Bluestone Treads, Coping, Wall Caps, Countertops, Etc.

Thermal bluestone stair treads, wall caps, countertops, or pool coping can add the final touch to a project. Bluestone provides strength and durability in a combination that can only originate with natural stone. This material is generally extracted from the deepest parts of the quarry in long blocks. The quarried stone blocks get taken to the mill where they are sliced down to the desired thickness. First the stone is cut, and then subsequently flamed with a blowtorch to give it texture. This flaming process is the reason it’s known as thermal bluestone or thermal treads. The thermal tread stock is generally installed on any project where the edges of the stones will be exposed. Typical applications with exposed edges are steps, borders around a raised patio or landing, sills, pier caps, hearths, pool coping, etc.

Natural cleft bluestone is not the best option to use when the edges of the stone will be visible. The natural cleft stone varies in thickness, while the thermal treads do not. For example, average 1 ½” thick natural cleft stone actually varies anywhere from 1 ¼” to 2” in thickness. That variation is fine for a patio or walkway paver where the edges won’t be seen, but it isn’t the most desirable look for a finished edge. Furthermore, we do not flame the edges of our natural cleft stone as they are prone to natural splits and reeds from within the individual stones. We always recommend using the thermal bluestone treads in any application where the exposed edge of the stone will be visible.

Edge Treatments

Besides the standard flamed edge, we also offer several custom edge details too. All the edges we offer can be seen here – https://robinsonflagstone.com/edge-treatments/

Available Thicknesses

Treads, caps, coping, etc. are available in the following thicknesses: 1″, 1 ½”, 2″, 2 ½”, 3″, & 4″. Thickness for this material varies  +/- 1/8″ on the exposed edge.