Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Repair a Crack in a Flagstone Patio

Thomas Northcut/Lifesize/Getty Images

Flagstones form a sturdy base for a patio, and the variety of sizes, shapes and colors allow the installer to create unique patterns and designs. As reliable as these stones are, weathering and time will eventually wear down the stones, leading to cracks in the stones themselves. Patch cracks in flagstones with cement or concrete patches and mortar that will seal up the damage and stop your flagstones from looking broken and worn.

Use a wire brush to scrape away loosened or pointed edges of the crack. Sweep or vacuum up debris with a wet/dry vacuum.

Wear goggles to protect yourself from shrapnel and use a chisel and hammer to undercut the crack. Expand the crack to at least an inch deep. Chisel the bottom of the crack so it looks like an upside down V, with the bottom wider than the top. This will help spread the patching material into the crack.

Sweep or vacuum all debris from chiseling so the area is free of dust. Dampen the crack and the surrounding edges with clean water, but do not let water settle into the crack. There should be no standing water in your repair area.

  • Use a wire brush to scrape away loosened or pointed edges of the crack.
  • Dampen the crack and the surrounding edges with clean water, but do not let water settle into the crack.

Mix 3 parts sand and 1½ parts Portland cement with enough water to form a thick, creamy mortar. You can also use a pre-manufactured cement or concrete patch. Mix with a shovel or power mixer in a bucket or wheelbarrow. The actual amount of water needed will vary based on your chosen products as well as the temperature and humidity of the area.

Spread the cement mixture into the crack, using a mason's trowel. Force it into the undercut areas first, then fill the crack. Scrape the flat edge of your trowel back across the surface to remove any excess that runs over the sides.

  • Mix 3 parts sand and 1½ parts Portland cement with enough water to form a thick, creamy mortar.
  • Spread the cement mixture into the crack, using a mason's trowel.

Cover the patch with plastic wrap and allow it to cure fully--generally two or three days. If you used a manufactured product, follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying methods.

Related Articles

How to Repair a Settling Sidewalk
How to Repair a Settling Sidewalk
How to Repair a Cracked Cement Driveway
How to Repair a Cracked Cement Driveway
How to Use Pavers As Stair Landing
How to Use Pavers As Stair Landing
How to Level a Slope in a Slab in a Garage
How to Level a Slope in a Slab in a Garage
How to Repair Salt-Damaged Concrete
How to Repair Salt-Damaged Concrete
How to Install Pavers for a Grill
How to Install Pavers for a Grill
How to Install Mosaic Tile on an Outdoor Fire Pit
How to Install Mosaic Tile on an Outdoor Fire Pit
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Birdbath
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Birdbath
How to Put Curves in Paver Patios
How to Put Curves in Paver Patios
How to Repair the Joints on Concrete Front Steps
How to Repair the Joints on Concrete Front Steps
How to Lay Brick Pavers With Mortar
How to Lay Brick Pavers With Mortar
How to Repair a Concrete Post
How to Repair a Concrete Post
How to Build a Raised Patio Stone
How to Build a Raised Patio Stone
Garden Guides
×