Tired of your dull, dingy concrete patio? Instead of tearing it out and starting over, give it new life with a more natural surface such as flagstone, which comes in a variety of shapes and hues.

Recent projects! (Click image to enlarge)

Step One: Preparing the Site

The existing patio should be level and without many cracks. The crew will start by marking out a curved area on the existing rectangular concrete patio, break up the corners with a jackhammer and/or sledge hammer, and remove the debris to give the area a softer, more natural look. Sometimes we reduce the size of the patio so that it would be more to scale if their is a small backyard.

After reshaping or resizing, if needed, we thoroughly wash off the patio so that mortar will stick to the clean surface.

Step Two: Placing the Flagstone

A stone selection is made. For example, a peach-colored flagstones, will cost about $240 per ton for a select grade. Other options for resurfacing a patio include slate and half bricks. Prices vary according to selection.

Next, we sort the flagstones according to size. Hammer in some stakes and run a string line along the border of the patio to keep the stones lined up along the edge of the concrete.

We then start with the largest pieces of flagstone first, working with just a few at a time to determine the placement, and make any adjustments needed. Vary the spacing of the flagstones for an informal look and continue until the flagstones are arranged over the entire patio. We'll fill in the gaps later with small pieces of stone and grout.

Step Three: Mortaring the Stones

Sometimes we use a mortar compound composed of Portland cement mixed with sand and water. We then wet down the flagstones before placement to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the mortar.

And apply the mortar to the concrete surface, and spread it out to about 2 to 3 inches thick. Then set the flagstone into the bed of mortar and gently tap it into place with a hammer. Then continue mortaring the flagstones one at a time in small segments, cleaning up any excess mortar between them as we go and check that each stone is level.

Next, we shape the stones' edges by chipping away at them with a hammer so they'll fit together like a puzzle. The rough edges give the stone a more natural, hand-chiseled appearance.

For making larger cuts, we use a heavy-duty saw fitted with a diamond blade that we use wet or dry to score the stone. Then, knock off the excess pieces with a hammer and set the stone into place.

For gaps between the flagstones and along the edges of the patio, we use a hand grinder to cut the stones to a smaller size. If needed, we use some unusual shapes that will add variety and interest to the patio. We then let the mortar dry for 24 hours before proceeding.

Step Four: Completing the Patio

We now mark the curve along the patio edge with chalk, making a smooth, uniform curve all around. And cut off the excess parts of the stones by scoring them with a diamond-blade wet saw and knocking off the pieces with a hammer. Then remove the debris and rinse off the patio.

A sanded grout is chosen and colored to complement the flagstone. For quick and easy grout application, we use a masonry bag to get the grout into the nooks and crannies between the flagstones. Then spread the grout into the joints with a towel, and sponge off any excess. It will then need to set for 24 hours.

Now that the patio is complete, it's time to plant a colorful, wind-tolerant garden to accentuate the patio area.

Planting a Breezy Backyard

In Houston and the surrounding Hill Country it's nice to create a woodland garden with a variety of colors, textures, and sizes. Because of the hot windy Texas summers, it might be wise to include some wind-tolerant plants, such as grasses that sway in the wind, shrubs with branches spaced apart to allow wind flow and prevent breakage, and low plants that wind can blow over. Some of the plants we would recommend are:

• Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Zones 9-10
• Eulalia grass (Miscanthus sinensis) Zones 4-9
• Huechera 'Plum Pudding', Zones 4-8
• Rhododendron (various types and zones)

The peach hue of the new flagstone patio adds a warm glow to the backyard. Large pieces of flagstone provide a stable surface for patio furniture and give the illusion of a more spacious patio. The curved shape gives a soft, natural feel that complements the garden's informal style. And wind-tolerant woodland plants and a small fountain complete the charming garden.