Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania Bluestone & Natural Stone FAQs
At Gettysburg Stoneworks, we know choosing the right natural stone product for your project comes with questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Pennsylvania Bluestone, installation, finishes, maintenance, shipping, and product selection.
If you don’t see your question below, feel free to contact our team directly for personalized assistance.
What is Pennsylvania Bluestone?
Pennsylvania Bluestone is a natural sandstone quarried primarily in northeast Pennsylvania. It is known for its durability, natural texture, and signature blue-gray coloration, though it can also feature shades of brown, green, rust, and lilac. Bluestone is commonly used for patios, walkways, steps, walls, pool decks, and other architectural or landscape applications.
Why is it called Bluestone?
Pennsylvania Bluestone gets its name from the predominant blue and gray tones naturally found within the stone. Depending on mineral composition and quarry location, the stone may also contain earth-tone color variations such as rust, brown, green, and lilac.
What is the difference between Thermal and Natural Cleft Bluestone?
Thermal Bluestone
Thermal Bluestone is precision cut and heat-treated with a flame process to create a smoother, non-slip textured surface. It offers a cleaner, more uniform appearance and is popular for modern patios, walkways, and pool areas.
Natural Cleft Bluestone
Natural Cleft Bluestone retains the stone’s natural surface texture and variation, creating a more rustic and organic appearance.
What is the difference between Full Color and True Blue Bluestone?
True Blue Bluestone
True Blue Bluestone primarily features consistent blue and gray tones.
Full Color Bluestone
Full Color Bluestone contains a wider natural color range including blue, gray, brown, green, rust, and lilac tones for a more varied appearance.
Is Pennsylvania Bluestone durable?
Yes. Pennsylvania Bluestone is highly regarded for its strength, density, and durability. Its compact composition and silica content help it withstand weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy foot traffic while maintaining its appearance over time.
What is Irregular Bluestone Flagging?
Irregular Bluestone Flagging consists of naturally shaped pieces of bluestone designed to create a more organic and rustic appearance. Each piece varies in shape and size, making it ideal for natural-looking patios, pathways, and landscape designs.
What is Tumbled Bluestone?
Tumbled Bluestone is specially processed to soften the edges and surface of the stone, creating a weathered, aged appearance. This style is popular for rustic or old-world inspired landscape and hardscape designs.
Does Bluestone fade over time?
Bluestone naturally weathers over time, which can slightly soften or enhance its color variation depending on exposure and environment. Many customers appreciate the natural aging process and character it develops.
Is Pennsylvania Bluestone environmentally friendly?
Yes. Pennsylvania Bluestone is a natural material that requires minimal processing and offers long-lasting durability, reducing replacement needs and material waste over time.
Can you help me choose the right stone product?
Absolutely. Our team can help you determine the best product, finish, thickness, and color variation based on your project goals, installation method, and design preferences.
What products does Gettysburg Stoneworks offer?
We offer a wide range of Pennsylvania Bluestone and natural stone products, including:
- Thermal Bluestone
- Irregular Bluestone Flagging
- Bluestone Treads
- Colonial Wallstone
- Pennsylvania Fieldstone
- Quarry Steppers
- Tumbled Bluestone
- Wall Caps
- Landscape Stone
- Natural Cleft Bluestone
Our products are suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
What are the most common uses for Pennsylvania Bluestone?
Pennsylvania Bluestone is commonly used for:
- Patios
- Walkways
- Pool decks
- Stair treads
- Retaining walls
- Garden pathways
- Outdoor kitchens
- Hearths and mantles
- Landscape features
- Commercial hardscapes
Can Bluestone be used around pools?
Absolutely! Thermal Bluestone is especially popular around pools because the thermal finish creates a textured, slip-resistant surface that performs well in wet conditions.
Can Bluestone be used indoors?
Yes. While Bluestone is commonly used outdoors, it can also be used indoors for fireplaces, hearths, flooring, mantles, accent walls, and other architectural features.
What thicknesses are available?
Thicknesses vary depending on the product type.
Common Thicknesses Include:
- 1″
- 1.5″
- 2″
- Up to 6″ for select tread products
Custom sizing may also be available depending on the product and project requirements.
What sizes are available for Bluestone Flagging?
We offer a wide range of standard sizes including:
- 12×12
- 12×18
- 12×24
- 12×30
- 12×36
- 18×18
- 18×24
- 18×30
- 18×36
- 24×24
- 24×30
- 24×36
Custom sizes may also be available upon request.
How do I maintain Bluestone?
Pennsylvania Bluestone is relatively low maintenance.
Recommended Maintenance:
- Regular sweeping or rinsing
- Mild detergent and water for cleaning
- Avoid acidic cleaners or harsh chemicals
- Seal if desired for additional stain protection
Routine maintenance helps preserve the stone’s appearance and longevity.
Do you offer shipping?
Yes. Gettysburg Stoneworks offers nationwide shipping for both full and partial flatbed loads depending on the project size and location.
Do you work with homeowners and contractors?
Yes. We proudly serve:
- Homeowners
- Contractors
- Masons
- Landscape professionals
- Businesses
- Commercial projects
Whether you need material for a backyard patio or a large commercial hardscape project, we can help.
How can I request pricing or a quote?
You can contact Gettysburg Stoneworks directly for pricing, product availability, and shipping information.