A New England Favorite
Walk through any historic New England town and you'll see bluestone. Old sidewalks, garden paths, and patios are often made from this beautiful stone. There's a reason it's been popular for hundreds of years.
Bluestone has a natural blue-gray color that fits perfectly with the New England landscape. It looks right at home with gray-shingled beach houses and white colonial homes alike. Near the ocean, its color seems to match the sea and sky.
What Makes Bluestone Special
Bluestone is a type of sandstone quarried mainly in Pennsylvania and New York. It's formed in layers, which makes it easy to split into flat pieces perfect for patios and walkways.
The stone is naturally slip-resistant, which makes it safe even when wet. It stays cool in summer, comfortable to walk on with bare feet. And it's incredibly strong. Bluestone patios can last 100 years or more with proper care.
Color Variations
Bluestone isn't just one color. It ranges from deep blue to gray to greenish tones. Some stones have multiple colors in swirling patterns. This natural variation makes every bluestone patio unique.
You can choose stones that are all similar in color for a uniform look. Or mix different shades for more visual interest. Some of our customers even ask for stones with rust-colored veins that add warmth to the blue-gray base.
Cut or Natural Edge?
Thermal Finish (Cut): Bluestone can be cut into precise rectangles or squares with straight edges. This gives a clean, formal look. Many people choose this for front walks and formal patios.
Natural Cleft (Irregular): Stones with their natural, irregular edges fit together like a puzzle. This creates a more casual, organic look. It's great for garden patios and paths that wind through landscaping.
Installation
We typically set bluestone on a compacted gravel base with sand for leveling. The joints between stones can be filled with sand, gravel, or even ground cover plants like thyme.
For a more permanent installation, we can set the stones in concrete with mortar joints. This works well for high-traffic areas and gives a very finished appearance.
Caring for Bluestone
Bluestone is low maintenance. Sweep it occasionally and rinse with a hose to keep it clean. In shaded areas, you might see some moss or algae grow, which some people like for the aged look. If you don't like it, a pressure wash takes care of it.
We recommend sealing bluestone to protect it from stains and make cleaning easier. The sealer can also enhance the stone's natural color.
"We chose bluestone because it matches our 1800s farmhouse perfectly. The natural cleft edges look like they've been there forever. It's exactly what we wanted."
"Our bluestone patio is the heart of our backyard now. The color is gorgeous, especially in the evening light. Everyone who visits comments on how beautiful it is."