31 May 2023
Bluestone has been a popular building and landscaping material for centuries as it effortlessly blends in with a wide range of design styles. It is a remarkable choice for enhancing the beauty of outdoor living areas. Its distinctive blue-grey hues and unique charisma make it a versatile choice that can be used to accentuate varied spaces in your property. From patio and garden paths to walkways and pool decks, this stunning stone can serve as a focal point to highlight any design space. In this blog, we'll discover the perks of using Bluestone for your surfaces and reveal some inspiring ways in which it can be integrated into your outdoor design. Not just this we’ll also provide valuable tips for its maintenance. So, let’s begin…
In the beautiful world of natural stones, there aren’t many materials that can match the mesmeric looks and versatility of Bluestone. It is described by its striking blue-grey colour, which is also the source of its name. Bluestone is crafted through a series of geological processes and is composed of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. The rare colour variations with an intriguing catspaw pattern make every piece of Bluestone a work of art.
It can transform any setting into a place of elegance from contemporary to rustic and everything in between. As a building material, it is used as a paver, tile, pool coping and wall cladding. While in landscaping it is used as pathways, patios, steps, retaining walls and garden steppers.
There are different types of Bluestone varieties available such as Chinese Bluestone and Australian Basalt, each with its unique characteristics and colour variations. Both are great and share common traits of being dense, durable and strikingly stunning, however, the Chinese variety is considered superior out of the two.
If you’re thinking of using Bluestone for your outdoor project, it is important to consider the material quality and how it is sourced. More and more reliable suppliers are sourcing Bluestone through sustainable quarrying practices while keeping the environment’s safety in mind.
Largely, Bluestone is a durable, versatile and resilient building material that’s known to bring a refined style and beauty to diverse landscaping projects. Its unique properties are what make it a popular choice among architects, builders, designers and homeowners.
Bluestone pavers are prized for their natural beauty and rich colour variations, ranging from deep blues and greys to hints of subtle browns and greens. Their unique textures and patterns add visual interest and enhance the overall appeal of outdoor spaces, creating a timeless and sophisticated look.
Bluestone is known for its exceptional durability, making it ideal for outdoor applications. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, weather fluctuations, and exposure to the elements without significant wear and tear. Bluestone pavers are long-lasting, ensuring your outdoor landscaping remains attractive and functional for years to come.
Bluestone pavers typically have a textured surface, providing excellent slip resistance even when wet. This feature is particularly advantageous for outdoor areas such as patios, pool decks and pathways, where safety is a priority. Bluestone pavers offer a secure and stable walking surface, reducing the risk of accidents.
Bluestone pavers are available in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses, offering versatility in design options. They can be used to create different patterns such as herringbone or running bond, to suit a range of landscape styles and preferences. Bluestone pavers can be easily cut and shaped to accommodate curves or irregular spaces, allowing for seamless integration into your outdoor design vision.
Bluestone pavers require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for outdoor landscaping. They are resistant to stains, mould and mildew, and can be easily cleaned with water and mild detergent. Periodic sealing helps to enhance their longevity and preserve their natural beauty.
Bluestone has excellent heat resistance properties, making it comfortable to walk on even during hot summer days. It retains less heat compared to other paving materials like concrete or brick, allowing for a more pleasant outdoor experience.
Bluestone is a natural stone sourced from quarries, making it an environmentally friendly choice for outdoor landscaping. It is a sustainable option that does not require extensive energy consumption for manufacturing, and it can be recycled or repurposed if necessary.
Incorporating Bluestone pavers into your outdoor landscaping can significantly enhance the value and curb appeal of your property. Bluestone is widely recognized as a premium and sought-after material, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication that can attract potential buyers and increase the market value of your home.
Bluestone is an excellent choice to give a flattering look to your outdoor spaces. It is pleasing to the eye and its multiuse applications can transform any landscape into a stunning oasis. Read on to discover how you can use Bluestone to give a cohesive look to your design spaces.
