How to Maintain a Bluestone Paver Patio

Bluestone paver patios are growing in popularity, due to not only the durability of the material but also the low maintenance required for them. You can use bluestone paver stones to create not only patios but driveways, sidewalks, and even countertops. This makes the material very versatile as well. It is difficult to stain a bluestone paver patio because the stone is not very porous, meaning it will not absorb oil. Water cannot permeate the surface either, which means mold and mildew will have a hard time forming on the pavers. Bluestone is a type of sandstone without the characteristics of traditional sandstone. To ensure the bluestone paver patio remains worry-free there are some easy things you can do to maintain it, and the article that follows will show you how.

Step 1 – Cleaning the Patio

A bluestone paver patio will require routine cleaning, as part of your normal household maintenance. Remove all of the furniture and other items from the patio. Use the broom, and sweep away any leaves, twigs, gravel, and dirt, along with anything else that may be present. Rinse the patio off with the garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before continuing on.

Step 2 – Scrub it Down

Over time, mud and other items, such as dead and rotting leaves, can stick to the bluestone pavers. These materials are not always easy to remove with a garden hose. This means that you will have to scrub the patio down. Mix dish soap with warm water, and then use the scrubbing brush to clean the patio. Rinse the patio off with clean water after several minutes. Since bluestone is very sturdy, you can use a good amount of pressure to scrub it down.

Step 3 – Stains

Bluestone is not porous, so stains do not usually form on them. After years of use, the pavers can weaken enough that eventually, they can be stained by materials like grease and oil. In most cases, these can be cleaned up with soap and water. In the rare circumstance that soap and water don't do the trick, you can use a chemical to do the job. A bluestone paver patio is touchy when it comes to chemicals, as they can etch the stone. Mix 1 cup of ammonia powder to 1 gallon of water, and then scrub the stain with it. Rinse off the area and repeat as needed.

Step 4 – Sealing

You should always seal a bluestone paver patio after you scrub it clean. There are dozens of stone sealers on the market, and most of them will work on bluestone. Consult the package to make sure you get the right kind, and then you can apply it, using a standard paintbrush. Use light strokes when painting the sealer on, and then wait a day for it to dry. Once the sealer is dry, apply a second coat.