• If you are laying flagstones, remember a few tips to help the project come out well.patio image by Diorgi from Fotolia.com
  
  If you want to lay a patio or sidewalk that differs from the common flooring of pavement, brick, wood or tiles, consider using flagstone. The unique shape of each flagstone allows you to show creativity in organizing and designing your flagstone patio or path. You can lay a flagstone patio or walkway directly on sand or on a concrete bed. Maintaining a flagstone patio or walkway requires little effort, as the flagstones and the materials used to lay them resist all types of extreme weather.
  
  

Thickness

• Start the project by laying your thickest flagstones first. You can always add extra cement under the thinner pieces later to even the level out so it matches the initial thick flagstone. Use flagstones that measure 1¼- to 1½- inch thick. Using thinner flagstones can cause the stones to break, crack or chip.
  
  

Cutting

• Cut the flagstones with a rock hammer and chisel for a smooth and professional presentation. A flagstone cut with a saw can leave a jagged unnatural look.
  
  

Amount of Cement

• Lay each flagstone with just enough cement underneath the stone to hold it securely in place. Don't let the cement ooze up along the sides of the flagstone. This can cause problems later on when you grout the cracks in between the flagstones.
  
  

Clean Joint Areas

• After you lay your flagstones, sweep out the cracks in between the stones before you fill in the joints between the flagstones with cement. If debris or small stones remain in between the cracks you may find that the grout cracks when it dries. You can do this either immediately after you lay the flagstones or after the cement that you used to position the flagstones dries, but you must sweep out the cracks before you insert your grouting.
  
  

Clean Flagstones

• Use a stiff brush to clean any cement off the flagstones after the grouting that you put in between the flagstones dries. Leaving cement on the flagstones gives the patio or walkway an unfinished and unprofessional look.
  
  

Allowing Cement to Set

• Water the flagstone area a few times after you've laid the area. This ensures that the cement will dry slowly, preventing cracks. Use a hose to water the area, squirting the water on the flagstones for about five minutes to allow the moisture to soak into the cement.