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

Thermal bluestone stair treads, wall caps, countertops, and pool coping add a clean, finished look to any project. Because bluestone offers exceptional strength and long‑lasting durability, it remains one of the most reliable natural stone options available. To create thermal bluestone, quarries extract dense stone blocks from the deepest sections of the quarry. From there, the blocks go to the mill, where the stone is sliced to the required thickness.

After cutting, the stone is flamed with a blowtorch to create its signature textured surface. This process gives thermal bluestone its name and produces the consistent thickness and clean edges that builders and homeowners rely on. As a result, thermal treads work especially well in projects where the stone’s edges remain exposed. Common applications include steps, raised patio borders, landings, sills, pier caps, hearths, and pool coping.

In contrast, natural cleft bluestone is not ideal when the edges will be visible. Natural cleft stone varies in thickness, while thermal treads maintain uniform dimensions. For example, a natural cleft stone labeled as 1 ½” thick may range anywhere from 1 ¼” to 2”. Although that variation works for patios or walkways where edges stay hidden, it creates an uneven and less polished appearance on finished edges.

Additionally, we do not flame the edges of natural cleft bluestone because the stone can split along natural seams and internal reeds. For these reasons, we always recommend choosing thermal bluestone treads for any project where the exposed edge plays a visible role in the final design.

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.