If you’re looking at natural stone options for your paving requirements in Bergen County, NJ, there’s a good chance that bluestone, limestone and flagstone have made it onto that list of options. These three popular natural stones are all flexible and attractive materials, so deciding between the three can be tricky. A good place to start is knowing the characteristics of each and having a clear idea of the aesthetic you wish to achieve. Let’s take a look at these stones in more detail.
The Inspiring Effect Of Bluestone
Like flagstone and limestone, bluestone is a sedimentary rock, formed by the fusing of particles deposited by rivers, oceans and lakes. This often results in a very similarly sized grain for all three. Bluestone typically has a fine-grained, moderately textured surface. What makes this stone different is its range of handsome colors. This stone’s deep blue, green, and grey shades are why so many people choose it for their landscape. If you are building a patio, or constructing walkways or steps throughout your backyard, bluestone lends a certain formality and depth. The cool and neutral tones of bluestone are ideal for highlighting elements of greenery or the warm coloring of brick. As a matter of interest, the depth of bluestone’s color is often related to the depth at which it was quarried. Bluestone from shallow quarries tends to be lighter and less dramatic in color.
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The Timeless Appeal Of Limestone
Limestone is composed of comparatively small particles and often has a high calcite content. This is what gives limestone its characteristic silky, almost powdery feel that makes it perfect for providing a luxurious feel for patios and walkways. However, limestone’s high calcite content also makes it sensitive to acids, meaning special care should be taken to keep its surface clean of even mild corrosive and staining substances. Limestone’s colors range from white, sandy beige and golden brown to subtle greys and even reddish brown. Limestone also often contains gentle gradients of color that give it a soft, elegant appearance.
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The Rustic Edge Of Flagstone
Flagstone is well-known and well-loved for its rich texture and vibrant, earthy colors. Both regular and irregular flagstone pavers are available, with the latter truly bringing out flagstone’s rustic nature. Flagstone exhibits a broad range of color - dark browns, greys, golds, reds and blues - and can often contain a combination of colors in a single slab. Flagstone is ideal for creating areas of high visual interest and adding an earthy appeal to your landscape.
Deciding Between The Three
Ultimately the decision comes down to the look you wish to achieve and which stone best matches the color scheme or theme of your landscape. Bluestone’s subtle coloring is often best suited to formal and traditional designs. Limestone’s silky texture makes it well suited to relaxed, elegant spaces or patios with a mediterranean feel. Occasionally, Limestone can also be used to create clean, minimalist spaces. Flagstone, on the other hand, is well-suited to vibrant, lively areas, a country, rustic or cottage theme, or simply a laidback backyard setting.
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