Flagstone Flooring
Every castle needs a magnificent floor; flagstone flooring may be just what your castle needs. Whether you go for the real flagstone floor or a vinyl flooring flagstone look, flagstone flooring care benefits make it a great choice. It's easy care, especially if sealed after installation, and stands up to traffic, sun, and kids. Flagstone indoor or interior flooring makes any home look and feel like the castle you deserve.
Flagstone flooring is an exceptionally versatile flooring selection. This is due in part to the many varieties that are available in varying styles, colors and polishes. The most common type of flagstone flooring purchased is that of flagstone tile.
This product is installed much like tiling is installed or any other stone flooring selection. The advantages of using this type of flooring are many including the versatility of the looks and its durability. While it can be a costly investment, it will last many years.
In flooring selection, you will be able to select from a variety of colors, surface finishes as well as in combinations of these. Because it is so versatile, it can be used in an array of ways. Different sizes as well as different colors can be used to create an impressive and decorative look to virtually any area of the home. In fact, the same flagstone tiles used for flooring can be used on walls as well as in exterior pathways and patios.
Another option for flagstone is using it in large slabs. These can be cut to size in a variety of dimensions and for various applications. Thickness can range from 25mm to 50mm (1"-2"). They can be hand chiseled for a rough look or sawn edged for a more formal cut. Although they are versatile in their use, there are more limitations on them as far as color choices. These flagstone slabs can be purchased and used for interior floors.
Flagstone indoor/interior flooring can be used to create an impressive look within a room. It helps to make the room look much larger as well. It can also be used in applications for walls and steps as well. Flagstone slabs are popular choices for pathways, patios and exterior features as well.
More Options
Another way to get the look of flagstone into your home without the cost and weight of it is through the use of faux stone flooring options. The most common choice here is the use of vinyl flooring flagstone. This is vinyl flooring that is made to look like that of a real flagstone product. The installation process is quite simple and the cost is considerably lower. Although it is not real stone, it gives a surprisingly realistic look on the floor. It is also much easier to care for than traditional stones.
Proper Care Of Flagstone
Like any other stone flooring, it is very important to seal in the beauty of the flooring and seal out water. Sealants should be applied once the flooring has been laid, and should be reapplied yearly or as needed. But, when it comes to flagstone flooring care benefits, there are many. Flagstone can be rinsed with warm water and virtually needs no chemicals. The finish you apply will determine your need for polishing, or whether you'll go for a shiny or dull look. Sealants help to protect against staining.
Flagstone flooring, whether a natural product or vinyl, can add dimension as well as durability to any area in which it is used. The only downfall of this product is its expense, which is well worth it because iof its durability and longevity.
Where can I find flagstone for flooring? I love it and would like to install it in my den.
MERIDITH at October 15, 2008 9:08 AMYou can do a search at your favorite search site (mine's Google). Sorry I can't help you more Meridith, but you didn't give me much to work with. ;~)
The Flooring Lady at October 15, 2008 7:19 PMWould like to use flagstone in entry way, stairs and around a n infloor pool. I have hear if there is iron in the stone it will rust and stain the pool lining? which flagstone can I use in all these areas safely?
Beth at October 17, 2008 2:43 AMHi Beth,
Yes, flagstone can contain iron - but that doesn't mean it will stain your pool lining. You just need to make sure that the stone is sealed well before and after it's put down. Applying sealer before keeps moisture from seeping into the stone (creating the rust) from underneath. You really should put down some sort of moisture barrier before laying the stone - something along the lines of a sheet plastic, like Raven Industries Rufco line.
Obviously, you want to seal the flagstone after it's been grouted - just be sure to completely remove any grout/grout haze that gets on the stones before sealing.
The Flooring Lady at October 17, 2008 9:20 PMI plan to install oakley stone over an existing concrete slab. I need to raise the level for a 5 or 6 inch step that will extend across the entire width of the room. Can I make a form and fill it with gravel, then lay the stone in mortar mix over the top of the gravel, or do I need something solid like underlayment over the gravel before laying the stone? thanks for your help. Bev
Bev at October 20, 2008 6:00 PMHi Bev,
The Flooring Lady at October 21, 2008 6:40 AMBest to have something solid in case the gravel settles even further, which could cause cracking.
Hi there,I already have a Yorkshire flagstone floor I want to restore. Whats the best way to go about it? Ive got a sandblaster in to take the build up of grime off but what would I use to seal and wax it? thanks, Tom
Tom Fletcher at October 22, 2008 10:09 AMHi Tom,
Lucky you!!
If your stone is authentic Yorkshire flagstone, you can use products manufactured by AquaMix. The link takes you to their product page for sandstone, which is what flagstone really is.
Antique flagstone floors didn't have sealers or waxes on them in the 'old days' - really, really, old days. All the wear, stains, etc. could only be considered as a patina that you only get with age.
