Bluestone Patio Maintenance Guide
Bluestone is one of the most beautiful and timeless patio materials you can choose for your New Jersey home — but because of our freeze-thaw winters, humidity, shade, and heavy rain, it needs the right maintenance plan to stay looking sharp year-round.
If your patio has ever shown white hazing, slippery patches, loose stones, or dark stains, this guide explains exactly why — and how to prevent it.
This is the ultimate NJ-specific bluestone maintenance guide written from a contractor’s point of view.
Why Bluestone Needs Maintenance in NJ
Bluestone is durable, but our climate brings:
Freeze–thaw cycles that cause expansion, shifting, and small cracks
High humidity, which leads to algae and slippery surfaces
Acidic rain, which can dull the surface
Sand-based joints washing out after storms
Winter salt usage, which can damage stone edges
Understanding these issues is the foundation of long-term maintenance.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist (NJ Weather-Specific)
Spring (March–May)
Winter freeze-thaw is rough on stone. In spring, you should:
Power wash gently to remove winter buildup (not too much PSI)
Refill washed-out joints with polymeric sand
Inspect for loose stones or edges
Treat mildew or algae on shaded areas
Check slope and drainage after snow melt
Summer (June–August)
Summer heat can dry out joints and attract organic stains.
Do the following:
Sweep debris weekly
Spot-clean stains from leaves, food, or rust
Apply a breathable sealer if needed
Wash off sunscreen/oil spills quickly (pool patios)
Fall (September–November)
Leaves + rain = organic stains and slippery surfaces.
You should:
Keep leaves off the patio
Rinse off acorns, berries, and plant debris
Inspect for drainage issues before winter
Touch up polymeric sand
Winter (December–February)
The most damaging season for bluestone in NJ.
Avoid these mistakes:
NEVER use rock salt (it destroys stone edges)
Use magnesium chloride or calcium chloride instead
Shovel with rubber-edge shovels
Do not use metal shovels or ice picks
Avoid letting thick ice build up
How to Clean Bluestone (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Sweep the Patio First
Remove leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris.
2. Use a Hose or Low-Pressure Power Wash
High PSI can chip the stone. Use a fan-tip and stay 12–18 inches away.
3. For Algae or Moss
Mix:
1 gallon of water
1 cup of oxygenated bleach (NOT chlorine)
Scrub gently and rinse.
4. For Grease or Food Stains
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
Never use vinegar or acidic products — they etch bluestone.
5. For Efflorescence (White Haze)
This is mineral salt coming out of the stone.
Use a dedicated efflorescence cleaner only once per season.
Should You Seal Bluestone? (When It Helps & When It Doesn’t)
Sealing is optional, not required — but in NJ, it can help with:
✔ reducing stains
✔ reducing slipperiness
✔ keeping color richer
✔ preventing water absorption in shaded areas
Only use a breathable sealer — NOT a glossy “wet look” sealer.
Non-breathable sealers trap moisture and cause flaking.
Best times to seal:
After installation (wait 30 days)
Every 2–3 years
Do NOT seal if:
The stones are already glossy
You have moisture or drainage problems
The bluestone is consistently shaded and damp
Fixing Common Bluestone Problems (Contractor Solutions)
Loose or Uneven Stones
Cause: freeze-thaw movement or washed-out joints
Fix:
Re-lift the piece
Recompact base
Add bedding layer
Reset stone
Slippery Surface
Cause: algae, moss, or too much shade
Fix:
Use an oxygenated cleaner
Improve drainage
Trim back overhanging trees
Consider adding polymeric sand to joints
White Hazing (Efflorescence)
Cause: moisture releasing minerals
Fix:
Use efflorescence cleaner
Improve drainage
Re-seal with breathable sealer
Stains and Discoloration
Cause: leaves, berries, rust, dirt
Fix:
pH-neutral stone cleaner
Avoid acids
How Bluestone Performs Compared to Pavers in NJ
(Perfect for interlinking to your paver page)
Bluestone looks more natural and upscale
Pavers handle winter freeze-thaw slightly better
Bluestone is cooler on the feet
Pavers have more color options
Bluestone needs slightly more maintenance
When to Call a Professional
Call a pro when:
Stones are shifting or sinking
Steps or landings become loose
Water is pooling on or around the patio
You see cracking edges
The patio looks uneven after winter
Need Professional Bluestone Repair or Maintenance in NJ?
If your bluestone patio in Wayne, Franklin Lakes, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Pompton Lakes, Pequannock, Mahwah, or Paramus needs repair, leveling, cleaning, or resealing, RVG Landscape & Design can restore it to like-new condition.
Additional Services We Offer
Plantings & Garden Enhancements
We specialize in seasonal and evergreen plantings to bring color, texture, and privacy to your landscape. From foundation planting to perennial gardens, privacy screens to ornamental trees, our planting designs are tailored to your property’s layout and light exposure. We source our plant material locally for freshness and longevity.
3D Landscape Design & Visualization
Seeing is believing. Our 3D design services allow you to visualize your entire project before a single shovel hits the ground. We build detailed digital renderings of patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, fire pits, plantings, and lighting layouts—so you can approve every element with confidence and clarity.
Full-Service Outdoor Living Solutions
In addition to patios, we offer:
Outdoor kitchens and grills
Retaining Walls and garden walls
Steps, walkways, and driveways
Drainage systems and grading
Low-voltage landscape lighting
Pool patio design and coping
We’re proud to serve the Bergen County & Passaic County area with professionalism, creativity, and over 15 years of trusted experience. Whether you’re enhancing your front yard or building a complete backyard retreat, RVG Landscape Design is your one-stop outdoor construction partner.
FAQ – Bluestone Patio Care in New Jersey
1. How often should you seal a bluestone patio in NJ?
Every 2–3 years with a breathable sealer.
2. What’s the best way to remove algae?
Oxygenated bleach mixed with water and gentle scrubbing.
3. Can I use salt on my bluestone walkway?
Avoid rock salt. Use magnesium or calcium chloride instead.
4. Does bluestone fade over time?
Slightly — sealing helps preserve color.
5. Why does bluestone get white haze?
Efflorescence from moisture; normal and treatable.
6. Why does bluestone become slippery?
Shade, moisture, and algae buildup.
7. Can I power wash bluestone?
Yes, but use low pressure.
8. What’s the most common problem with bluestone patios?
Washed-out joints and winter movement.
