Flagstone
A flagstone (sometimes called a ‘flag’) is a flat slab of stone used for paving, walkways, driveways, patios, flooring and occasionally roofing (shingles). Since the Saxon period, flagstones of various sizes were used for internal flooring purposes in castles and other structures.
Traditionally, natural flagstones are quarried from sedimentary rock. This sedimentary rock can have various compositions and characteristics. One of these is the distinct stratification (or bedding planes) which allows the stone to be easily cleaved, i.e readily separated, into largish, irregular but sometimes rectangular pieces. It is frequently a fine-grained sandstone interbedded with thin, shaly or micaceous layers, but can also be a limestone.
Flagstone is available in numerous colours – such as buff, red and blue – which are usually determined by the natural cement material existing within the matrix of the stone.
Depending on the application, flagstone tends to be durable and weather resistant and can be cut into smaller pieces to create interesting patterns. It also provides a naturally slip-resistant finish if properly maintained.
Building with Scottish Stone, published by the Natural Stone Institute and the Scottish Executive in 2005, defines flagstone as: ‘…generally a layered (thinly bedded or laminated) sedimentary rock (sandstone or siltstone) capable of being naturally split or riven into large thin slabs suitable for paving. Some flagstone quarries are capable of producing 'stone slates' for roofing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bituminous mixing and laying plant.
- Britain's historic paving.
- Coal holes, pavement lights, kerbs and utilities and wood-block paving.
- Code of Practice for Ironwork Systems Installation and Refurbishment.
- Conservation.
- Floors of the great medieval churches.
- Floorscape in art and design.
- Hazard warning surfaces.
- Highway drainage.
- How to lay block paving.
- IHBC articles.
- Pavement.
- Penarth Alabaster.
- Permeable pavements.
- Road improvement scheme consultation.
- Road paving.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- Types of road and street.
IHBC NewsBlog
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.