The title image features Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers.
Bluestone is one of the most character-filled and interesting natural stones available, and it works well with any architectural style. It’s no wonder so many people choose it to enhance their patios and walkways. If you’re wondering when is bluestone a good look for Pottstown, PA, landscapes, here’s a brief look into the pros and cons of this native stone.
Related Read: Where do you buy Unilock pavers for your patio or driveway project?
What Is Bluestone?
Bluestone is a type of flagstone. It is quarried exclusively in the northeastern USA and Canada, specifically Pennsylvania and New York State as well as to a lesser extent in Newfoundland. Its greatest appeal is its distinctive slate-blue color and the unique color gradations present in each stone, which range from copper to purple to sand. Since bluestone is a natural material, you will never find that two stones are exactly the same. Individually, bluestone is interesting; grouped together on a patio or walkway, it is stunning.
The challenges with bluestone often outweigh the benefits, however. First, if you ever want to add on to your patio in the future, you may find that it’s impossible to find a color match. This stone also has a tendency to become very slippery when wet. This can be a concern around pools or hot tubs. Due to its dark color, bluestone can soak up the heat from the sun and become uncomfortably hot on bare feet. Finally, since bluestone is a porous stone, it absorbs water quite easily. This becomes a challenge in the Pennsylvania climate, since the freeze-thaw cycle causes spalling (flaking) in bluestone that is not sealed. Not only is the flaking unattractive, it can cause a tripping hazard.
Today’s technology gives you options, however, so you can incorporate the look of bluestone anywhere around your home: on patios, walkways, pool decks, and even driveways. Here are some great options from Unilock.
Beacon Hill Flagstone
Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers from Unilock are inspired by flagstone and have a realistic texture you’d expect from the real thing—but without the spalling and unevenness. Beacon Hill is available in six blended colors: Almond Grove, Fossil, New York Blend, Sierra, Steel Mountain, and Tuscany. For the most authentic bluestone look, blend several colors. A great pairing involves Steel Mountain, New York Blend, Almond Grove, and Fossil, or choose the simplicity of Steel Mountain or Fossil for a more unified aesthetic. Beacon Hill pavers feature a barefoot- and swimsuit-friendly texture that is non-slip for safety.
Beacon Hill Smooth
If you prefer a more contemporary and sophisticated look, Beacon Hill pavers are also available in a smooth version and a fresh, modern 21” x 35” XL size. You get the richness of color without the flagstone texture, which is a great complement to homes with prominently textured facades. Choose New York Blend and Steel Mountain for what’s arguably the most realistic bluestone look. Beacon Hill Smooth offers long-lasting beauty and the refined surface and long-lasting color of EnduraColor.
Treo Premier
For smaller areas, consider Treo Premier from Unilock. This paver offers a natural texture and blended colors for a realistic bluestone aesthetic. Choose New York Blend or Steel Mountain (or have them combined on site), and create stunning borders using one of the other available colors—Almond Grove, Brown, Charcoal, Fossil, Sierra, and Tuscany. As a bonus, this paver is durable enough for all residential applications including driveways. This will give your entire landscape a gorgeous, unified appearance.
For more inspiration and to see Unilock bluestone alternatives in person, visit a Unilock Idea Center or connect with your local Unilock Authorized Contractor.
