Treads, Coping, Wall Caps, Countertops, Etc.

Thermal bluestone steps, wall caps, countertops, or pool coping can add the final touch to a project. Aside from its natural beauty, bluestone provides strength and durability in a combination that can only originate with natural stone. This material is extracted from the deepest parts of the quarry in long portions. It is then taken to the mill where it is sliced down to the desired thickness. After the stone has been cut, it is flamed with a torch to give it texture. This flaming process is the reason it is known as thermal bluestone or thermal treadstock. The thermal treadstock, as it’s commonly known in the industry, is generally used anywhere there will be exposed edges, such as a border around a raised patio or landing, steps, sills, pier caps, hearths, pool coping, etc.

Treadstock is preferable to use over natural cleft bluestone in areas where the exposed edges will be seen because the natural cleft stone varies in thickness, while the thermal treadstock does 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. 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 treadstock in any application where the exposed edge of the stone will be visible.

The standard edge for our treads, caps, coping, etc. is the flamed edge, but we also offer several custom edge details too. All the edges we offer can be seen here – https://robinsonflagstone.com/edge-treatments/

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.