Two Great Options — but Which One Fits Your Space?
If you’re building a patio in Erie, CO, your two most popular material choices are flagstone and pavers. Both can look beautiful. Both can hold up. But they’re built differently, wear differently, and have very different long-term care needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one for your style, budget, and use.
Flagstone is a natural stone that gives a rustic, organic feel to patios and walkways.
Pros:
Unique, irregular pieces with natural color variation
Great for blending into xeriscapes or Boulder-style landscapes
Feels upscale and custom
Available locally in buff, red, gray, and other tones
Cons:
Higher labor cost due to hand fitting
Weeds and gaps more common over time
Uneven surface not ideal for furniture or small children
Harder to add onto in the future
Concrete pavers are cast units made in consistent shapes and sizes.
Pros:
Very stable surface for furniture and foot traffic
Available in a wide range of colors and textures
Lower labor cost than flagstone
Easier to clean and maintain
Easier to match later for expansion or repair
Cons:
Can feel less “natural” if not matched to the rest of the yard
Settling at joints if not properly installed
Polymeric sand in joints may need occasional touch-up
Both options work well in Colorado’s freeze-thaw climate if installed correctly.
Flagstone needs a solid gravel and sand base with proper drainage
Pavers require compacted road base and edge restraints to stay tight
Drainage is critical for both—water causes movement, not the stone itself.
Flagstone fits natural, rustic, or native plant-focused yards
Pavers tend to suit modern homes or clean suburban layouts
Both are usually allowed by Erie HOAs, but pavers are more commonly pre-approved
Flagstone: $30–$45 per sq ft (installed)
Pavers: $18–$28 per sq ft (installed)
Prices vary based on access, slope, shape, and selected materials.
We’ll walk your yard, assess the layout, and show you both materials side by side.