Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained sandstone quarried in Pennsylvania and New York. It can be finished two ways: left with its natural split face — cleft — or thermal-finished for a flat, even surface.
What thermal means.
The face of a sawn slab is passed under an intense flame. The heat makes the top layer of the stone spall off in tiny flakes, leaving a flat surface with a fine, even texture that reads as one quiet color across a whole terrace. It’s the same finish on every piece, which is why it’s the stone of choice for clean, architectural work.
Where it belongs.
- Stair treads — full slabs, thick and even, with an eased nosing. Every step reads like a cap.
- Wall caps and piers — the thermal cap is our signature on every natural stone wall.
- Pool coping — a flat, even edge with a softened nose.
- Pattern-cut terraces — rectangles and squares in a repeating pattern, wet-set on a reinforced slab.
- Hearths, mantels and countertops outdoors.
Blue Select or full range?
Thermal bluestone comes in Blue Select — the even blue-gray — and full range, with lilac, rust and green mixed in. Our guide to Blue Select vs full-range bluestone covers the choice.
See it in our bluestone terraces and stone steps, or ask Edgar to bring samples to your site walk.