There is a product called Yorkstone, made by Monarch Stone in California. This is a very high-quality reproduction of antique flagstone. I don't know what it's made of though and don't know what sealers are recommended.
The Flooring Lady at October 23, 2008 6:47 AMCan a flagstone floor ever be removed?
Chris at October 24, 2008 11:28 AMYes, it can! You're best bet is to find somebody who sells reclaimed flooring, they'd probably offer you a pretty decent amount of money for it.
The Flooring Lady at October 25, 2008 9:00 PMI have a natural granite flagstone floor in my kitchen. It was originally a greenhouse so the floor has only rock dust in the cracks. I would now like to use a cement or grout and then maybe a sealer so I can clean it easier...It is not winterized but has been down for 3 winters now and has not heaved. I am worried about putting cement or grout and then it cracking..Do you have any advice on what I should use and how I could seal it afterwards..Thanks so much
Sarah at October 29, 2008 8:51 AMSarah
Hi Sarah,
Wow, that's an unusual situation! My first thought would be to use a shop vac to get up the loose rock dust. I would suggest looking at grouts that have some silicone in them, or something that is considered 'flexible' - that will help with expansion & contraction, hopefully that will make for a preventative measure with cracking grout.
Sealers will depend on the product you use. It would probably be best to choose the grout product first (not necessarily buy it yet) and then check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend.
The Flooring Lady at October 30, 2008 9:06 AMWe have a patio with a flagstone floor... we love the deep color of the stone when it's wet, but it looks drab when dry. It has not been treated nor sealed in any way. Any suggestions??
Jeff at November 15, 2008 5:25 PMHi Jeff,
AquaMix has a couple of good products for enhancing your stone. There's Enrich 'n' Seal and Stone Enhancer. They both offer no-sheen, enhanced-look penetrating sealer formulated to darken, enrich and highlight the character and beauty of unsealed natural stone. It rejuvenates the color and improves the appearance of worn and weathered stone. May also be used as a pre-grouting sealer. Allows moisture-vapor transmission. It also effectively seals and darkens the color of grout joints.
The only difference in the descriptions is that Enrich 'n' Seal is "premium" and the Stone Enhancer is "excellent". I'd venture to say that they are both very good products since they're from AquaMix.
The Flooring Lady at November 15, 2008 7:03 PMI have an interior sandstone flagstone floor and would like to seal it with a product that has some shine to it. Can you recommend such a product?
charlie at December 16, 2008 6:53 AMHi Charlie,
The Flooring Lady at December 16, 2008 9:17 AMBioshield has a couple good environmentally friendly products - their Resin Floor Finish and their Wax Finish. You can also check out AquaMix products - very good products, but not "green" like the BioShield products are.
Hello there, we are planning a new build with old style flair. I am wondering about doing a flagstone floor in the kitchen/dining area over a slab concrete fondation. Do you have any insight or helpful hints? we live in Oregon.
Linda at January 4, 2009 3:42 PMhow do I contact you?
KATHRYN at January 7, 2009 1:35 AMsee a sample?
looking for 80 square meters faux finish flooring for my restaurant
Hi Linda,
The Flooring Lady at January 7, 2009 10:05 AMFlagstone would be wonderful as well as slate or brick. If you're really lucky, there may be somebody in your area who deals in reclaimed materials - those that have been in an old home previously that has been torn down or whatever. The biggest thing is to be sure to seal your flagstone, slate, etc. before you lay it and grout it. This makes grout clean up so much easier as well as gives the stone a good moisture barrier all the way around. Be sure to seal it again too, after cleaning up excess grout.
Sorry Kathryn,
The Flooring Lady at January 7, 2009 10:06 AMThis site isn't a sales site.
Our entry hall (approx 750sf)is flagstone with installation of unknown date. While the stone is sound, the cement grouting appears dirty and of uneven color. How would you clean it? Would stripping improve the appearance of the grouting?
ERICK at January 12, 2009 8:04 PMHi Erick,
The Flooring Lady at January 16, 2009 7:54 AMYou'd be better off trying to clean the grout first. I'd recommend a product such as StainSolver (would
be better than OxyClean because it's got more bleaching action) or Enviro-One. If products such as these don't work, then you will probably have to strip. It could be too, that the reason why the grout has gotten so discolored is because it wasn't sealed or it has worn off. You can find some good products for stone flooring at AquaMix.com.
Hi,
I have a flagstone floor in my entrance hallway and some of the grout is cracked and/or chipped out. Rahter than trying to just fix the sections which could result in a color difference, I'd like to re-grout the entire floor. How difficult would this be and could you recommend a tool to get all the grout out?
Tony at January 19, 2009 1:09 PMThanks.
