Help with a flagstone walkway

[jsfinn]

I'm thinking about putting flagstone or bluestone on top of our current cement front walkway and steps up to the front door.

A couple of questions:

Is it ok to put this directly on top of the cement that's already there? It's not cracked or chipped and is in good condition.

What's the best what to attach the flagstone to the cement? I was thinking of using mortar.

Where the walkway meets the driveway (asphalt), it's currently flush. What's the best way to keep it as flush as possible after I add the flagstone on top of the cement? Do I break some of the concrete out to slope it down for 3 or 4 feet?

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[marine4003]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

I did the same thing on my concrete walk,looks great.As a contractor by trade,i asked questions of my tile guy,Yes use mortar. First things first...pressure wash the walk first, mix your mortar wet,prior to applying mortar..wet the concrete..concrete is very porous and will absorb alot of water weakening the bond to the tile..so keep it wet, i did a dry run with the flagstone first,so i knew what piece went where prior to permanently installing it.Also buy a good quality AMERICAN stone,Home Depot has some great looking stuff..but its from china and is very flaky,,falls apart.Where the stone meets the concrete driveway..i bought Asphalt in a bag...built a ramp to meet the stone,heated it with MAPP gas..then sealed the entire drive with Runway Sealer (black) alot easier than chipping concrete,when i was done i let it set for 48 hrs then sealed it with stone sealer (matte finish) shiny is too slippery when wet, it will blow you away when its done,its the best exterior improvment ive done to date. Good Luck !!

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

You could also remove the concrete walk and use compacted stone dust as a base and between the flagstone.I would consider this option if you feel that the change in elevation of the walk would not meet or look good with the adjacent lawn etc and it would also solve the matching of the driveway elevations.
Removing the sidewalk could be a real hassle if there is reinforcing wire mesh or rebar in it and some would question the wisdom of removing a stable sidewalk but I would assume that asthetics are part of your decision to make the change and regrading the lawn might not fit well with the final product.Proper drainage might also be a factor here.Ron G

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

Have your current concrete walk resurfaced with stamped concrete to look like flagstone.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

Have your current concrete walk resurfaced with stamped concrete to look like flagstone.

Neighbor took that route...doesn't look anything like true bluestone...looks like ....grey concrete

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

Neighbor took that route...doesn't look anything like true bluestone...looks like ....grey concrete

I agree. It's a nice look but not really what I'm looking for.


I stopped by the stone yard at the nursery today. A pallet of bluestone was something like $650. YIKES! I figured I'd have this project knocked out for $200-$300. I guess I was wrong!

 

[marine4003]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

I agree. It's a nice look but not really what I'm looking for.


I stopped by the stone yard at the nursery today. A pallet of bluestone was something like $650. YIKES! I figured I'd have this project knocked out for $200-$300. I guess I was wrong!

No, this isnt a cheap endeavor, my walkway is 5' wide by 38' long..about 200 sq ft...between the stone,time and materials i have about 1K in it, if you dont mind a more contemporary look use 12 x 12 tile....same slate look but cheaper than random pieces from yard store.

 

[98LSWON]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

$650 is pretty high. I built a flagstone patio using 2.5 - 3.0 inch thick sandstone. It was only $75-100 per ton (It was 2 yrs ago, so I don't remember the exact figure), each ton covered about 75 sq ft. Each pallet worked out to be about $200. I built a 320 sq ft patio for a little under $1250 by the time I got all of the stuff for the foundation (crushed granite) and a border to keep the stones in place. Where are you buying the stones from, I hope it is a local stone supplier and not the local hardware/landscape store. Try http://http://www.mystonesupply.com/ and see if there is a distibutor near you. Also invest in a good diamond tipped blade for a skillsaw, score the stones on the backside and hit them with a hammer to break it and have it still look natural.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Help with a flagstone walkway

$650 is pretty high. I built a flagstone patio using 2.5 - 3.0 inch thick sandstone. It was only $75-100 per ton (It was 2 yrs ago, so I don't remember the exact figure), each ton covered about 75 sq ft. Each pallet worked out to be about $200. I built a 320 sq ft patio for a little under $1250 by the time I got all of the stuff for the foundation (crushed granite) and a border to keep the stones in place. Where are you buying the stones from, I hope it is a local stone supplier and not the local hardware/landscape store. Try http://http://www.mystonesupply.com/ and see if there is a distibutor near you. Also invest in a good diamond tipped blade for a skillsaw, score the stones on the backside and hit them with a hammer to break it and have it still look natural.

Two years ago...my friend that was back in the Dark Age's as far as material prices are concerned..as of right now 1 yard of 'crete has doubled in price in two years,as have M-57 Stone - and anything that requires mining or heavy equipment to extract.