Bluestone Pavers are one of the most attractive, durable and popular outdoor building materials to offer warmth and comfort or ratchet up the flair. Whether laying new paving in your garden area, beautifying the swimming deck area, or designing a welcoming pathway, Bluestone Pavers is well worth your purchase. It is one of the most popular choices that beautifully blends contemporary architecture with treasured collections.
You can find Bluestone Pavers in plenty of shades, shapes and sizes. We at Stone Depot have Bluestone in the honed and natural split finish. If you want to improve the look and appeal of the backyard, follow the step-by-step guide on how to lay Bluestone Pavers to achieve the best results.
Alternatively, you can even hire a Bluestone Paving expert or landscaper in Sydney for a professional and hassle-free installation of pavers on your property.
1. Determine Size, Shape and Placement
Determine the style: Determine whether you’ll use broken Bluestone pieces for a natural look or evenly cut Bluestone Tiles for a clean look. It is one of the first thing to consider while figuring out how to lay Bluestone Pavers or Tiles.
Measure and mark: Measure out the patio area and outline it with flags, stakes, or spray paint. Purchase enough Bluestone according to the patio space available. You should keep a few extra pavers or tiles so that you do not waste time if you break a piece or two while carrying them.
Practice the pattern: If you opt for a natural look, practice laying out each piece of Bluestone first to figure out the best pattern for the space. Leave at least 1.5 inches between each stone if you plan to fill in the space between with moss.
Number the pieces: Once you have a pattern, use chalk to number each stone. Take a picture that you can use as a guide later. You may have to use a stepping ladder to get everything in the picture. Skip this step entirely if you’re creating a clean look with pre-cut pavers.
2. Create a Sloped Base Layer
All patios need to have a slight slope for proper drainage. As a general rule of thumb, the base layer of a patio should always slope away from the house to prevent excess water build-up around the basement and foundation.
Grade the slope: The patio base layer should slope about an inch every four to six feet. You can do this in many ways, but the simplest way is to tape a one-inch block of wood to one end of a four- to six-foot-long level. Continuously check the slope as you dig.
Excavation: Use a spade shovel to dig up the sod and topsoil. Dig deep enough so that the bluestone pavers sit slightly above or at ground level, accounting for the gravel base, levelling sand and width of the Bluestone. It’s important to keep digging about six inches outside the outlined patio perimeter to account for paver edging.
Gravel base: A gravel base layer provides additional drainage and overall patio support. Pour a layer of gravel and wet it down with a garden hose. You may have to use a rake to evenly distribute the layer while keeping the angle of the slope. Then, flatten out the area using a plate compactor or a hand tamper.
Pour the levelling sand: Pour a layer of levelling sand about an inch thick over the area. This layer helps the stone settle and stay in place. Spray the sand lightly with a garden hose to dampen it. This will help keep dust from kicking up as you smooth it out. Then, use a garden rake to even the sand out over the area while keeping the graded slope in mind.
3. Lay the Bluestone
Use your reference picture to lay the numbered bluestone pieces back in the pattern you created at the beginning of this project. Check the level as you go to make sure the stones are relatively level to each other and the grade is still holding up.
4. Fill in the Gaps with Moss (Optional)
If you opted for natural Bluestone tiles vs even pavers, it might leave you with space between each stone. Finish the look of your patio by filling in the spaces between the stone with moss.
Remove the dirt: Use a gardening spade to remove an inch of dirt between the stones.
Plant the moss: You’ll need a bucket of water for this step. Take the moss and gently dip it into the bucket of water to soften it. Press the moss into the gaps, using a utility knife to remove excess edges.
Maintenance tips for Bluestone Pavers:
Clean regularly: Regularly sweep or hose down your bluestone pavers to remove dirt, debris and leaves. This prevents them from becoming embedded in the surface and causing stains.
Avoid harsh cleaners: Avoid using harsh chemicals or acid-based cleaners on your bluestone pavers, as they can cause damage to the surface. Instead, use a gentle detergent mixed with water.
Seal the pavers: Bluestone pavers are porous and can absorb moisture, which can cause cracking or staining. Seal your pavers with a high-quality sealer to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface.
Remove stains immediately: If you spill something on your bluestone pavers, clean it up immediately to prevent it from staining the surface. Blot any liquids with a clean cloth and use a gentle cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Avoid heavy vehicles: Avoid driving heavy vehicles or equipment over your bluestone pavers, as this can cause cracking or damage to the surface.
Regular maintenance: Check your bluestone pavers for damage or wear and tear. Repair any cracks or chips immediately to prevent them from getting worse.
Following these maintenance tips ensures that your bluestone pavers remain in good condition for many years.
Looking for gorgeous & high-quality Bluestone Pavers and Tiles?
Bluestone is a beautiful paving material that may be used for modern and rustic patios and walkways. We at Stone Depot take pride in having premium Bluestone and other natural stones such as Travertine, Limestone, Slatestone and Sandstone. You can visit our showroom directly or contact us for free samples. Check out our vast range of natural stones today!
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*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
