing.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-flagstone-flooring.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.