Flagstone Paving Patterns
Typical Bluestone Patterns
Pennsylvania Bluestone can be installed in a variety of different paving patterns. There are 12 different standard bluestone paving sizes (see below) utilized in making the different patterns. Our team of experts have decades of experience assisting customers plan out their projects, and we are more than happy to help answer the common questions that arise during bluestone installations.
We offer in-house drafting of custom setting drawings for paving projects which are still drawn by hand. No CAD necessary! The individual stones are numbered on the shop drawings, and the installation becomes a “paint by numbers” assignment for the installer. Utilizing a setting drawing can save the installer from a lot of wasted time and thinking in the field.
Standard Paving Sizes (Applies to Natural Cleft and Thermal Paving Material)
- Nominal 12″ x 12″, 12″ x 18″, 12″ x 24″, 12″ x 30″, 12″ x 36″
- Nominal 18″ x 18″, 18″ x 24″, 18″ x 30″, 18″ x 36″
- Nominal 24″ x 24″, 24″ x 30″, 24″ x 36″
Random Rectangular Pattern
The random rectangular pattern, also sometimes referred to as an ashlar pattern, is the most common pattern used in bluestone paving installations. It combines a mixture of standard sizes ranging from nominal 12″ x 12″ to 24″ x 36″. The pattern utilizes a combination of various sizes of squares and rectangles that are provided in 6″ multiples, which make up the layout. It is non-directional (does not tend to “lead” you one way or the other) and works well in most applications.
European Pattern
The European pattern utilizes stones of varying widths laid in courses that stack on top of each other. The stones within the courses are placed so that the joints between the stones stagger with those in the courses above and below. This pattern has been commonly used for sidewalks in Europe for centuries. It tends to have a more formal appearance, and with its parallel lines, a more linear look is apparent.
Irregular
Technically, there is no set pattern for the irregular flagstone. Utilizing irregular stone will result in a broken, natural look with generally no 90 degree corners, or straight edges. The resulting pattern is more rustic and asymmetric in appearance. The irregular stone is usually available in earthy shades and tones, although this can vary from time to time.
Running Bond Pattern
The running bond pattern is a more formal look as it’s laid in a staggered, brick- bond fashion. Therefore the stones would be similar in size and would uniformly alternate joints from one course to the other.
Diamond-Set Pattern
The diamond-set pattern is one of the most formal methods of laying flagstone. Square stones of similar size are laid 45 degrees to the edges of the area. This pattern requires additional stone so it can be diagonally cut at all the perimeters.
Semi-Random Rectangular Pattern
The semi-random rectangular pattern is a combination of square, rectangular and diagonally cut stones. This design was popular in the early 1900’s, and is very unusual & unique in appearance.
