Differences in Flagstone & Bluestone

Differences in Flagstone & Bluestone
Written By
SM
Susan Malley
Published: Mar 30, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

The quarry from which the stone is mined determines the classification of flagstone type.

Types

Arizona provides a variety of stone.

Different quarries throughout the country produce a wide variety of flagstone. Arizona produces a desert-color stone with hints of burnished red called Arizona Buckskin. Colorado Stain Strips have the color of a golden sunset. Tennessee Bluestone is of a blue-grey color with subtle golden streaks. Pennsylvania Bluestone is colored in a range of grey and blue-greys.

Design

Bluestone.

Flagstone and bluestone are popular choices for hardscaping. They are used to create pathways and walkways, steps, driveways, walls and interior flooring. The rich color of bluestone stands out in a landscape, while a more neutral-colored flagstone blends in and becomes part of the landscape.They are also used in architectural design. Bluestone is versatile, more stable and stronger than the more generic flagstone. All stone of this type are available as “irregular” or uncut and as pre-cut slabs.

Advertisement

Cost

Flagstone tiles.

Flagstone, in general, is not an inexpensive material. Depending on location, type, cut and color, prices can range anywhere from $120 per ton to over $500 per ton. Bluestone tends to be a little pricier than most other colors of flagstone, since it is not available in all areas. Pavers cost $25 to $35 per square foot. Flagstone, and especially bluestone, are typically used in smaller projects as the cost may quickly become too prohibitive. It is wise to consult with a professional to determine the product best-suited for a project.

The Drip Cap

  • Flagstone is sedimentary rock comprised of sandstone, silica and other substances.
  • The quarry from which the stone is mined determines the classification of flagstone type.
  • Tennessee Bluestone is of a blue-grey color with subtle golden streaks.
  • Flagstone and bluestone are popular choices for hardscaping.
  • Bluestone tends to be a little pricier than most other colors of flagstone, since it is not available in all areas.

Resources

Photo Credits

SafakOguz/iStock/Getty Images

SafakOguz/iStock/Getty Images

Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

FAsAn GenA/iStock/Getty Images

amnachphoto/iStock/Getty Images

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.