Renovation of bluestone

Bluestone can have many origins but is most often Asian or Belgian. In the case of Belgian bluestone it may also be called little granite or stone of Soignies according to its specific origin.

In general, bluestone is quite different from other calcareous stone types such as marble, by its structure and behavior. Bluestone is very much closed (little or no porous at all such as granite)and very hard/solid but also very sensitive to mechanical wear. Bluestone will get scratched or striped very easily but will also quickly get a very charming and esthetically important patina or texture.

A rough bluestone (without treatment) will stain easily but the stains disappear with time as the patina of the stone reveals itself.

The type of grinding and the treatment of bluestone will be critical with the view of making a choice of appearance and properties of the floor.

When renovating we mainly choose between honed bluestone or crystallized bluestone. For outdoor applications we can also opt for an elegant bush-hammered finish that has the advantage of being non-slip.

Honed bluestone will have a satin gloss and will be little resistant to wear and stains. The patina will quickly appear. In this case different colors may appear depending on the type of grinding, with water or dry or whether a color enhancer is used.

Crystallization of bluestone strengthens its resistance to mechanical wear and stains. But the floor will require some maintenance so that over time it keeps a nice shine.