

3.20 Flagging Workshop Overview:
Have a patio or walkway to build? Come learn how to prepare the base and lay flagging. Interact with a variety of materials. Practice shaping techniques so you know how to create a tight fit and a smooth, even finish.
Workshop Objective:
To provide a basic understanding of how to install flagging using a variety of stone types and sizes.
Learning Outcomes:
- You can state considerations and techniques for preparing a base and addressing drainage.
- You can state considerations for selecting materials.
- You can apply techniques for shaping and setting slabs.
- You can describe how to manage materials and workspace safely and efficiently.
Learn the fundamentals of patio construction in a fun, energetic, hands-on environment. While not strictly dry stone walling, many projects commonly include flatwork. A good job starts with a good foundation and finishes with an attractive pattern of stone. Come learn how to do flatwork that stays flat and attractive for decades.
You begin with the fundamentals of site layout and foundation preparation. Understand the forces that act on your flatwork project. Consider how soil types and drainage issues determine what materials you use and when. Discuss a variety of flagging stone types, along with methods of patterning and shaping to achieve an attractive layout. Learn techniques for handling and moving large stone. Practice shaping pieces for a tight fit. Level and pack them for a smooth, even finish. Go home knowing how to do a great job with commonplace tools, as well as with an understanding of how specialized tools, such as laser levels and grade rakes, help you create beautiful, lasting, finished flatwork.
Come learn from certified waller-teachers, most of whom earn their livelihoods as dry stone walling professionals. All Stone Trust instructors have achieved DSWA Level 2 Waller Certification, globally recognized as the professional standard. As Stone Trust-DSWA-certified instructors, all belong to a learning community that seeks to ensure that every one of you learns what you came for and that you enjoy the process. With a student : instructor ratio of 8 : 1, you can count on plenty of direct interaction with your teachers.
Sample Workshop Agenda:
9:00 – 9:30
Introductions and Overview
9:30 – 10:30
Planning, Materials and Methods, Tools, Techniques for Moving Stone
10:30 – 12:30
Hands-on Practice: Preparing the Base and Designing Your Flatwork
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch and Conversation
1:00 – 4:30
Hands-on Practice: Rotation through Other Types of Patios
4:30 – 5:00
Clean-up, Review, Workshop Evaluation
5:00
Thanks for coming! (Certificate of Completion, T-shirts, and walling information)
Please note, instructors use their discretion to organize the day for an optimal learning experience.
Critical Information:
- The workshop will run 9:00am-5:00pm with 1/2 hour lunch break.
- Participants should wear boots and work clothes (have plenty of layers for cool weather)
- What to bring: gloves, rain gear, safety glasses, water, and lunch. (There is no where close enough to buy lunch with in the lunch break)
- All tools needed are provided.
Detailed info will be emailed to you once you register including what to bring and directions.
Licensed Landscape Architects can receive 7.5 LA CES credits for participating in this workshop.
Time lapse video of a 3.20 Flagging Workshop:

Photo Gallery
Upcoming 3.20 Flagging Workshops:
3.20 Flatwork Workshop – Vermont
The Stone Trust Center VT, Scott Farm, Dummerston, Vermont
3.20 Flatwork Workshop – New Hampshire
The Stone Trust NH, Broadview Farm, Mont Vernon, New Hampshire
All Upcoming Dry Stone Waller (3.00) Level Courses
3.30 Cheek End Intensive Workshop – Pennsylvania
The Stone Trust PA, South Fork, Pennsylvania
3.10 Steps & Stairs Workshop – Vermont
The Stone Trust Center VT, Scott Farm, Dummerston, Vermont
3.80 Level 2 Test Preparation Workshop – Vermont
The Stone Trust Center VT, Scott Farm, Dummerston, Vermont