What Is Bluestone? What Does Bluestone Look Like? Do you have a client looking for a unique, eye-catching stone for a renovation project? Let us introduce you to Bluestone – the natural stone that’s as practical as it is captivating. Here at Connecticut Stone, we offer many exterior stone solutions, but Bluestone consistently steals the spotlight when it comes to walkways, patios, and pool decks. Whether you’re a landscape designer, architect, or another trade professional, we understand picking the right type of stone for a client can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to ensure you’re fully prepared to explain to your clients what Bluestone is, its aesthetic appeal, and its versatile applications. With this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to helping your clients make choices they’ll love for years to come. What Is Bluestone, Anyway? Bluestone is a type of sandstone known for its durability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness. It is an especially popular option in the Northeast because it is actually quarried here, making it easily accessible and affordable for exterior projects. Its local accessibility means it can also naturally stand up to the challenges of a New England climate. The Natural Beauty of Bluestone: What Does Bluestone Look Like? Bluestone is available in a variety of colors, but as its name implies, it tends to have a natural blue color. At Connecticut Stone, we carry some unique variations of Bluestone that include Full Color, Blue Select, and even Lilac to really make your design stand out. In addition to some color variations, Bluestone comes in various finishes depending on what your client wants. A flamed finish is a popular option that involves heating the stone to create a more evenly textured surface that is resistant to slipping. There’s also a Honed finish that is more smooth and matte, while a Natural Cleft finish offers a more naturally irregular texture and appearance. Bluestone is also available in a number of formats to achieve your client’s desired look. At Connecticut Stone, we carry Bluestone in slabs, pavers, mosaic flagging, random rectangular flagging, treads, aggregates, and even oval stepping stones. Common Applications for Bluestone Bluestone’s natural durability and resilience make it a common option for exterior projects, such as patios and pool decks. It is an ideal material for exterior walkways, porches, patios, and even garden pathways. It can also be used in outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. The possibilities are truly limited only by your imagination. While Bluestone is most commonly seen in outdoor applications, it can also be used indoors. For example, it is not uncommon for Bluestone to be used as a durable indoor flooring material, especially in mud rooms or even on an interior fireplace hearth. We have even seen clients use Bluestone for countertops, so it really just boils down to the look and feel your client is trying to achieve. Why Use Bluestone? Compared to some other materials, there are many benefits to using Bluestone for an interior or exterior project. First, as a natural stone, Bluestone offers beauty that is truly one-of-a-kind. It offers unique coloring ranging from earthy browns and greens to cooler blues and even lilacs. Because Bluestone is quarried locally, it is also one of the most cost-effective material options for indoor and outdoor use. Being able to obtain Bluestone locally means your clients don’t pay hefty transport costs, which in turn saves them money and allows them to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality or beauty. Bluestone is also incredibly durable and resilient to the harsh local climate, so it can withstand the winter freeze-and-thaw cycle and temperature extremes without cracking or chipping. It also requires very little maintenance; outside of routine sweeping, Bluestone is nearly maintenance-free. While it will naturally weather a bit over time, many clients agree that Bluestone only becomes more beautiful as time goes on. Other Considerations for Bluestone If you have a client considering Bluestone for an interior or exterior project, there are a few things to remember. For starters, because this is a naturally occurring material, each stone’s shape and pattern is unique. This means that there can be some variation in appearance. Bluestone can also be a bit challenging to work with, so it is not generally recommended for DIY installations (unless the client has a great deal of experience working with natural stone). Bluestone tends to be darker in color, which means it readily absorbs heat. In the full sun of a summer day, exposed Bluestone can become hot to the touch. This is worth keeping in mind for clients who may be considering Bluestone for a patio surface exposed to a lot of sun. Bluestone Options From Connecticut Stone With so many applications to choose from, Bluestone is a great natural stone option for clients looking for something as stunning and unique as it is cost-effective and low-maintenance. At Connecticut Stone, we’re proud to carry a wide range of Bluestone options, including: PA Full Color Bluestone PA Blue Select Bluestone PA Lilac Bluestone NY Full Color Bluestone You can find our Bluestone in a variety of patterns (including random rectangular and mosaic), as well as your choice of finishes to suit your project needs. If you’re interested in learning more about Bluestone from Connecticut Stone or have questions about this unique material, reach out to our team today. We also recommend you schedule a free consultation to see some Bluestone samples in person and to sit down one-on-one with one of our experts. This is a great way to help your clients make a confident decision regarding their next project!
