If you want to upgrade your house’s outdoor space, look no further than Bluestone patios. A common building material, bluestone can give homeowners a space to enjoy and relax while upgrading the look and value of the house. It can be arranged in rectilinear (squared-off) or naturally uneven shapes. Even within the rectilinear shape, stones of the same size or different sizes can be arranged according to your aesthetic. However these stones are placed, they undoubtedly lend a timeless elegance to the outdoor space in your house and can last you for ages!
Setting bluestone on your floor-
Bluestone can either be dry or wet-laid. For dry-laid bluestone, bluestones are laid on top of two layers of quarry stone and sand or stone dust, respectively, after excavating the ground. The rocks can be laid together or have some gap in between them, which can be filled in with sandy material or even pea gravel at the joints. Sizes of ¼ inch and 3/8 inch are recommended as they go well together. Polymeric sand is another option that can be considered; however, it comes with certain issues, such as cracking. Since polymeric sand tends to harden quickly, it kills the purpose of having a dry-laid application of bluestone.
When bluestone is set in concrete, it is known as a wet-laid application, which requires a concrete base to be laid on virgin soil or soil tamped in layers. A drawback of wet-laid bluestone is the possibility of cracking, especially in conditions of freeze-thawing. Since such an application is set in concrete, it cannot be reset easily into another pattern, and repairs can be costly. Hence, a dry-laid foundation is recommended.
Bluestone is available in various colors, although the typical blue color is the most common. It is called Pennsylvania Bluestone, as it is sourced from there. This blue is available in different shades and lends the most elegant look to your patio. Tans, purples, and various mixes of blue can be used to create a kaleidoscope of colors on your patio. Stones from other materials can also be used but should only complement the bluestone with colors blending well.
Always invest in good workmanship for your bluestone patio! Rectilinear bluestone is one of the most preferred designs for bluestone patios. However, be sure that they are not exactly squared off, as the joints between the stones will not be straight. For a more professional and neat look for the bluestone patios, ensure that you have them cut with a wet saw in a square shape by your contractor. While this may cost you a little more, it is worth the precision in the final outlay. The next step is to order a few more stones and have only the squared rocks selected from the shipment by your contractor. A rectilinear bluestone patio looks undone and unflattering without straight joints, so it is imperative to ensure that all steps are taken to get a perfect rectilinear bluestone patio!
Add the natural beauty of bluestone to your home with Absolute Bluestone Co. in Brewster, New York. The company is a distributor and fabricator of Pennsylvania bluestone. They exclusively work with a select handful of local yards to provide customers with quality bluestone. They offer bluestone in various colors, sizes, and thicknesses, and all of their custom fabrications are completed in-house. They are Bluestone Patio Pavers and offer unique craftsmanship and designs, such as benches, tables, and hearthstones, all made from luxurious bluestone.
