As you plan out your new patio, you may be wondering which paving stone type to use on your patio. Throughout the many colors and textures used in natural paving stones, bluestone is consistently one of the favorites. Its color scheme pairs well with the dark green of the greenery of the Mid-Atlantic and looks dramatic in all types of weather. Here are some of the pros and cons of bluestone when searching for landscape materials for a paver patio in Hudson Valley, NY.
Pros:
Bluestone is Dramatic
Bluestone paving stones inspire awe that can only be attained by appreciating the natural beauty of the mid-Atlantic region. The steely blues and grays that make up the stone’s hues are always striking whether it’s a cloudy, raining, snowing, or bright and sunny day. Bluestone will always complement the plants of this region, no matter if they’re dormant during the winter or vibrant during the summer.
The incredible variation between individual stones is what gives bluestone its charm. Even from the same quarry and same batch, no two stones will be alike. This ensures that your outdoor living space is completely one-of-a-kind.
Bluestone is Versatile
Whether your home is more on the traditional side or more contemporary, bluestone pavers make wonderful additions to your landscape. The interesting textures and patterns can complement your home for a subtle effect, or contrast your home with stunning effect.
Bluestone is Long-Lasting
Bluestone withstands the harshest of winter weather as long as you seal it regularly to prevent water infiltration and resulting damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. Bluestone has been used for more than two centuries, and it is a great choice for pedestrian areas.
Cons:
Bluestone Absorbs Heat
Bluestone is naturally a dark stone which absorbs sunlight to a greater degree than lighter stones such as sandstone. This makes its surface especially hot during the summer if your outdoor living space receives hours of direct sunlight. Therefore it is not recommended to use bluestone for pool decks.
Bluestone Tends to Flake
As a type of sandstone, bluestone is a material that is made up of many compressed sedimentary layers. If water infiltrates the stone - again, if the stone is left unsealed - the unsealed stone may flake as part of a natural weathering and erosion process.
For this reason as well as its dark color, bluestone is not the best choice for pool decks or other wet areas such as hot tubs. It is also not suitable for driveways, where these small layers can be worn off by the weight of vehicles and abrasion from tires.
Bluestone Can Be Slippery
Although bluestone is a type of flagstone which naturally has a slight sandpaper-like texture, bluestone may get slippery when wet which means it’s best suited for patios and walkways without a slope.
The Takeaway
Bluestone is an incredibly beautiful and versatile paving stone that is a key feature of many American landscapes. If you want to enjoy the look of bluestone in areas where it’s not the best material (such as the driveway or pool deck) there are concrete paver options that mimic the color of bluestone without the drawbacks
For patios and walkways, bluestone could be a great option if you want to achieve a space with incredible character.
Sealants
It’s recommended that bluestone be sealed with an impregnating sealant that doesn’t alter the stone’s appearance while protecting it from water infiltration. This requires professional application, but it’s worthwhile to keep your bluestone looking gorgeous year after year.
