[hosspapa]

We love the look of bluestone for our patio but can't afford it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a concrete paver (ideally 24" x 24") that looks as close to bluestone as possible.

Thank you.

[Stonehenge]

Unfortunately, a lot of the pavers made to look like stone cost as much as the real thing. You might try a tumbled paver that has some of those color highlights in it. Much smaller sizes than patterned bluestone, but you might get the same feel.

[agla]

There is a product called Rivenstone that is designed to look like Bluestone. I don't know the price. I would caution you that most of the investment is in the construction whether you pay for it or do it yourself. Saving 25%on the material is really only saving a much smaller percent in the total investment. It may be one of those things that you will really regret when the joy of saving a few bucks turns to dismay when you rip it all up later to put down the bluestone. Rather than saving 25%, that would be spending an additional 75% just on materials.

[NCSULandscaper]

id rather wait and save the money necessary for the product that i like, than to rush into things and get a sub par material just to get it done

[Fine Edge]

Is this a new or existing patio?

This may not be feasible but the colors and patterns of stamped concrete may work for new construction. Can't say I've ever seen the bluestone look but who knows?
I've also seen some pretty amazing colors and patterns of stained concrete if your patio is existing.

Just a thought.

[Lanelle]

Listen to the wisdom of these folks.
Not only is the price of manmade 'stone' about the same as the natural bluestone, it can be harder to work with and harder to adapt to curved areas because the cuts will reveal a different color/texture.

[jshilan]

There are a few manufacturers that have created a bluestone-like paver that is being used more and more in our area. Since many people like the look of bluestone but not heat that it retains, (especially around swimming pools) the market and demand is growing

Techo-bloc makes a paver called Inca. It comes in three sizes that are comparable to bluestone (7.5x15, 15x15 and 22.5x15). The sizes allow you to install a random pattern. It comes in two colors as well, Sahara and Riviera. Depending on the size of the area, you can blend the two colors together to get some additional interest and variation (maybe a 3:1 ratio)

Another manufaturer, EP Henry makes Devonstone, which emulates bluestone as well, and comes in several colors. I actually like it a little bit more than Techo.

Although the material prices are similar between bluestone and these bluestone like pavers, the installation goes much faster, since unlike bluestone, the pavers are all equal thicknesses and can be laid much faster.

Contractors in our area are installing it midway between regular pavers and natural bluestone as far as price goes. If done correctly, the look is quite nice. The pavers even have a natural clefting look to make it appear to be bluestone. If you are familiar with cultured stone for wall veneer, this is the same concept, just for patios and walks.

I'm sure there are other manufacturers as well. You should find what your local mason supply yards carry.

[hosspapa]

Thank you to all who have posted a reponse. Your information is greatly appreciated.