One of the most popular materials used by homeowners for patios, pathways, driveways, floors, fireplaces, countertops, and even trim and window sills is natural bluestone. The main reason for this is that the stone is incredibly durable and is available in a variety of colors, including: greys, pinks, greens, blues and even a lilac purple. However, if you plan to use bluestone as a flooring material, there are a number of issues you need to consider first:
Water
Unfortunately, bluestone is a highly porous material, which means it will absorb water and retain it, leading to a number of problems, including:
- A slight curvature in the stone, which can cause individual pavers to drift out of their level alignment.
- Color loss with spots where large volumes of water have settled or absorbed.
- An unattractive, oily buildup that is caused by soap scum in the water that is not absorbed by the stone.
If you plan to use bluestone as a flooring material in areas that will be frequently exposed to water (such as bathrooms and patios), you will need to make sure it is properly sealed.
Discoloration, scratches and chips
These are all common problems that occur to bluestone when it is used as a flooring material. However, there are a few ways to fix these issues and prevent them from occurring:
- The discoloration (or efflorescence) is caused by the stone absorbing water and then releasing mineral salts, which dry on the surface as a white powder. Simply vacuum, mop or sweep.
- Bluestone can be easily gouged, scratched, or chipped, but if these marks are minor, they can be sanded lightly. Deeper marks will need professional attention.
Spills and Breaks
The sad truth is that bluestone is a very unforgiving material: if you drop something breakable on it, it is likely to break and most spills will cause discoloration. The best way to protect against these problems is to seal the stone (which will also make it waterproof) and place mats or carpet scraps in high-traffic areas. Not only will this help protect breakable items from breaking if dropped, but it will also help lessen the stress of people standing on the bluestone for long periods of time.
Although bluestone, when used as a flooring material, is subject to some problems, if properly cared for and maintained, none of these problems should occur. By the time you have your bluestone floors installed, have them sealed and then reapply this sealer regularly (every two years is enough) and it will go a long way in preventing some of the above problems from occurring.