Before purchasing bluestone rock, decide what texture, shape, and patio edge style you desire. You have two texture choices, natural cleft or sawn thermal. Natural cleft rock is made from blocks of bluestone that are naturally hewn from the soil and then cleft along visible seams. The result are stones with a wavy soft texture. The thickness of each stone is approximate, i.e., they are non-gauged. One variation of natural cleft is called curly rippled. Unlike cleft rock, thermaled stones have identical gauged edges and a smooth even surface. Stone cutters create thermal texture by gauging the rocks to a certain thickness and then burning them. The heat causes the stones to bubble. When they are cool, loose flakes are removed, leaving a smooth even surface.
Bluestones come in multiple shape options. The two main pattern possibilities are "ashler," and fieldstone. Ashler refers to a combination of artfully conjoined geometric shapes such as squares, rectangles, and polygons. Fieldstone, on the other hand, connotes arrangements of irregularly cut stones that are fit together in random patterns with spaces between the stones filled in with sand, moss, or other filler.
Patio edges can be raised or level with the ground. Making the patio raised can add distinction to the construction, but keep in mind that the edges will be visible to the public so you should select an appropriate edge style. If you want your edges to have a softer look, you might want to create chiseled or tumbled edges. If you want a more formal look, you may opt for thermaled edges.
Next decide if you want your patio to adjoin the house or sit apart in a more rustic nook of the backyard landscape. Patios adjoining the home act as an extensions of the house. They are convenient for entertaining. Patios separate from the home and placed in an intimate part of the backyard landscaping, can be quiet places where you and your guests can relax, converse, and commune with nature.
Bluestone patios are easy to clean. Most of the time, all you need to do is scrub the surface with a soft brush and some soapy water. Tough stains can be removed with vinegar or lemon mixed with water. Every few years you might want to give your patio a power washing. Be sure to set the power washer on a medium setting. Cleaning the stone surface with the power washer set on high might leave swirly lines that can only be removed with an additional power washing.
Resources: Tops in patio building in Yorktown Heights, Westchester County and Putnam County, NY., call the Turf Barbers at 914 302 2469; 2929 Quinlan Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598; http://www.theturfbarbers.com .
