The title image features Richcliff patio pavers.
It’s no wonder why bluestone is hugely popular for patios and walkways. The stone has unparalleled character that pairs well with any architectural style. However, it’s important to understand the drawbacks of this natural material so that you can make the best choice for your outdoor living space. In this article we’ll talk about the charm of bluestone as well as three substitutes for natural bluestone with added benefits on Long Island, NY.
Related Read: What are Pavers Made of?
Bluestone 101
Bluestone is a type of flagstone with a unique steel-blue color. It is quarried exclusively in the northeastern United States and to a lesser extent in Canada. The stone is admired for its hue and the fact that no two stones are ever alike. Even if you purchase stones from the same quarry, they’ll all be slightly different.
The challenges with bluestone include availability, safety, and durability. If you ever wish to expand your outdoor living space that uses pure bluestone, you may be disappointed that you can’t find a color match.
Bluestone tends to become very slippery when wet. It’s not the ideal choice for pool surrounds for this reason (in addition to the dark color becoming uncomfortably hot on bare feet). But even walkways and patios could become hazardous when wet!
Another matter to note: Bluestone isn’t as durable as other types of stone. It’s relatively porous, which means it absorbs water. Water absorption can lead to damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. This damage includes spalling (flaking) and cracking. You can mitigate this by sealing the stone, but it must be sealed on all sides to prevent moisture from seeping in from the ground and from between stones.
Consider the following bluestone alternatives from Unilock that would give you the assurance of ongoing availability, non-slip surfaces for safety, and durable finishes that last and last.
Bristol Valley
Bristol Valley pavers add an easygoing style to modern, sophisticated spaces. You will love the EasyClean technology that minimizes upkeep and prevents staining from food and beverage spills, pool chemicals, and even deicing salts. Of the three colors available (Bavarian, New York Blend, and Steel Mountain), Steel Mountain is perhaps the closest match to the look of natural bluestone. For an even more authentic appearance, you could mix Steel Mountain with New York Blend for a more random look in cool tones. Or you could have Steel Mountain with Bavarian blended for a random look in warm tones.
Treo Premier
Treo Premier could be an ideal choice if you prefer smaller pavers with a flagstone texture. Of the eight available colors, New York Blend, Fossil, Almond Grove, and Steel Mountain are the closest to bluestone because of their blended colors. You can use any one of these on their own or mix two or three colors on site for an authentic random bluestone appearance. Treo Premier can help to achieve a unified look throughout your landscape. This stylish paver can be used for any pedestrian application as well as residential driveways.
Richcliff
For higher end applications and the most realistic bluestone appearance Richcliff pavers are hard to beat. Reala Technology uses casts taken from real flagstone. This gives your outdoor space a completely natural and random appearance with no repeating patterns. Achieve an authentic random bluestone look combining Smoke Shale and Dawn Mist on site. This paver is also incredibly strong thanks to Ultima Concrete Technology that gives Richcliff pavers up to four times the strength of poured concrete. These pavers are also a top choice for elegant yet relaxed patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways.
To see Unilock bluestone alternatives in person, visit a Unilock Idea Center or connect with your local Unilock Authorized Contractor.