There are tools that you probably have lying around that can help remove your grout. I'd suggest something pointy (like an ice pick) and something with a beveled edge, such as a wood chisel and experiment with how hard to tap the tools with a hammer. You do run the risk of doing a little damage to the stone. When re-grouting, be sure to seal the stone first so that it makes removing the excess grout easier (and it won't get imbedded in the porous stone). Be sure to seal everything once you have the excess grout cleaned up.
The Flooring Lady at January 24, 2009 11:03 AMWhen re-grouting an interior flagstone floor with rather wide grout lines (3/8"), would you recommend using sanded grout or mortar mix? Also, would you recommend applying the grout/mortar mix using a pastry bag as opposed to spreading it on with a rubber float?
tony at February 10, 2009 3:28 PMThank you
Hi Tony,
The Flooring Lady at February 19, 2009 8:04 AMWhat product you use is more of a personal choice. You can use either method to apply the grout/mortar, but make sure that your flagstone is sealed first. This way, the grout can't get into the flagstone and makes it much easier to clean up. Make sure to clean grout residue thoroughly and you can then seal the whole floor. I can't stress the cleaning of residue enough, if you don't you'll wind up with a haze which will become much more noticeable after you've sealed and there won't be any cure for it except to strip and reseal.
We have flagstone in our foyer and it is dull...we've been in the house 15 years and haven't touched the flagstone. I've read about sealants but do you recommend the "wet" look or the "flat" look....I don't want it to be too shiny.
Mary at May 16, 2009 7:25 AMAny ideas?
Hi Mary,
The Flooring Lady at May 17, 2009 10:50 PMI don't recommend a particular look - it's a choice best left up to the owner. ;~) There's also a third option - a satin finish, or medium sheen finish.
We have a flagstone patio around our pool. It is beginning to flake and chip. We have thought about sealing it but are concerned about 1)changing the color, 2)making it slippery, and 3)making it too hot to walk barefoot on. Are these legitimate concerns and do you recommend sealing exterior flagstone?
Sharon at May 23, 2009 3:46 PMI have a large flagstone patio ungrouted that is partially covered. The are that is exposed is fine but the covered area flakes and is now producing a fine dust. When it gets wet it becomes like a thick mud. The floor is about ten years old and has always flaked badly but has never been sealed. How can it be cleaned and should it be sealed and with what?
Judy at May 24, 2009 10:27 PMHi Judy,
The Flooring Lady at May 25, 2009 1:00 PMYes, clean it and seal it. I recommend products made by www.aqamix.com - take a look. You don't have to use their products, but they are very good and at least at their website you'll get a good idea of the kinds of products you should be looking for. Good luck!
Hi Sharon,
The Flooring Lady at May 25, 2009 1:07 PMYes, seal the flagstone to protect it! A sealer may darken the color some (most products refer to this as enhancing the color), there are also products available to make the surface non-slip.
whats the best way to take up old sealant on a rock floor it was sealed last fall and was not applied properly and want to do it right the second time?
ben at June 10, 2009 7:00 PMHi Ben,
What kind of rock is it and what type of surface (rough, pebbled, smooth, etc.)?
The Flooring Lady at June 12, 2009 1:35 PMCan you tell me how to prepare...clean,seal, etc. Bluestone? I am using natural clef bluestone in my kitchen/ Tv area. Should I seal it? Also what do you think about soapstone counter tops? Do they require a lot of care? How can I change the color of my Mexican terra cotta colored tiles? I would like them more of a blue/gray to blend with the bluestone. Thank you so much
Julie at July 12, 2009 7:56 PMJulie
Hi Julie, Yes, I would recommend sealing it. Please check out Aqua Mix for a great selection of sealants.
I really am not familiar with soapstone countertops and I would suggest doing some research and comparison on those.
The Flooring Lady at July 14, 2009 9:09 AMI don't know of any way to change the color of your Mexican terra cotta other than changing the tiles entirely.
I have a tera rosa flagstone floor in my family room. Is there any way to stain it to make the color more brown?
Judy at October 22, 2009 8:58 AMJudy,
There are stains made for stone. You should be able to stain it and make it more brown if it is not sealed. If it is sealed, that will need to be removed to allow the stain to penetrate, and then re-sealed. Just remember that the stain color will mix with the color that it already is and may not match the description on the label. I would test a sample piece or small area and be sure you like the results.
The Flooring Lady at October 23, 2009 7:15 AMI have an unsealed flagstone countertop next to my outside grill. It has become stained with oils and fats from grilling. Is there a way to clean these oil stains before sealing the countertop?
Cynthia Dech at November 9, 2009 10:35 AMCynthia,
I would try a vinegar and water solution of 1:15 parts. This should remove grease and oil.
The Flooring Lady at November 13, 2009 9:46 AM