Dreaming of an outdoor oasis centered around a sparkling pool? Elevating your poolscape with natural flagstone coping adds beauty and luxury that delights the senses.
This complete guide to flagstone pool edging covers everything you need to know. We’ll explore stunning options for durable stone perimeter finishes. You’ll discover design inspiration along with actionable tips for installation and everyday care.
What is Flagstone?
Flagstone refers to large, quarried blocks of natural stone cut into flat slabs or “flags.” While typically used for patios and walkways, flagstone also makes an exceptional material for finishing or “capping” the edge of swimming pools.
Available in earthy hues with varied organic textures, flagstones impart a classic, timeless look. Their innate strength and weather-resistance provide lasting performance despite heavy use and moisture exposure.
Flagstone Pool Coping Options
Popular varieties of natural stone for pool coping include:
- Sandstone: Known for beautiful colors and patterns with a lighter weight than some stones.
- Bluestone: An angular, rugged texture that mimics natural rock formations.
- Slate: Darker hues ranging from grey to black with a smooth “cleft” texture.
- Quartzite: Extremely hard and long-lasting with attractive veining in shades of white, grey, and cream.
These stones occur globally in quarries throughout North America, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia in a diverse palette of natural shades.
Customizable Finishes
Beyond basic colors, consider finished textures and patterns:
- Smooth – A polished look offering a contemporary vibe.
- Textured – Rustic charm from subtle to highly noticeable raised grain.
- Patterned – Visual appeal from linear cracks or marked variations in color/texture.
Fortunately, most quarries offer custom cutting allowing you to achieve the perfect form and measurements for your unique poolscape.
Benefits of Flagstone Pool Coping
What sets natural stone coping apart from typical pool edging materials?
Unmatched Durability
As an extremely dense, heavy material, flagstone withstands decades of freezing temps, UV rays, humidity, foot traffic, splashing water, and winter maintenance without deteriorating or becoming slippery.
Safety
Textured stone surfaces provide sure footing that remains slip-resistant when wet. This prevents painful scrapes and dangerous falls around the perimeter of pools and spas especially for kids and elderly family members.
Attractive From Day One
Far from plain concrete or ceramic caps, flagstone infuses organic elegance. Each stone slab exhibits unique natural artistry in colors, patterns, and textures that harmonize with plants, trees and exterior elements.
Design Versatility
Blending with landscapes from tropical to modern to English gardens, flagstone complements backgrounds from grass to concrete to pebble and stone. Its timeworn appearance interplays beautifully with aged brick, wood tones and wrought iron accouterments.
Value
Despite higher initial costs, flagstone delivers enduring return on investment. Unlike inferior synthetic materials, you’ll never need to replace deteriorating coping after a few years.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
Achieving successful flagstone installation requires proper planning and workmanship.
Hire Stone Masonry Experts
Stonemasons possess artistic skill along with specialized knowledge for measuring, cutting, finishing and positioning stone. They understand inherent structural challenges and how to craft strong foundations plus grout and mortar mixtures that withstand moisture, freeze/thaw cycles and natural stone expansion/contraction.
Choose Complimentary Grout and Mortar
Grout fills joints between flagstones adding structural integrity. Mortar provides the bed layer connecting stone to the subsurface. Consider compatibility of composition, texture and color with your coping stones.
While traditional mortar and grout remain popular, advanced cement-based formulations and epoxies better accommodate shifting and cracking. Your installer can advise the ideal options.
Ensure Proper Drainage and Slope
Water pooling against stone edges causes erosion and damage over time. Proper drainage and slope prevent heavy runoff toward the coping perimeter. This may require grading terrain, installing catch basins or French drains, using porous joint material or adding a protective curb of smaller stones along the base of the coping.
Sealing: The Great Debate
Opinions diverge regarding pre-sealing flagstone prior to installation. Some argue sealing all sides in advance protects stone integrity. Others believe trapped internal moisture can harm stone resulting in cracks and chips over time.
If pre-sealing, use the highest grade water-based penetrating professional sealer for natural stone. Reputable masons will know optimal advice tailored for each job.
Ongoing Flagstone Coping Maintenance
Keep your investment as gorgeous as the day it was installed with proper care.
Prevent Buildup and Stains
Remove debris with a stiff broom avoiding pressure washing which forces water into porous materials. Spot clean oil, rust and other stains quickly before they can penetrate stone. Your installer can recommend compatible cleaners for periodic deep cleaning.
Re-Sealing
Expect to re-seal flagstone coping every two to five years depending on usage and exposure. Harsh weather, excessive moisture, high traffic areas and cleaned surfaces demand more frequent renewal. Watch for darkening color or water beading on the surface as signs to re-seal.
Repairs
Even durable materials eventually incur wear. For cracked, chipped or uneven flagstones, contact your original masonry pro to discuss repair options. Many damaged slabs can be ground smooth, filled or replaced allowing the remainder to stay intact.
Special Winter Considerations
In freezing climates, be sure to follow proper guidelines for closing your pool each winter season. Avoid shoveling snow directly onto the coping where chemicals and deicers promote pitting and discoloration over time. Consider temporary protective barriers to shield the most vulnerable high traffic pool edges.
Beautiful Flagstone Coping Pool Design Inspiration
Feast your eyes on stunning pools accented with natural flagstone finery…
Gallery
[Descriptive captions elaborating on flagstone coping elements within 10-12 gorgeous pool setting photos]
2022 Trends
Linear formats in coordinating colors remain popular for contemporary backyard getaways. Combining flagstone with manufactured stone expands budget-friendly options without sacrificing beauty or quality.
Creative Design Concepts
Why stop with basic perimeter edging? Many homeowners opt for grand flagstone staircases leading elegantly into the pool basin. Custom cut patterns imprint brand identity or complement special features like grottoes, fountains and fired pits integrated harmoniously into the poolscape.
FAQs
Get answers to common queries about installing and living with natural stone pool coping materials.
What type of flagstone works best for pool coping?
Bluestone and quartzite offer the most durable options that can better withstand frequent freezing and thawing in colder climates.
What mortar should I use under the flagstone?
For permanent stability, consider advanced polymeric-modified mortars which flex rather than crack over time.
While DIY projects may seem tempting initially, complex challenges related to proper structural support, height measurements, surface finishing and grout application make hiring experienced professionals strongly advised.
Ready to raise your poolscape to new heights of elegance with natural flagstone coping? Reach out to discuss transforming your personal backyard oasis from ordinary to extraordinary.