Make an impression on anyone who walks in through the front door of your house
Bluestone with its graceful appearance can create a stunning first impression on your guests. You can create charming pathways and garden walkways using standard-sized Bluestone pavers or tiles. Their stunning surface finish seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings to give a beautiful vibe to your outdoors.
Bluestone in irregular shapes also looks stunning as garden stepping stones. When strategically placed, alongside your garden or connecting different spaces in your outdoors they guide visitors and bring a striking visual appeal to your landscape.
Create a relaxed and chilled-out patio or courtyard
Bluestone pavers give a classy and casual look to your patios and courtyards. The cool blue-grey hues and stunning surface provide a smooth footing for outdoor areas, surrounded by a beautiful landscape and vibrant flowers.
If you spend a lot of family time outdoors, then you can consider creating a warm and cosy dining space by using Bluestone pavers in crazy paver patterns. Add an umbrella or a pergola for shade and complete the look with comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture.
Create a cosy seating area
Use Bluestone pavers to build a warm and relaxing fireplace area. Its natural colour variations and textures bring depth and character to your space, making it perfect for family gatherings and unwinding.
In addition to using Bluestone pavers and tiles for flooring, you can use pavers to construct a comfortable seating space. Surround the space with lush plants and flowers and throw some cushions to create a private reading corner.
Bluestone is popular around water features
Bluestone’s mesmerising blue hues look stunning around pools, spas and other water features. You can use Bluestone copings around the pool to create a seamless look while also enhancing the safety of your pool. The smooth surface of Bluestone pavers and tiles excellently complements the reflective surface of the water to give a spectacular look to your pool decks and other water features on your property.
Integrate them into your design to create outdoor marvels
Use Bluestone pavers in various ways to create intricate mosaic designs, adding artistic flair to your landscape. This unique approach can be applied to focal points such as garden walls or decorative accents.
You could also use them around carefully placed sculptures or art installations to create visually stunning pathways. The interplay between natural stone and artistic elements adds interest and creates a memorable experience.
Now that we’ve seen how Bluestone can beautifully enhance any outdoor space, we must take proper steps towards their care and maintenance to make them last a very long time.
Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep regularly to remove dry leaves, dirt and debris. This would keep the stone clean avoiding any build-up that can potentially damage the surface.
Occasionally, a mop with mild detergent and water is enough to clean the surface. Use a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid using any harsh cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the stone over time.
Rinse properly with water to remove any excess soap.
Don’t let spills sit on the surface for long. Bluestone is a porous natural stone material, and some strong materials like wine, oil or acidic liquids can spear the surface and cause staining. In case of any accidental spills, use an absorbent cloth or tissue to blot the area quickly.
As a preventive measure, use mats and coasters to avoid direct contact with the surface. Also, keep mats under heavy furniture and plants. This will reduce the chances of stains or marks.
Don’t forget to reapply a Bluestone Specific quality sealer periodically. This will create a protective layer on the surface and reduces the possibility of stains and marks. Also, it will make the cleaning process easier.
Inspect your Bluestone regularly for any cracks, chips and loose pavers. If you spot any breaks, address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and maintain safety. Also, keep checking the status of the grouting or joint filling between pavers. These empty spaces between pavers can breed the growth of weeds so act before it's too late.
Some places witness extreme temperatures. In areas where freezing temperatures occur, ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling and freezing between pavers, as this can lead to cracking or shifting. Avoid using de-icing chemicals on Bluestone pavers, as they can cause staining and damage the surface.
If you’re not sure about the right cleaning products for your Bluestone pavers, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. They have the expertise and require equipment to handle specialised cleaning and sealing processes.
Let’s Sum It Up! Whether you're a homeowner looking to spruce up your backyard or a landscaper searching for the perfect material for your next project, Bluestone pavers and tiles are worth considering. Bluestone pavers offer endless possibilities for enhancing outdoor spaces and bringing your landscape designs to life. Their natural beauty, robustness and versatility make them an excellent choice for any building or landscaping project. By incorporating Bluestone pavers creatively, you can raise the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your outdoor living areas, creating an inviting space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.