Looking for a cost-effective, versatile, and beautiful option for your next exterior stone project? If so, then be sure to take a look at our stunning bluestone options - just one of many quality material options offered by Connecticut Stone. This native stone is a popular choice for outdoor walkways, patios, and more due to its durability, natural appearance, and wide range of sizes, finishes, and styles.
Specifically, bluestone is a natural sandstone that is indigenous to the Northeast. This makes it well suited for paving applications in New England and beyond. At Connecticut Stone, we ship bluestone all over the United States, so no matter where you're located, we can get you the supplies you need.
Bluestone offers a very natural range of color options, ranging from earthy browns and greens to cooler blues and grays. While bluestone is often blue (as the name would imply), it is more probable to find in greens, grays, and even lilacs.
Aside from its affordability and unique coloring, bluestone is also a popular choice for exterior landscaping projects because of its durability. This stone naturally resists damage from its native region's harsh freeze-and-thaw cycles.
The two main types of bluestone that you'll find are Pennsylvania and New York.
Pennsylvania bluestone is available in the following color options with both Flamed and Natural Cleft finishes:
Compared to PA bluestone, NY bluestone typically has a combination of snapped and sawn edges rather than just sawn edges. There also tends to be more variation in the stone's surface; it can be harder and denser than PA bluestone.
Both PA bluestone and NY bluestone flagging are sold by the square foot. We typically palletize the material in preparation for shipping. On average, we package approximately 220 square feet of 1" thick material or 180 square feet of 1.5" per pallet.
Clients tend to love bluestone for their landscaping projects because it is available in a wide range of pattern options to achieve the desired look.
Mosaic flagging is one popular option to consider for bluestone. You'll find large, random, and irregular pieces of bluestone with this pattern - generally in a Natural Cleft finish. The pieces are trimmed by an on-site mason to fit together like puzzle pieces, so this style can be a great way to achieve a more organic, natural installation.
Mosaic flagging is available in 1" or 1-½" nominal thickness. It's important to note that 1" nominal thick bluestone is typically set in cement, while 1-½" nominal thick bluestone is dry set.
Random rectangular is another commonly chosen pattern for bluestone. With this pattern, the standard size ranges from a nominal 12x12 up to 24x36, with sizing increasing in 6" increments to suit the unique needs of your project. Flagging greater than 24x36 is available for larger-scale patterns. Note that pricing does vary for sizes 24x30 and above.
Random rectangular flagging is available in 1" or 1-½" nominal thickness. It's important to note that 1" nominal thick bluestone is typically set in cement, while 1-½" nominal thick bluestone is dry set in stone dust, sand, or pea gravel. For more information on nominal sizing and dimensions, be sure to read through our guide. For more information on bluestone pattern options (and how to calculate how much you'll need), be sure to check out this useful resource.
Tumbled bluestone is another popular option for clients looking for a softer- and worn-looking stone. To achieve this aesthetic, bluestone is tumbled to smooth out edges and its surface. This option is available in both Blue Select and Full Color options and comes in irregular mosaic, semi square and sizes varying from 6"x6" up to 18"x18". When purchasing square or rectangular tumbled bluestone, the pieces will have broken corners. This is part of the charm and finished look to a more distressed product.
Bluestone is offered in various sizes and thicknesses, depending on the style and pattern that is chosen.
Bluestone treads are pieces of stone that are used for stair treads, pool coping, wall caps, and more. They are available in standard 1 ½" or 2" thicknesses with alternate thicknesses available upon request. Bluestone treads are sold by the square foot. Standard treads come in Blue Select with a Flamed finish on the top and with one long edge flamed. Natural Cleft or Full Color treads are available via special order.
Currently, we have both 1-½" and 2" thick treads in stock at our Milford and Stamford locations.
Bluestone slabs can be useful for applications like radius pool coping, radius wall caps, and even outdoor countertops. They are available in a wide range of sizes from about 4'x9' to 5'x10'. Meanwhile, thicknesses can also range to suit the client's needs.
Bluestone is available in a variety of different textures and finishes. The four most popular finishes are Flamed, Natural Cleft, Honed, and Flamed and Brushed.
With a Flamed finish (also known as a thermal finish), a textured surface is achieved by applying heat to the surface. This is done by briefly exposing it to intense heat, resulting in the surface becoming rough. A Flamed finish is normally used for exterior applications for projects that require a slip-resistant surface.
With a Natural Cleft finish, the stone has been split parallel to its stratification. The end result is a more irregular surface that corresponds with the flatness of the material's layering. It also offers a more natural, truly unique, one-of-a-kind look since it can't be 100% duplicated.
Those who prefer a smooth finish will prefer a Honed finish on their bluestone. Because it has been ground to a consistent surface without cleft or ridges, it is smooth to the touch. Honed finishes are most popular for interior flooring and countertops.
If you are interested in using bluestone for an exterior project, Connecticut Stone is here to help. We offer a large inventory of bluestone at our Milford and Stamford locations to suit your unique project needs, including a wide range of colors and finishes. However, special sizes, colors, and finishes for any bluestone option are available upon request. Whether you're looking to install a monochromatic garden walkway or a more modern patio space, bluestone can be an excellent choice.
To find out more about our bluestone offerings or for assistance with your next project, reach out to the knowledgeable Connecticut Stone team! You can reach us at (203) 882-1000 or use our convenient online contact form.
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