Concrete Pavers or Bluestone for Patio Design

Mar 24, 2008
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Bluestone Patios Compared to Concrete Pavers
by: Susan

Hi Linda,
Thank you so much for the compliments on my site. I am VERY flattered.
You know, I do provide designs by email. Just an aside in case you are interested.

At any rate, back to your specific questions. I have never used EP Henry, although I know they have a good reputation. I have used Cambridge pavers for many years. They are a good choice, especially the tumbled ones. In addition, they might be less expensive than other manufacturers.

All that being said, I love bluestone. And I particularly love the way bluestone looks with brick. The contrast in color is lovely, as is the fact that bluestone sizes are larger than brick, so that is a nice contrast too. Not that it can't be done, but I have always found it more of a challenge to get a good looking paver pattern and color to go well with brick. So....my choice would be bluestone. However, bluestone will be more expensive. Hmmm, just thinking...you are from Pennsylvania where much of the bluestone comes from, so maybe there is not that big of a cost difference.

If you decide on bluestone, consider the dry laid method. If done correctly, it turns out great. In addition, you never have to worry about the mortared joints cracking. I'm sure you've probably looked at it, but there is a nice picture on my Patio Designs page. I like working with different regular sized bluestone (geometric) with small joints, say 1/4 inch. When you mix the sizes, the length of joint runs are shorter so there is less chance of skewed joint lines. Hope that's clear.

Bluestone comes in a few different color ranges. Full range is a mixture of shades, which is very nice. All blue is another, where the stones all pretty much match in color and are just blue with no other colors running through.

Again, my choice would be bluestone, regular shapes (geometric), different sizes, dry laid.

Susan

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Mar 24, 2008
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Submitted by: Susan

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Hi Linda, Thank you so much for the compliments on my site. I am VERY flattered. You know, I do provide designs by email. Just an aside in case you are interested. At any rate, back to your specific questions. I have never used EP Henry, although I know they have a good reputation. I have used Cambridge pavers for many years. They are a good choice, especially the tumbled ones. In addition, they might be less expensive than other manufacturers. All that being said, I love bluestone. And I particularly love the way bluestone looks with brick. The contrast in color is lovely, as is the fact that bluestone sizes are larger than brick, so that is a nice contrast too. Not that it can't be done, but I have always found it more of a challenge to get a good looking paver pattern and color to go well with brick. So....my choice would be bluestone. However, bluestone will be more expensive. Hmmm, just thinking...you are from Pennsylvania where much of the bluestone comes from, so maybe there is not that big of a cost difference. If you decide on bluestone, consider the dry laid method. If done correctly, it turns out great. In addition, you never have to worry about the mortared joints cracking. I'm sure you've probably looked at it, but there is a nice picture on my Patio Designs page. I like working with different regular sized bluestone (geometric) with small joints, say 1/4 inch. When you mix the sizes, the length of joint runs are shorter so there is less chance of skewed joint lines. Hope that's clear. Bluestone comes in a few different color ranges. Full range is a mixture of shades, which is very nice. All blue is another, where the stones all pretty much match in color and are just blue with no other colors running through. Again, my choice would be bluestone, regular shapes (geometric), different sizes, dry laid. Susan

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