# Bluestone patio guide: natural cleft vs thermal, and what drives the cost

Bluestone is the classic New England patio stone. The first choice is the finish, and it changes the look, the grip and the install.

Gerson's Landscaping, Framingham, MA. Updated 2026-10-31.

## The short answer

- Natural cleft is split along the stone's own seams: rippled, rustic, grippy.
- Thermal is torched to an even texture and usually sawn to one thickness: cleaner and more modern.
- Size, pattern, base, access, steps and borders drive the cost more than the stone.

## Natural cleft or thermal: the first choice

Natural cleft bluestone is split along its natural seams, which leaves an uneven, rippled face. Thickness varies, so it takes longer to set.

Thermal bluestone is treated with heat for a more even, slightly rough face, and is usually sawn to a set thickness first. Pieces are more consistent, so the install is faster.

## Patterns: irregular, pattern cut, or a border

Irregular pieces read rustic and fit curved edges. Pattern-cut rectangles read clean and formal. A brick or contrasting border frames either one.

## Six things that move the price of a patio

1. Size: square footage of stone.
2. Pattern: irregular fitting takes more labor than rectangles.
3. Base: excavation and a compacted gravel base sized for New England frost.
4. Access: whether a machine can reach the backyard.
5. Steps, walls and borders around the patio.
6. Grade: how much the ground has to be leveled first.

> Plan patios in winter, build in the dry months. The planning is where the money is saved.

## Plan your bluestone patio

Call or text Gerson about a bluestone patio. Send a photo of the space. Call or text (781) 866-0850.

## Sources

- Dynamic Stone Tools, Bluestone guide for patios and walks: https://dynamicstonetools.com/blogs/news/bluestone-complete-guide-for-patios-walks-flooring (read 2026-10-31)