The Main 10 Types of Bluestone for Your Outdoor Patio

Bluestone is the perfect material for hardscaping elements that need to blend rustic charm with modern appeal. But since bluestone isn’t a single sedimentary rock (instead, it encompasses different types of sandstone and limestone), choosing the right one for your landscaping project can be complicated.

That’s what our experts at Sunun Masonry LLC can help you with. We’ll break down the 10 most common types of bluestone available in the industry (from where they’re quarried to how they’re finished), so your water feature, walkway, or outdoor patio has the look, feel, upkeep requirements, and final cost you’re aiming for.

Regional Varieties

1. Pennsylvania Bluestone

Among the different types of bluestone, the Pennsylvania-quarried option is, quite frankly, the most popular. It’s a contractor’s go-to choice of flagstone for exterior applications.

Pros:

• Resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for Stamford’s winters.
• Wide color range (blues, grays, and rusty browns) that hides everyday dirt.

Cons:

• High demand drives up prices during peak building season.
• Shipping gets pricier the farther you are from the quarry.

2. Australian Bluestone

Also called Victorian bluestone, this dense natural stone is cut from ancient lava flows around Melbourne.

Pros:

• Extremely hard (scoring about 7 on the Mohs scale), so it resists scratches and heavy furniture.
• Deep charcoal color pairs beautifully with contemporary architecture and stainless-steel fixtures.

Cons:

• Heavier than sandstone bluestone, requiring a beefier sub-base.
• Trans-Pacific shipping increases both the carbon footprint and the budget.

Finishes and Surface Treatments

3. Natural Cleft Bluestone

Natural cleft finish is split along natural bedding planes, leaving a rippled, quarry-fresh texture.

Pros:

• Maximum slip resistance makes the natural cleft surface perfect for pools or outdoor kitchens.
• Hides chips and scratches; ideal for historic homes around Fairfield County.

Cons:

• Surface variation can make chairs wobble unless you add foot pads.
• Thicker stones and uneven backs require wider grout joints.

4. Thermal Bluestone

“Thermal” or flamed is one of our favorite types of bluestone paver finishes, as it creates a uniformly textured surface with a soft gray tint.

Pros:

• Consistent thickness speeds installation and meets ADA slip standards.
• The subtle blue-gray tone of thermal flagstone suits modern minimalist designs.

Cons:

• Extra processing increases the cost per square foot.
• Some homeowners find the thermal finish too refined for a rustic landscape design.

5. Honed Bluestone

Ground with diamond pads until the grain feels silky and colors deepen.

Pros:

• Elegant matte finish that’s easy to hose down after summer BBQs.
• Looks stunning under low-voltage patio lighting.

Cons:

• Open pores mean you’ll need to seal the surface every few years.
• Can become slick when greasy or icy; therefore, avoid using it on steep walkways.

6. Polished Bluestone

Taken a step beyond honing to produce a soft sheen that reflects light.

Pros:

• Luxurious, almost marble-like appearance that’s great for covered verandas.
• Intensifies blue-black undertones, adding visual drama at night.

Cons:

• Least slip-resistant option among the different styles mentioned here, so keep it under a pergola or roof.
• Acidic foods (lemonade, salsa) can etch the surface if not wiped quickly.

Shapes and Colors

7. Full Color

The natural color variations for which bluestone is known come to life here. Sometimes called “multi-color,” these slabs feature a lively mix of blues, tans, and rust streaks.

Pros:

• Conceals leaves, soil, and daily wear, making it practical for families with kids or pets.
• Gives patios a lived-in charm that pairs well with cottage gardens.

Cons:

• No two stones match, so achieving perfect symmetry is tricky.
• Layout takes longer, which can raise labor costs.

8. True Color

True color bluestone is hand-sorted for consistent blue-gray hues and minimal mineral streaking.

Pros:

• Clean, uniform look that modern designers adore.
• Easier to match if you plan future additions or repairs.

Cons:

• Premium price because of the extra sorting.
• Rare warm-tone pieces may still slip through, so we recommend inspecting the crates on delivery.

9. Irregular Flagging

Random, puzzle-piece shapes that are sometimes nicknamed “crazy paving.”

Pros:

• Lowest material cost per square foot.
• Creates a natural, storybook vibe in the woodland gardens of coastal Connecticut.

Cons:

• Labor-intensive; masons often charge 30–40% more to custom-scribe joints.
• Large gaps can invite weeds if joints aren’t filled with polymeric sand.

10. Rectangular Slabs

Rectangular slabs are achieved by machine-sawn modules set in running bond or ashlar patterns. This is one of the best types of bluestone for patios.

Pros:

• Fastest to install with minimal cutting waste.
• Works equally well for formal courtyards and sleek grid layouts.

Cons:

• Uniformity can look sterile without contrasting borders or accents.
• Sharp edges may chip unless lightly chamfered.