Blue stone patios are beautiful, as the stones themselves come in many different shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a more geometric look, they can be squared off. Or, for a more natural look, they can be laid in their natural uneven form. If you choose a squared off rock for your patio, you can use all one size, or vary the sizes to create a pattern. The most important thing when looking to create a blue stone patio is the work itself. You want someone experienced with blue stone to help you create the patio you imagined.
Blue stone can be set in two ways. If it is dry laid, the ground is excavated and quarry stone is put down as the bottom layer. Then, sand or stone dust is put down. After that, the actual blue stone is set. The stones can be placed tightly together or a small space can be left in between them. The typical joint size is between ¼ and 3/8 inch. A sandy form of gravel is put into the joints, or polymeric sand can be used. Gravel is preferred, as polymeric sand hardens and can crack over time. Alternately, blue stone can also be wet laid, although it isn’t recommended for areas that freeze and thaw quickly, as cracking can occur. A concrete base is laid on fresh soil, and the stone is set right into the concrete. Dry laying is less expensive and won’t crack. If stones fall out of place, they can also be reset with little effort.
When it comes to blue stone, there are different colors to choose from. Some are all blue and create an elegant look when placed together. It is easily blended with any color scheme that you choose for the rest of your blue stone patio. Full range stones are another option. They are a mixture of blues and tans, and some even have a hint of purple. It is pretty, and gives an aesthetically pleasing look for the patio. But, be sure that all other aspects of your design match if you choose this one! Some even choose to mix the two and create a design for the patio floor. The design choice is really up to you. Whether you want it one solid color, a marbled type look, or an intricate design, it will look great in the end. Blue stone is a great choice for a long lasting, beautiful patio.