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.
[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
Modus on the challenge the construction industry has to become more circular
RICS members’ journal Modus ‘crunches the numbers’ on the challenge the construction industry has to become more circular.
RTPI: Measuring What Matters: Planning Outcomes Research
The Royal Town Planning Institute(RTPI) has issued research from across the UK and Ireland into how authorities can measure the outcomes of planning.
Wales introduces the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) for a green recovery
The Welsh Government has given the green light and a further £10M to a major new programme that will transform social housing across Wales, boost the economy and open the door to a new Welsh industry: the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP).
Lifeline grants for culture in all corners of the country
Culture across the country benefits as Lifeline grants from the latest round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will protect a further 162 heritage sites across the country.
Scottish Government rejects transformation of landmark building into luxury hotel
Now the building long touted as a potential home for the Scottish Parliament stands as a symbol of a divided Scottish capital.
One of Britain’s last AA telephone boxes saved
AA Box 161 has now been listed. The telephone boxes were a sanctuary for motorists in distress, but of the hundreds across Britain just 21 remain.
IHBC submits comments on BSI’s PAS 2038 – Retrofitting non-domestic properties
The IHBC has noted that it fails to emphasise the need to carry out appropriate repairs as the vital precursor to installing retrofit measures.
Mapping tool for unused construction materials launched
A mapping tool that provides contractors and their suppliers with a central database of local Materials Exchange Platform (MEP) projects to help cut waste by finding a home for unused materials has been launched.
'Unusual' WW2 sites listed and upgraded to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain
An air raid shelter, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless cottage, a rare Chain Home radar defence tower, and a war memorial have been granted protection.
Derby City Council plans to knock down the 43-year old Assembly Rooms
A planning application has been submitted by Derby City Council to knock down the Assembly Rooms – which has played host to the likes of Elton John, Iron Maiden, Take That, etc.