Choosing the Best Bluestone Shade for Your Needs
Given its beauty and proven durability, bluestone remains to be one of the most popular landscaping stones. More than likely, you’ve seen bluestone used for a variety of applications, including landscaping outside stores, schools, and other establishments.
Because of its unique properties and other advantages, many homeowners and landscaping professionals use bluestone to achieve a more formal and modern look in exterior walkways, porches, and patios. While the name might suggest the color of the stone, bluestone comes in a variety of tones and shades. Knowing the differences can help you select the best type of bluestone for your specific needs.
Rock Products, Inc. is a leading supplier of premier stone materials, including Pennsylvania bluestone/flagstone. Here, we dive deeper into what bluestone is and the different shades available to help you in cultivating the ideal landscaping.
What Is Pennsylvania Bluestone?
Bluestone is a common type of sedimentary rock. This means that the stone is formed from deposits accumulated on the Earth’s surface. It’s easily split into flat layers, making it a great option for various hardscape applications.
There are two types of bluestone: Pennsylvania and Shenandoah bluestone. Pennsylvania bluestone, which is sandstone, is a type of sedimentary rock made of sand-sized grains. Most bluestone delivers a unique and beautiful look with waves and swirls of color.
Along with its appealing surface, bluestone offers several other advantages. Other reasons why this landscaping stone is so often used include:
No Sealing Needed
One of the biggest advantages of using bluestone for your exterior projects is eliminating the need for sealing. Because of how bluestone is cut, it can lie flat, making it a great option for creating steps, walkways, patios, and similar features. Eliminating the sealing process helps projects be completed much more efficiently.
Able to Tolerate Harsh Weather
Because they will be exposed to the elements, your landscaping stones should be able to tolerate the harsh weather and temperature conditions common in the Northeast. Bluestone maintains its integrity even in the harshest conditions, providing you with added peace of mind.
Easy Upkeep
Landscaping stone is an investment in your property. Like any home improvement project, you want to ensure the results will last. For that to happen, general maintenance is usually required. Fortunately, bluestone only requires minimal upkeep to maintain its beautiful looks.
Different Shades Available
When you go with Pennsylvania bluestone for your project, you have multiple color options. Depending on where it was mined, the stone can range in hue from warm tan, rust, and brown to cool blue, green, lilac, and neutral gray. When deciding which shade of bluestone is right for your needs, consider the following:
What It Will Be Used For
Color is more than an aesthetic quality. Certain shades look better for certain applications. Be sure to consider what you want to accomplish with the stone before making a selection.
Other Stones in Your Landscaping
While the goal of landscaping projects can vary, property owners ultimately want to enhance the overall look of their yards. This can easily be done with bluestone. However, if too many shades of stone are found in a small area, the colors can clash.
Your Personal Preference
In the end, the shade of bluestone you select should match your design preferences or the vision you have for your landscape.
Pennsylvania Bluestone and Other Supplies at Rock Products, Inc.
At Rock Products, Inc., it has been our mission to be a leading supplier of premier landscape and building materials since 1995. Located in West Deptford, New Jersey, we draw from the best quarries throughout Pennsylvania. Our selection of Pennsylvania bluestone features countless tones and shades that complement any landscaping design. Clients unsure which shade would best serve them can turn to our experienced team members.
To get bluestone and other supplies into your hands more efficiently, Rock Products, Inc. is pleased to offer landscapers, general contractors, and DIY homeowners freight services as a part of our products and services. To learn more about the different shades of bluestone available, contact us today at Rock Products, Inc.