Discerning Massachusetts homeowners love the look and feel of natural stone pavers for hardscaping projects such as walkways and patios. Bluestone is an affordable, attractive option available for landscaping in Massachusetts, but consumers should understand the pros and cons of dealing with this material.

Pros of Bluestone For Your Hardscaping

Quarried in New York State and Pennsylvania, as well as in the Shenandoah Valley, bluestone is highly durable. When installed properly and sealed for protection, homeowners can expect bluestone to last for decades. Ideal for high traffic applications and practical for patios and pool decks, bluestone provides an alternative to flagstone or other types of natural and fabricated paving stone.

This natural material presents a range of colors, from the namesake blue to gold, brownish, reddish and slate gray. Bluestone pavers come in various shapes and sizes, including random cut, rectangular and square pavers. Choose the bluestone paver that suits your landscaping and the design of your hardscaping project.

The rough texture of bluestone makes it ideal for stairs, pool decks and driveways. It handles temperature changes very well, resisting any damage from the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs in Massachusetts.

Cons of Bluestone For Your Hardscaping

Like other natural stone pavers, bluestone must be sealed for optimum durability. A sealer helps to protect this porous stone from degradation due to salt, chemicals (like chlorine) and debris. The color of bluestone will change over time without a sealer applied, simply due to the absorption of water.

Natural stone tends to cost more than brick pavers or poured concrete paving stones, mainly due to the cost of quarrying and availability of the product. Rare natural stones cost more, and bluestone is only available from certain parts of North America, making it highly desirable and often priced at a premium.

Massachusetts homeowners looking for a beautiful patio or walkway in natural colors should consider bluestone pavers. Strong and attractive, bluestone must be sealed for peak performance. Talk to your landscaper about this paving option and decide whether bluestone works for your landscape.