Flagstone Paving Patterns
Typical Bluestone Patterns
Pennsylvania Bluestone can be installed in a wide range of paving patterns, offering flexibility for both residential and commercial projects. With 12 standard bluestone paving sizes available, it’s easy to create layouts that suit your design goals and space requirements. Our team of seasoned experts has decades of experience guiding customers through the planning process, and we’re always ready to answer the most common questions that come up during bluestone installation.
We also provide in‑house drafting for custom setting drawings—still created by hand, with no CAD required. Each stone is clearly numbered on the shop drawings, turning the installation into a simple, “paint‑by‑numbers” process for contractors and installers. Using a detailed setting drawing not only streamlines the workflow but also eliminates unnecessary guesswork and wasted time 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. Basically, 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 concurrently 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. Nevertheless, irregular flagstone always results in a classic, organic look for any project. 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. Furthermore, 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. It is very unusual & unique in appearance, and subsequently not used too often anymore.
