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Bluestone

Bluestone Pavers are naturally strong and mainly layed in the outdoor areas such as pool paving, patio, driveways. Blue stone pavers contains about 10-20% catspaws on its surface. Stone pavers stock different finishes of bluestone – honed and sandblasted. We supply bluestone paving across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and more.

Bluestone Pavers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Answer: Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained volcanic rock (basalt) known for its distinctive dark grey to charcoal colour. It is extremely popular in Australia—especially Melbourne—for its durability, contemporary aesthetic, and its ability to handle harsh weather conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles and coastal exposure.

Answer: Generally, no. High-quality bluestone pavers, particularly those with a Honed, Sawn,  Exfoliated, or Sandblasted finish, offer excellent natural slip resistance rating of R12. The slightly textured surface provides grip, making it a safe choice for wet areas like pathways, pool surrounds, and alfresco dining areas. 

Answer: Due to its dark colour, bluestone will naturally absorb more heat than lighter stones like Travertine. While it can become warm in direct summer sun, many homeowners choose to use a slightly lighter grey shade or ensure the area receives some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Answer: Bluestone naturally contains trace amounts of iron. When exposed to water and air, this iron can oxidize (rust), creating small, reddish-brown spots known as “flecking.” This is a natural characteristic of the stone and does not affect structural integrity. Most suppliers treat the stone to minimize this, and a good quality sealer can also help.

Answer: The required thickness depends on the application:

  • 20mm-30mm Thick: This is the standard, most popular thickness for external pavers laid on a compacted road base/sand or in pedestrian areas.

  • 40mm Thick: Recommended for driveways and areas subject to heavier commercial vehicle traffic ie Trucks

  • 10mm to 15mm Thick: Used as Bluestone Tiles for internal or external  flooring over a concrete slab.

Answer: Yes, sealing is strongly recommended. While bluestone is dense, sealing helps protect it from staining (especially grease, oil, and red wine) and helps mitigate the natural iron oxidation/flecking. Use a quality penetrating sealer that is suitable for natural stone. We recommend ROCKSTAR sealers.

Answer: Regular cleaning should involve sweeping and hosing. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft brush. Never use acidic cleaners (like brick cleaners or vinegar), as they can etch and damage the surface of the stone.

Answer:

  • Honed: Offers a smooth, uniform, matte finish, ideal for interiors or external areas where a sleek, modern look is desired.

  • Sawn: Offers a clean but natural surface keeping the bluestone a lighter shade of bluey grey. With a high non slip rating of R12.
  • Exfoliated (or Flamed): The surface is treated with high heat, creating a slightly rougher texture. This finish is popular for pool surrounds and external patios as it maximizes grip and slip resistance.

Answer: Always purchase your coping and pavers from the same supplier at the same time and request that they come from the same batch (or “lot”). As bluestone is natural, colour, tone, and flecking can vary between different quarry batches.

Answer: Yes. Bluestone pavers (typically 20mm or 30mm thickness) can be adhered directly to a stable, clean, and appropriately sloped concrete slab using a quality external grade, polymer-modified cement adhesive suitable for natural stone.

Generally speaking here in Melbourne, Australia bluestone prices vary mainly due to the size and thickness of the pavers. Three thicknesses are very common here in Australia: 10-12mm with a price of $44-$49m2, 20mm with a price range of $56-$69m2 and 30mm with a price range of $69-$89m2 inc GST.