Bluestone is considered one of the most favourite natural stones for Australians and for the all the good reason it should be. The stone features a beautiful rustic yet elegant feel and the presence of “Catspaws” on the surface makes it even more charming.
Bluestone commonly known as Basalt is perfect for outdoor paving spaces like patio, alfresco, courtyard, verandah, walkway, pool surrounds and garden paving. You create both traditional and modern looking projects by installing Bluestone Pavers.
This write up is for all the DIY enthusiasts who are looking to create a small project space that looks magical. You can go with Bluestone Pavers or Bluestone Crazy Paving; the installation and maintenance remain the same for both.
Steps to Install Bluestone for outdoor paving
- Layout Design
The first and foremost to take care even before you start searching for Bluestone in the market is to design the layout of your project. You can use different AI tools available these days to figure out a unique design for your home.
It’s quite easy with these tools right and takes a jiffy to create one that gives you an idea as to how your end project will look like.
- Get your measurements right
You are supposed to measure the area where you are looking to put natural stone. This shall give you a fair idea as to how much stone you would need. Consider a 10% wastage on it and you are good to go looking for Bluestone Pavers.
- Look for a Bluestone Supplier
Since you are doing this project for your home, make sure you get the best quality stone. Even if you are living a bit outskirt from the main city you can still find reliable suppliers. For instance, if you are on the eastern side of Corio Bay, you shouldn’t compromise on the quality, and we are sure you will find an authentic supplier if you have been searching for “Bluestone pavers Geelong” on the internet.
- Gathering required tools and prepping the area
Gather all the tools that you will be needing to install natural stone before you start your project, and it shall help you avoid any unnecessary hassle during the entire project time.
Prepping the area will require you to excavate the area, securing it and creating a solid base. You should excavate the area at the depth of 200mm, make sure to level the surface afterwards.
- Setting the foundation
This step involves setting the foundation or base for the stone which is generally a mixture of wet mortar. Once you have set the foundation, we recommend letting it sit for 48 hours before you install pavers Bluestone.
- Installing the stone and grouting
Pick up the paver on the back side of it put the pasting material and you can start putting the stone on the surface, that’s it right? Did you really think it is going to be that easy? Sort of we would say but you need to be cautious while installing natural stone and make use of thread to put them on equal gaps and fill them with grout which will be a mixture of cement and sand.
- Sealing the surface
This happens to the be the most important step. You should dip seal Bluestone before you install them if not than surface seal them just after the installation. Sealant will protect the stone from stains, and since the stone has pores, in case of rain it can absorb water or in case spills it can etch.
How to maintain Bluestone Pavers?
When you have sealed the stone, moreover it is about How to clean Bluestone pavers than maintenance. Because sealing will take care of stains and permeability, but you must be extra cautious when it comes to cleaning the stone.
The following tips shall help you maintain the longevity of the stone and keep it look afresh for ages to come:
- Cleaning and maintaining Bluestone Pavers is easier. You need a soft bristled mop and clean water for regular cleaning.
- Check for stains and chipping periodically and in case you find one, contact a professional or replace the paver.
- Make sure not to clean the paver with an acidic solution, citric acid, bleach or detergent solution.
- In case you want to clean them with a solution look a stone specific solution that comes in PH neutral value.
- Keep resealing the stone after every 2-3 years this shall ensure protection for an extended period.
Conclusion
If you are planning a DIY installation for your home, Bluestone is a good choice of material to look for. This guide shall help you on the process of how to install and maintain them.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is to look for an authentic Bluestone Pavers Supplier in Geelong or around if you are from Victoria state, which shouldn’t be tough.