Flagstone is not a type of rock but rather a generic term for large, flat, quarried pieces of natural sedimentary stone that are typically used for landscape walkways, patios or indoor flooring. Many varieties of rock can be called flagstones (as long as the pieces are relatively large and flat), but common varieties used for indoor flagstone flooring include slate, limestone and travertine. The large pieces used in a flagstone floor typically give a bold, rustic look to a room.
Typical costs:
Installation of a basic travertine floor starts at $6-$13 or more a square foot for labor and materials, or $600-$1,300 for a 10'x10'room bathroom or hallway (there may be a minimum charge for small projects) and $6,000-$20,000 or more for 1,000-1,500 square feet through a typical home . Installation of higher-quality travertine can be $8-$32 a square foot, or $800-$3,200 for 10x10-feet and $8,000-$48,000 or more for up to 1,500 square feet.
Installing a limestone floor can cost $6-$17 or more a square foot for labor and materials, or $600-$1,700 for a 10'x10' room and $9,000-$25,500 for up to 1,500 square feet.
Having a slate floor professionally installed can cost $6-$20 a square foot, depending on local rates, quality of tiles and complexity of the installation, or $600 -$2,000 for 10'x10'.
What should be included:
To be considered a flagstone floor, the pieces of stone should be relatively large -- typically, at least 12" long, although size does vary significantly. All stone flooring needs to be laid carefully, and on a well-prepared surface. No matter how strong the stone is, if it is not supported or is uneven, it may break or chip under pressure. LandscapingNetwork.com provides a comparison chart[1] for common varieties of flagstone.
Flagstones can be cut into rectangular pieces with smooth edges, which creates a slightly more formal (but still rustic) indoor effect, or left in random shapes with rough edges and put together like a jigsaw puzzle, for a more relaxed and natural look. Although outdoor flooring may be installed dry (on sand, gravel or similar materials), indoor flagstone flooring is installed wet (mortared on top of a concrete slab). DIY Network provides a video overview of the installation process[2] .
DoItYourself.com lists the pros and cons of a travertine floor[3] and a limestone floor[4] ; and LuxuryHousingTrends.com lists the pros and cons of a slate floor[5] .
Additional costs:
There can be extra installation-related charges for furniture removal and replacement; ripping out and disposing of old flooring material; and removing and then re-hanging doors.
Most natural stone flooring is relatively porous, and needs several coats of sealant when installed, with sealing repeated an average of every 12 to 18 months, depending on the amount of traffic and wear. Sealant averages $30 -$60 a quart, or $100 -$200 a gallon; stone cleaners run $10-$40 a quart. Cleaning and/or sealing a natural stone floor can cost $40-$300 or more, depending on condition and size.
Shopping for a flagstone floor:
Flagstone flooring is available from home improvement retailers like Home Depot[6] or from online retailers like BuildDirect.com[7] or StoneLocator.com[8] .
The World Floor Covering Association provides a directory of retail floor stores[9] by zip code; most retail stores provide installation or referrals to local installers.
The Marble Institute of America describes the types of natural stone flooring[10] and provides a searchable directory of natural stone distributors and suppliers[11] . Many of these companies provide installation within a certain area, or referrals to local installers.
If possible, get several estimates. Ask for and check references from satisfied customers; check that the company is properly insured and licensed.
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