What is Bluestone?

Bluestone, also known as basalt, is a durable, natural stone formed from solidified lava. This volcanic rock is predominantly found in various parts of Australia, making it a locally-sourced material that is ideal for various outdoor applications. Bluestone is characterized by its dense texture and blue-grey color, which is why it is highly valued for its strength, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. Its use spans across multiple centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations, and today it remains a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects.

History of Bluestone

Bluestone has a rich historical significance that dates back thousands of years. This stone has been used by several ancient civilizations for construction, art, and monuments due to its abundance and resilience. In Australia, bluestone was heavily utilized during the 19th century for roads and buildings. Melbourne, in particular, showcases a large amount of bluestone used for paving city streets, public spaces, and historic buildings. The stone’s durability and aesthetic properties have ensured its continued use in modern times for various outdoor applications such as paving and landscaping.

Today, bluestone remains a top choice for a wide range of outdoor projects, prized for its beauty, strength, and versatility.

Bluestone Usages

Bluestone is a versatile material that has been widely used throughout history and remains a staple in modern construction and landscaping. Here are some of its most common applications and usage statistics:

• Landscaping and Paving: Bluestone is perfect for outdoor paving due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s commonly used for driveways, patios, walkways, pool coping, and stepping stones. Its resistance to weathering and moisture makes it an ideal material for outdoor surfaces exposed to the elements.

• Building Materials: Historically, bluestone was used in the construction of significant buildings, churches, and bridges. Its strength and longevity made it a preferred material for major infrastructure projects.

• Roads and Footpaths: Bluestone was commonly used for roads and footpaths in 19th and early 20th century Australia. Melbourne, for example, showcases many streets still paved with this durable stone, making it an integral part of the city’s architectural heritage.

• Decorative Stones: Bluestone’s versatility also makes it a popular material for sculptures and garden features. It can be shaped and carved into various designs, making it an excellent choice for decorative elements in outdoor spaces.

Key Benefits:

• Hardness: Bluestone ranks 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it is highly resistant to scratches and damage (source).
• Density: Bluestone has a density of 2.7-3.0 g/cm³, making it dense and resistant to wear (source).
• Water Absorption: Bluestone has low water absorption rates (less than 1%), making it ideal for areas exposed to moisture (source).
• Slip Resistance: The natural texture of bluestone provides excellent slip resistance, particularly in wet conditions, making it perfect for pool areas and other outdoor environments (source).

Usage of Bluestone Pavers

Bluestone pavers are highly versatile and suitable for a variety of outdoor applications, making them a great choice for both residential and commercial properties. Here are some of the most common uses:

• Driveways – Bluestone pavers are highly durable and can withstand the weight of vehicles, making them an excellent option for driveways. They offer a sophisticated look while ensuring long-lasting durability.

• Patios – If you’re looking to create an inviting, long-lasting outdoor area for entertaining or relaxation, bluestone is ideal for patios. Its natural color complements any outdoor décor, providing timeless elegance.

• Outdoor Flooring – Bluestone provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for outdoor flooring. It’s resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it looks great for years.

• Stepping Stones – Bluestone is commonly used for stepping stones, whether it’s for a pathway, garden walkway, or decorative element in your landscape. Bluestone stepping stones come in round, square, and rectangular shapes, and they can be arranged in various patterns.

• Pool Pavers & Pool Coping – Bluestone is ideal for pool areas due to its non-slip properties. The natural aesthetics of bluestone also complement the water, creating a luxurious and safe outdoor pool area.

Benefits of Bluestone Pavers

Bluestone pavers offer a range of benefits, making them an excellent choice for outdoor paving:

• Non-Slip Surface – The natural texture of bluestone provides excellent slip resistance, making it safe for wet areas like poolside, patios, and driveways.

• Durable and Long-Lasting – Bluestone is a dense and strong material, which makes it resistant to cracking, chipping, and weathering. It maintains its appearance and strength even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

• Luxury Appearance – Bluestone offers a sophisticated, luxury aesthetic that enhances any outdoor space. Its blue-grey tones provide an elegant and timeless look that complements both traditional and modern styles.

• Low Maintenance – Bluestone is easy to maintain and requires minimal effort to keep it looking great. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing are all that’s needed to maintain its beauty.

Bluestone Pavers Laying Patterns

There are several pattern options to choose from when laying your bluestone pavers, depending on the look you want to achieve:

1. Square and Rectangular Patterns – These are the most common and provide a neat, symmetrical look. Square and rectangular pavers can be arranged in a grid or running bond pattern for added visual interest.

2. French Pattern – This pattern uses a combination of smaller and larger tiles to create an intricate layout. It adds an old-world charm to your outdoor area.

3. Crazy Pavers – Irregularly shaped pieces of bluestone arranged randomly, creating a natural, rustic appearance that blends seamlessly with garden landscapes.

4. Stepping Stones – Bluestone stepping stones, whether round, square, or rectangular, create pathways that add functionality and aesthetic value to your garden or yard.

Why Choose Bluestone Pavers as Your Outdoor Pavers with Us?

We provide premium-quality bluestone pavers at affordable prices, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Quality Tiles and Pavers – We offer only the finest bluestone pavers that are responsibly sourced and crafted to the highest standards, ensuring long-lasting durability.

• Affordable Prices – High-quality outdoor pavers should be accessible to everyone, and that’s why we offer our bluestone pavers at competitive prices.

• Delivery Across Australia – No matter where you are in Australia, we offer reliable delivery to your location, ensuring your pavers arrive in perfect condition and on time.

• FREE Sample Delivery – We understand how important it is to make the right decision for your project. That’s why we offer free sample delivery, so you can test the material at no extra cost.

With our extensive range of bluestone pavers and our commitment to quality and affordability, we are the best choice for your outdoor paving needs. Whether you are creating a driveway, patio, pool area, or garden path, our bluestone pavers will add beauty, durability, and functionality to your space.