The title image features Beacon Hill Smooth field pavers.
Bluestone is a gorgeous, steel-blue toned, and character-filled stone that pairs well with any architectural style, and for this reason, it’s a popular natural stone choice for patios, walkways, and pool surrounds. However, bluestone isn’t the ideal choice for every application. Here’s what to look for in a bluestone substitute in Katonah, NY, so that you can achieve the timeless look of bluestone without the challenges.
Pool and Hot Tub Surrounds
Bluestone has a tendency to become slippery when wet. It is also a relatively porous stone, which means any standing water could leach into the stone and subject it to damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. Its dark color absorbs heat from the sun and can become uncomfortably hot on bare feet.
Bristol Valley pavers from Unilock are subtly textured, non-slip pavers that are popular around pool surrounds and patios. EasyClean stain resistance technology helps to minimize cleanup and prevent staining from pool chemicals and spills from food and beverages. Two or three of the available colors (Bavarian, New York Blend, and Steel Mountain) could be blended on-site for an authentic bluestone look around your pool and patio.
If you prefer a larger format paver (in keeping with modern landscape design trends), Beacon Hill Flagstone from Unilock features a flagstone texture as well as colors inspired by bluestone including Fossil, Almond Grove, Steel Mountain, and New York Blend. This paver is also available in a random bundle of different shapes and sizes, for an easygoing poolside vibe.
Beacon Hill Smooth is a flagstone-inspired paver that includes more contemporary color choices, a random bundle of varied shapes/sizes for a variety of relaxed laying patterns, as well as an XL rectangle, which can be ideal for sleek, modern spaces. Colors inspired by bluestone include Steel Mountain, New York Blend, Almond Grove, Sierra, and Fossil (you’ll get the most realistic bluestone look by randomly blending two or three colors on-site).
Driveways
Bluestone is not recommended for driveways as it would have to withstand the heavy load of vehicular traffic. A great paver alternative for driveways includes Unilock Richcliff pavers, which feature an incredibly realistic bluestone texture. This versatile paver can be used throughout your hardscapes for a gorgeous unified look. The patterns are diverse thanks to Reala technology, which uses casts taken from real flagstone. Richcliff pavers are available in three colors (Smoke Shale, Dawn Mist, and Pebble Taupe) that can be blended randomly on-site to truly mimic the look of bluestone. Ultima technology ensures exceptional strength and durability, making Richcliff pavers a wonderful choice for driveways.
Treo Premier is another paver from Unilock suitable for driveways. Its smaller format can also be carried throughout your landscape as a budget-friendly bluestone alternative. Choose from among the eight available colors, and blend two or three onsite, to enjoy the random appearance of bluestone.
For permeable driveways (a top choice for eco-conscious homeowners), Thornbury pavers from Unilock can be installed on a permeable base and with a slightly larger joint space that allows water to seep through rather than running off. The blended colors (Bavarian Blend, Almond Grove, New York Blend, and Steel Mountain) can be installed on their own and will look spectacular when mixed on-site.
