Natural Bluestone
Understanding Premium Bluestone
Bluestone, a variety of sandstone, is a natural stone renowned for its exceptional strength, density, and a unique palette that ranges from muted to deep blues, greens, earthy browns, and lilacs. Formed over millennia from volcanic activity, this fine-grained material possesses an intrinsic resilience that makes it an exceptional choice for both residential and commercial projects demanding longevity and timeless beauty.
At ORIJIN STONE, our commitment to quality ensures that we supply only premium-grade Bluestone. Unlike many suppliers, we source our Bluestone directly from domestic quarries throughout Pennsylvania & New York. This signifies a meticulous selection process, focusing on stone with consistent coloration, minimal natural inconsistencies, and superior structural integrity. Unlike lower-grade alternatives, which may exhibit undesirable coloring, cracks, brittle inclusions, or inconsistent sizing, ORIJIN STONE’s premium Bluestone guarantees a denser, more uniform product. This dedication to excellence ensures optimal performance, ease of installation, and a lasting aesthetic that truly distinguishes your architectural and design endeavors.
Our “Full Color” varieties showcase Bluestone’s complete natural spectrum, from deep blues and greys to subtle greens, browns, and lilac tones that add warmth and character to any design. Meanwhile, our “Blue Select” collections focus on the stone’s signature blue hues for projects requiring a more uniform color palette. Both varieties undergo the same rigorous quality standards that have made ORIJIN STONE the preferred choice for architects and builders who refuse to compromise on excellence.
Our Bluestone Collection
At ORIJIN STONE, we’ve organized our Bluestone collection around the real-world needs of architects, builders, and designers, offering an all-encompassing selection of sizing, finishing, edge treatments, and even calibrated thickness.
Each category serves specific applications while maintaining the quality and consistency that sets our stone apart.
Patterned Paving Stone
Our patterned Bluestone pavers bring together traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Available in both Full Color and Blue Select varieties, these pavers work beautifully in contemporary and classical designs alike. The thermal finish provides an even, subtly textured, and modern look, while our natural cleft surface offers an organic and classic aesthetic.
Suggested Applications: Patios, pool decks, walkways, courtyards, outdoor living spaces
Treads & Coping
When safety meets style, our Bluestone treads and coping deliver both without compromise. The thermal finish creates a non-slip surface that’s particularly valuable around pools and on stairways, while maintaining the clean lines that architects appreciate. Available in calibrated thicknesses for consistent installation.
Suggested Applications: Pool coping, stair treads, patio borders, wall caps
Steps
Our Bluestone steps combine the stone’s natural strength with precision cutting for reliable performance in high-traffic areas. Whether you’re designing a grand entrance or practical service stairs, these steps provide the durability and slip resistance that building codes demand.
Suggested Applications: Entrance steps, landscape terracing, commercial stairways
Irregular Flagstone
For projects that call for a more natural aesthetic, our irregular Bluestone flagstone offers organic, natural shapes that work beautifully in landscape settings. Available in multiple thicknesses and both Full Color and Blue Select varieties to match your design intent.
Suggested Applications: Naturalistic patios, garden pathways, stepping stones, landscape accents
Wallstone
From retaining walls to architectural features, our Bluestone wallstone varieties provide the structural integrity and visual appeal that landscape projects demand. Our Colonial wallstone offers traditional irregular shapes, while Lakeside™ brings a more refined, contemporary appearance with its sawn heights.
Suggested Applications: Retaining walls, landscape walls, architectural accents, property boundaries
Veneer Stone
Our exclusive Bayfield™ Bluestone veneer captures the colors and textures of the Great Lakes region in a format perfect for interior or exterior applications. This handcrafted veneer brings Bluestone’s natural beauty to walls and architectural features.
Suggested Applications: Building facades, fireplace surrounds, interior accent walls, architectural details
Custom Stone Tile
Interior applications are where Bluestone’s unique character really comes through. Our custom tile collection offers precision-cut pieces in various finishes. The leathered finish provides easier maintenance while preserving the stone’s natural texture, making it practical for high-end residential and commercial interiors.
