Landscape Paving 101: How to Use Bluestone in Your Garden
Classy bluestone is a great paving material for both modern and rustic patios and paths
Falon Mihalic
July 13, 2015
Houzz Contributor. Landscape Architect in Texas and Florida and owner of Falon Land Studio LLC. Through landscape design, I create spaces for quiet reflection and lush gardens using native plant palettes and sustainable stormwater techniques. I'm a contributing writer to Houzz so that I can be active in the conversation about sustainable design for residential projects. Learn more about my company's work at falonland.com
Houzz Contributor. Landscape Architect in Texas and Florida and owner of Falon Land... More
Bluestone is a common name for many different stone types around the world. In the United States, bluestone refers to a type of sandstone quarried on the East Coast with a predominantly blue to blue-gray color. It’s a popular paving material because it brings a beautiful hue to the garden and is suitable for modern as well as rustic styles.
The basics: Bluestone has a gorgeous color that fits well in many different types of gardens. Rectangular cut bluestone creates clean lines and refined edges, while a flagstone shape is a great addition to a woodland path or a more naturalistic garden.
Pros
- Durable and tough; won’t crack
- Earthy blue-gray color that matches many settings
- Can be used inside and out
- Coordinates well with bluestone steps, walls and ledges
- Low-maintenance
- More expensive than concrete pavers or brick
- Most easily found on the East Coast, where it is quarried
Size and color: Bluestone is available in cut stone or flagstone sizes. Cut stone, also called bluestone pavers, has reliable dimensions in rectangular and square shapes. Sizes for bluestone can range from up to 36 by 36 inches down to 4 by 6 inches. Flagstones, with their irregular edges and naturalistic look, are specified by a width range. Both types can be purchased by the pallet or ton.
The exact color of bluestone depends on where it is sourced. The quintessential “blue” is called Pennsylvania bluestone and is quarried in Pennsylvania and New York. Other colors include tones in the blue-tan and blue-gray spectrum.
Finishes: Bluestone paving can be rough, called “natural cleft,” or smoother, with a thermal finish. Both are suitable as a walking surface. Natural cleft is a type of split-face surface in which the stone is split along naturally occurring fissures. Thermal is a heat process that creates a consistent surface.
Other finishes are available for architectural bluestone, but thermal and natural cleft are the most widely used for paving applications.
Shown: Cut-stone paver steps leading to a flagstone patio.
The exact color of bluestone depends on where it is sourced. The quintessential “blue” is called Pennsylvania bluestone and is quarried in Pennsylvania and New York. Other colors include tones in the blue-tan and blue-gray spectrum.
Finishes: Bluestone paving can be rough, called “natural cleft,” or smoother, with a thermal finish. Both are suitable as a walking surface. Natural cleft is a type of split-face surface in which the stone is split along naturally occurring fissures. Thermal is a heat process that creates a consistent surface.
Other finishes are available for architectural bluestone, but thermal and natural cleft are the most widely used for paving applications.
Shown: Cut-stone paver steps leading to a flagstone patio.
Maintenance: Bluestone is low-maintenance; it requires a gentle pressure washing every few years to keep the surface clean. As with other types of pavers, it can be reset if the stones settle unevenly on a sand setting bed.
Shown: Flagstone-shaped bluestone laid in an irregular pattern next to a planting bed and concrete walkway.
Shown: Flagstone-shaped bluestone laid in an irregular pattern next to a planting bed and concrete walkway.
Sustainability: Bluestone’s durability and long life give it some points for sustainability. It’s an excellent local stone to use if you are in the Northeastern United States.
Paving patterns: Rectangular slabs are set edge to edge. Ashlar is the pattern for combining multiple sizes of squares and rectangles into one layout, as shown here, and is the most common bluestone paving pattern. Running bond is another common layout for bluestone. With flagstone shapes, you can create more organic layouts.
More:
See more ways to use bluestone in the landscape
Browse more patio ideas
More:
See more ways to use bluestone in the landscape
Browse more patio ideas
Related Stories
Backyard Ideas
Key Measurements for Designing Your Perfect Patio
Get the right dimensions for your backyard bistro table, dining area, fire pit, grill or outdoor kitchen
Full Story
Events
Outdoor Flooring, Turf and Tile Products for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest materials for patios, decks and yards displayed at the recent Surfaces trade show
Full Story
Landscape Design
15 Outdoor Spaces That Rock Permeable Paving
These patios, paths and driveways showcase beautiful and integrated drainage solutions
Full Story
Trending Now
The 5 Most Popular Outdoor Makeovers of 2023
By Elena Vega
Get fresh ideas for a yard, patio or porch from these most-read outdoor remodeling stories of the year
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Patios and Decks of 2023
By Becky Harris
Find inspiration for outdoor lounges, fire pits, hardscaping and entertaining features from these most-saved photos
Full Story
Porches
25 Cozy Covered Patios and Porches With Fire Features
Fabulous outdoor fireplaces and fire pits set the mood for relaxing get-togethers and indoor-outdoor living
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular New Patios and Decks Right Now
Get ideas for outdoor lounges, fire pits and more from these most-saved patio and deck photos recently uploaded to Houzz
Full Story
Landscape Design
15 Small Patios for Socializing and Relaxing
These outdoor spaces make stylish statements with paving, furniture, fire features and more
Full Story
Landscape Design
Before and After: 3 Patio Makeovers in 300 Square Feet or Less
Landscape designers, including one found on Houzz, create inviting outdoor spaces with small footprints
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Decks and Patios of Spring 2023
Get ideas for creating comfortable and welcoming outdoor spaces from the most-saved new patio and deck photos on Houzz
Full Story
Thanks for the share!
Have had blue stone pavers as decking and coping around my pool since I built my house more than 20 years ago. The pavers get extremely hot in the sun, rendering the pool almost unusable in the mid-summer sun. I am having all of them removed this spring and replacing with sod around pool, and 2" travertine pool coping. I hope to repurpose some of the bluestone pavers in relatively shady locations in my large backyard. I would not recommend this stone in a hot climate, and very sunny location.