Overcoming Traditional Flagstone Flaws and Challenges using Unilock Pavers

Flagstone has long been a beloved choice for designing walkways, patios and pool surrounds, thanks in part to its rustic charm and diverse color tones. However, the natural flaws and challenges associated with this product’s availability have prompted the need for alternative paving solutions. We will delve into some of the more common challenges posed by traditional flagstone, and provide effective solutions that will help you tackle your next outdoor project.

Embracing Irregularity

Ironically, the very characteristic that draws homeowners to flagstone—the irregularity of its shape and texture—can become a long-term concern. The captivating surface, though rustic and timeless, can often result in an uneven surface for chairs and patio furniture to rest on. In some cases, this unevenness may pose a tripping hazard, especially for young children or the elderly.

Unilock produces their very own precision-cast, natural stone products and concrete pavers that ensure an seamless installation. For example, our remarkable Beacon Hill™ Flagstone has a deeply textured surface that mimics the look and feel of natural stone, while providing sturdy foundation for various outdoor features, such as dining tables and patio furniture.

Strength that Withstands

While natural flagstone is far from fragile, it may experience flaking and cracking under heavy vehicular loads, and in high-traffic pedestrian areas. Alternative Unilock products, when installed by skilled paver contractors, offer a highly durable solution that maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Beacon Hill Flagstone for instance is manufactured from high-strength concrete, and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure top-notch quality before leaving the manufacturing plant.

Additionally, Unilock Richcliff® captures the timeless elegance and subtle color variations of natural flagstone, without the inherent weaknesses. As part of the Elegance™ line, Richcliff is designed from a multitude of surface textures thanks to Reala™ technology, and is built four times as strong as conventional poured concrete with Ultima™ Concrete Technology, delivering a product that is virtually indestructible.

Remarkable Colorfastness

Unfortunately, the vibrant colors of natural flagstone may fade with time due to exposure to air and moisture. To mitigate this issue, Unilock developed a line of products that boast a refined surface, and resist the appearance of fading over time. Unilock EnduraColor products are designed from a two-step manufacturing process that combines a base of coarse aggregates with a top layer of concentrated color and wear-resistant, finer aggregates.

Stain-Resistant Surfaces

As a form of sandstone, flagstone is extremely porous, making it prone to stains, whether from salt, chemicals, oil, or the inevitable red wine spills during social gatherings.

Unilock concrete pavers are denser in composition, and when combined with advanced surface treatments, such as EasyClean™ technology, offer a stain resistant surface. Some of our substitute flagstone pavers, such as the highly durable Richcliff, can be easily cleaned with a simple soap and water solution and a stiff bristle broom.

For natural stone products, Unilock offers an impressive line of UniCare sealers that provide integral stain resistance and enrich the natural color of Natural Stone slabs.

Safety First with Slip-Resistant Surfaces

In areas where flagstone is used for pool deck surfacing and poolside surrounds, flagstone can become slippery when wet, creating potential slipping hazards for young swimmers.

From the silky, matte Arcana™, to the flamed-like, surefooted surface of Soreno™, Unilock pavers offer a range of textured and non-slip surfaces, ensuring the utmost safety around pools and walkways.

Readily Available

Like all natural stones, the sourcing of traditional flagstone can be affected by fluctuations in quarry output, surges in demand, and reliance on limited resources.

To address these challenges, Unilock manufactures concrete products and Natural Stone slabs in sync with demand, while sourcing raw materials from a diverse global network of fair trade participants. This approach minimizes delays for both end customers and Unilock Dealers, ensuring consistency while mitigating the availability issues frequently encountered by natural flagstone consumers.

Moreover, Unilock takes pride in sourcing its natural stone slabs ethically. Rest assured that every piece of natural stone offered by Unilock originates from quarries that uphold strict standards against child labor, prioritizing integrity, safety, and fairness above all else.

When it comes to creating captivating and enduring outdoor spaces, Unilock offers innovative solutions that overcome the challenges associated with traditional flagstone. If you need assistance in choosing the right product for your outdoor space, consider working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor.