Bridi Blog · Masonry Tips
Bluestone, pavers and travertine are the three materials Cape Cod homeowners ask us about most. All three can make a beautiful patio, walkway or pool deck. They behave differently in sun, salt air and freeze and thaw, and they look very different next to a shingled Cape house. Here is how we explain the choice on a first visit.
Concrete pavers
Pavers are manufactured units, made in a factory to consistent sizes and thicknesses, in a huge range of colors, shapes and patterns.
- Why people choose them: usually the most budget-friendly of the three, very uniform, and easy to match years later. A single paver can be lifted and reset if something underneath ever needs attention.
- Look: clean and modern, or textured to imitate stone. Borders in a darker paver frame a patio or driveway nicely.
- Keep in mind: some colors can soften over the years in full sun. Choose a quality brand and a color you will still like faded a little.
- Great for: patios, walkways, driveways and larger areas on a budget.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a natural stone and the classic New England look: blue-gray with hints of green, rust and lilac.
- Why people choose it: it looks right on a Cape Cod home and ages well. It works cut in a clean rectangular pattern or as irregular flagstone.
- Look: timeless and a little formal. Beautiful with fieldstone seat walls and granite cobblestone edges.
- Keep in mind: dark stone gets hot in full summer sun, which matters around a pool. Natural stone also varies piece to piece, which is part of its charm.
- Great for: patios, front walks, steps, landings, wall caps and hearths.
Travertine
Travertine is a natural stone in warm cream, ivory and silver tones.
- Why people choose it: the light color stays noticeably cooler underfoot than dark stone, which is why it is so popular around pools.
- Look: bright and soft, with a relaxed, coastal feel. Lovely with white trim and gray shingles.
- Keep in mind: travertine is porous. On Cape Cod, choose a dense, exterior-grade travertine and ask about sealing it.
- Great for: pool decks, patios and walkways where people walk barefoot.
Quick comparison
| Pavers | Bluestone | Travertine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Lowest of the three | Higher | Higher |
| Look | Uniform, many colors | Classic New England | Light, coastal |
| Barefoot in summer sun | Depends on color | Gets hot | Stays cooler |
| Best around pools | Good | Good in shade | Excellent |
What matters more than the stone
Whatever you choose, the patio will only last if the base under it is right. Every patio, walkway and pool deck we build sits on a deep, compacted crushed concrete base. A beautiful stone on a thin base will still sink and heave. We explain the whole process on our Custom Patios page.
Near the water
On waterfront properties around Cape Cod, salt spray and wind are hard on stone and mortar. Near the water we steer toward denser stone and caps that shed water and salt, and we will tell you if a material you like is wrong for your site before you buy it.
Still not sure?
Most people decide once they see the stone in their own yard. We bring samples, show you a 3D design with each option, and help you choose. Call (508) 360-2151 for a free estimate anywhere on Cape Cod or in Plymouth County.
Free estimate on Cape Cod and Plymouth County
We come out, measure, talk through options and show you a 3D design before anything is built. No commitment.
Call (508) 360-2151Fill out the estimate form →