Suggested Applications: Interior flooring, bathroom tile, mudrooms, entertaining areas, all-season and porch flooring
Porcelain Pavers & Tile
Our Bluestone-inspired porcelain options provide an incredible resemblance to natural Bluestone, with enhanced durability and lower maintenance requirements. Perfect for applications where consistent coloring, finish, and performance are critical. Bluestone-colored porcelain also stays cooler underfoot for pool applications. We carry several different colors and finish options of Bluestone with our porcelain products.
Suggested Applications: High-traffic spaces, mud rooms, entry ways, walkways, patios, pool & spa surrounds, rooftop installations
Bluestone Paving & Design Applications
Bluestone’s versatility makes it equally at home in grand commercial projects and intimate residential spaces. Here’s where we consistently see it perform best:
Outdoor Living Spaces
- Pool decks and surrounds where slip resistance is critical
- Patios and terraces that need to handle both foot traffic and furniture
- Walkways and patios that face constant use and weather exposure
- In Northern climates, where a freeze-thaw durable product is imperative
Architectural Elements
- Building facades that require both beauty and weather resistance
- Retaining walls, veneer stone, and landscape structures
- Entrance features and steps that make strong first impressions
Interior Applications
- Flooring in high-traffic entryways, corridors, and mud rooms
- Fireplace surrounds and feature walls
- Kitchen and bathroom surfaces where durability matters
Key Benefits of Bluestone
- Proven Durability: Bluestone has been tested by time in ways that few materials can match. We’re talking about a stone that’s performed reliably in New England winters for generations. Its low porosity means water can’t penetrate and cause freeze-thaw damage, while its dense structure resists wear from heavy use.
- Natural Slip Resistance: The thermal and natural cleft finishes provide inherent texture that meets ADA requirements without looking industrial. This makes Bluestone particularly valuable for patios, around pools, on stairs, and in other areas where safety is paramount.
- Consistent Performance: Premium-grade Bluestone delivers predictable, time-tested results. And the surface characteristics remain uniform across the entire project.
- Weather Resistance: From desert heat to northern freezes, Bluestone maintains its integrity and appearance. The stone doesn’t retain heat like some materials, staying comfortable underfoot even in direct sun. And unlike concrete or manufactured products, it won’t show wear patterns or discoloration over time.
- Design Flexibility: The stone’s natural color variations work with virtually any design style. Contemporary projects benefit from the clean lines of our thermal finishes, while traditional designs embrace the textural interest of natural cleft surfaces. The range of forms, from precise pavers to irregular flagstone, means there’s a Bluestone solution for almost any design challenge.
- Long-term Value: Projects built with premium Bluestone maintain their appearance and structural integrity for decades. This translates to lower lifecycle costs, higher property values, and fewer installation warranty callbacks, factors that matter whether you’re building custom homes or commercial developments.
Bluestone Design Trends and Inspiration
- Modern Minimalism: Clean-lined Bluestone pavers in large formats create serene outdoor spaces that complement contemporary architecture. The stone’s natural color variations add subtle interest without competing with architectural details.
- Classical Elegance: Traditional patterns showcase Bluestone’s classic, east-coast appeal in formal settings. The stone’s historical pedigree makes it perfect for projects that reference classical design elements while meeting modern performance standards.
- Mixed Material Palettes: Bluestone pairs beautifully with other natural materials. We’re seeing it combined with weathering steel in contemporary landscapes, paired with natural wood in residential projects, and used alongside other stone types in commercial applications. We refer to Bluestone as being what beloved blue jeans are to fashion; Bluestone goes with everything and will always be a popular choice.
- Indoor-Outdoor Continuity: Using Bluestone tile interiors that flow to exterior paved spaces creates seamless transitions. This approach works particularly well with covered porches to patios, residential great rooms, and entryways to walkways.
- Textural Contrast: Combining different Bluestone finishes, smooth thermal surfaces against natural cleft textures, adds visual depth while maintaining material consistency. This technique works well in both landscape and architectural applications.
Talk to a Bluestone Specialist
Ready to incorporate Bluestone into your next project? ORIJIN STONE’s specialists understand the unique challenges of professional design and construction, and we’re here to help you select the right Bluestone variety for your specific requirements.
Contact us to discuss your project needs and explore our complete Bluestone collection.