A new bluestone patio is sure to be the highlight of your landscape, and it’s important to have a source you can depend on. Here’s how to find the right Ulster County, NY, landscape supply for your bluestone project.
Why Choose Bluestone?
First, why is bluestone such a sought-after material? This gorgeous stone is a type of flagstone native to the mid-Atlantic. It is quarried in the area, which makes it a stone that fits in with the environment and helps integrate the home into its surroundings - regardless of its architectural style.
The dramatic steel-blue color is often accented with brown, tan, or rust tones. Even within the same batch from the same quarry, you’ll find dramatic differences between individual stones and this is what gives bluestone patios and walkways so much character. If one stone is gorgeous, many stones together are breathtaking.
What you want to look for when you browse a stone supply yard’s bluestone selection includes:
1. Quantity
In most projects, you can expect some breakage to occur during installation, so be sure that you account for that. You will also want to ensure that you have enough stone to replace stones that crack or spall (flake) after installation. In general, adding 10 percent material to the square footage you need, is a safe bet.
If a stone supply yard has just barely enough bluestone for your needs, you could be out of luck in trying to find a color match to account for breakage or any additions to your hardscape.
It’s always a good idea to buy bluestone from several batches and quarries so that you automatically get more variation; this way, you won’t be stuck scrambling for a particular shade that simply isn’t available anymore in this natural product. In other words, embrace the differences in looks, but be sure to start with a random approach early on so that any stones that need replacing or adding, will fit right in. Not all stone supply yards will have the variety that makes this possible.
2. Quality
Not all stone is created equal. Bluestone is a sedimentary stone made up of very thin layers. Some of these stones will be more fragile than others. On the surface, they may look great, but they won’t have the structural integrity you need. Not all stone supply yards pay close attention to the quality of the stones they source.
Always talk to an expert and have them show you exactly what to look for in quality bluestone so that you can make the best choices. After all, you want to get your money’s worth in an investment in your landscape.
3. Style Selections
Everybody has different preferences when it comes to aesthetics. Many people prefer bluestone that has been cut (shaped) because it’s a more formal and finished look, and because it simplifies installation. Depending on your own style, you may want edges that are beveled; or edges that are straight; or, you may prefer uncut stone that is laid like a puzzle for a random and natural look.
Once you choose the look you want, it’s important to work with a stone supply yard that has plenty of what you want - even if it is not what “most” people want.
4. Delivery
Although you always want to consider the availability and quality of the stone first, don’t forget delivery services, which can be very expensive. Most stone yards offer delivery, but there will be differences in cost - and also the quality of the delivery service itself.
Related: 5 LOW-MAINTENANCE OPTIONS FROM OUR LANDSCAPE SUPPLY TO PAIR WITH BLUESTONE IN HUDSON VALLEY NY
