What’s the Difference Between Flagstone and Bluestone?​

Whether you’re designing a patio, walkway, or poolside retreat, choosing between flagstone and bluestone can shape the entire look and feel of your outdoor space. Both are popular natural stone options, but they differ by factors like color, durability, price, and availability. Below, we break down the key differences so you can decide which one is right for your project.

Flagstone vs. Bluestone: Key Differences

Both flagstone and bluestone are natural landscaping rocks used for patios, walkways, and pool decks. Flagstone refers to any flat, sedimentary stone used in paving, while bluestone is a specific type of flagstone known for its density and signature blue-gray tone. 

Bluestone often costs more than other types of flagstone because it's denser, heavier, and only sourced from a few regions. That limited availability, combined with its weight (which raises shipping and handling costs), drives up the price. But its uniform color and smooth texture make it an attractive pick for homeowners who want a clean, polished aesthetic.

What Is Flagstone?​

Flagstone is a general term that refers to flat, sedimentary stones used in landscaping projects, like sandstone, limestone, and quartzite. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, and it’s widely available across the U.S., making it a versatile, regionally adaptable option for patios, walkways, garden paths, and pool decks.

Best for: 

• Homeowners who want a natural aesthetic

• Projects with irregular or curved layouts

• Budgets that require flexible material options

• Regions outside the Northeast where bluestone is harder to source

Pros of Flagstone

One of flagstone’s biggest advantages is its variety. Because “flagstone” refers to multiple types of sedimentary stone, you’ll find a wide range of natural colors, textures, and finishes to match different styles. From warm browns and reds to cool grays and greens, it offers more aesthetic flexibility than a single-source stone like bluestone.

It’s also widely available across the U.S., which often makes it easier and more affordable to source, especially if you choose a local type. And because it comes in both irregular slabs and pre-cut shapes, flagstone suits a range of designs, from freeform garden paths to more structured patios. Flagstone’s natural surface also provides built-in slip resistance, making it a safe option for high-traffic areas and poolside applications. 

Cons of Flagstone

Not all flagstones are created equal. Some types, especially softer varieties like certain sandstones, are more likely to flake, chip, or wear down over time. That’s not ideal in high-traffic areas or in climates with extreme freeze-thaw cycles, where water can get in and break the stone apart.

Bluestone is often sold in uniform, rectangular shapes that fit together easily, but most flagstone comes in irregular pieces, which can increase your labor and installation costs. Depending on the type you choose, you may also need to seal it to prevent stains and water damage. 

What Is Bluestone?

Bluestone is a dense, blue-gray sandstone that’s technically a type of flagstone, but it’s often treated as its own category because of its distinct look and limited regional availability. Most U.S. bluestone comes from quarries in Pennsylvania and New York, where it’s typically cut into rectangular shapes and sold in uniform thicknesses. Its clean lines and smooth surface make it especially popular for creating a more polished, modern look for patios, walkways, and pool decks. 

Best for: 

• Homeowners who want a clean, uniform look

• Projects in the Northeast where bluestone is more affordable

• High-traffic or load-bearing areas like patios and walkways

• Buyers willing to spend more for longevity and low maintenance

Pros of Bluestone

Bluestone is denser and heavier than most other flagstones, which means it holds up incredibly well in high-traffic areas and harsh weather. Unlike other irregular flagstone options, bluestone is usually sold in rectangular, dimensional cuts, which speeds up installation and makes the finished surface look more polished.

While other natural stones can be slippery when wet, bluestone has a naturally textured surface that offers a solid grip underfoot, even around pools or in rainy climates. It’s also likely to boost a home’s resale value more than other flagstone types. 

Cons of Bluestone

Bluestone is one of the more expensive types of flagstone, especially if you’re outside the Northeast, where it’s not locally sourced. It’s also less flexible in terms of style. If you want earthy reds, warm browns, or mixed tones, you won’t find it with bluestone; it only comes in a blue-gray color. And some stones can fade to a duller gray over time, depending on sun exposure and weather conditions.

Bluestone’s weight also makes it harder to handle than lighter stones like sandstone, which can slow down DIY installs and strain even experienced crews. If you’re managing the project yourself, this might add some logistical challenges to keep in mind. 

Flagstone vs. Bluestone

Flagstone and bluestone each have their pros and cons. Here, we break down how they compare based on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, appearance, and what it’s like to live with them day to day.

Appearance​: Bluestone

Bluestone wins when it comes to a clean, modern look. Its consistent blue-gray coloring and smooth, dimensional cuts create a more uniform, polished surface. Other flagstone types often lean more rustic, with irregular shapes and a wider range of colors, which works well for natural, organic designs but doesn’t offer the same high-end, visual cohesion as bluestone.

Options and Customizations​​: Flagstone

Flagstone offers way more variety. Since it’s a category, not a specific stone, you can choose from a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes depending on the type you want. Bluestone, on the other hand, typically comes in just one color and is usually sold in standard rectangular cuts. So if you want creative freedom, Flagstone gives you more to work with.

Durability​​: Bluestone

Bluestone is denser and less porous than many other flagstones, which makes it better at resisting chips, cracks, and weather damage, especially in freeze-thaw climates. While some types of flagstone, like quartzite, are also tough, softer varieties like sandstone or limestone can break down faster under heavy use.

Price​: Flagstone

Flagstone costs $200 to $550 per ton, but since it includes a range of stone types, it’s easier to find affordable options, especially if you go with locally sourced materials. Bluestone is one of the most expensive types of flagstone, with higher material, shipping, and labor costs due to its weight and limited regional availability. 

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Bluestone

Bluestone is easier to install than most other flagstones because it’s sold in uniform, rectangular shapes that fit together cleanly, which saves time and frustration during layout. Flagstone often comes in irregular, uneven pieces that require more cutting and fitting, slowing things down and increasing labor costs.

Ease of Repair/DIYability​: Flagstone

Flagstone is easier to patch or replace, especially if you’re working with irregular pieces. If one stone cracks or chips, you can often swap it out without disturbing the whole layout. Bluestone’s weight and uniform pattern can make spot repairs trickier, especially if matching the color is important or if it’s been sealed.

Maintenance​: Bluestone

Bluestone is denser and less porous than many other flagstones, which makes it more resistant to stains, water damage, and freeze-thaw cycles. Some flagstone varieties, especially softer or more porous ones, require regular sealing to stay protected.

Length of Life​: Bluestone

Bluestone lasts longer, especially in harsh climates and high-traffic areas. Its dense composition helps it resist cracking, shifting, and erosion better than softer flagstones like sandstone. While harder flagstones like quartzite also have long lifespans, bluestone’s consistent durability across the board gives it the edge. 

Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability​: Flagstone

Flagstone is typically more sustainable, but it depends on what and where you source. Because flagstone includes a range of materials, it’s easier to find options that are quarried locally, reducing transportation emissions and environmental impact. Bluestone is more limited in its availability, so if it’s not local to your region, it will require more fuel and resources to ship.

ROI and/or Resale Value​: Bluestone

Bluestone usually offers higher resale value thanks to its polished appearance and long lifespan. It’s seen as a premium material and tends to appeal to buyers looking for high-end outdoor finishes. Flagstone still adds value, especially when well installed, but it doesn’t carry quite the same perception of luxury.