FAQ

Australian bluestone is a naturally occurring rock type commonly known as Victorian basalt. Basalt forms at or near the grounds surface and is typically quarried from volcanic lava flows. Learn more about Bamstone’s volcanic lava flow resource here.

Bluestone is a popular stone product to use throughout indoor and outdoor environments due to its aesthetic design qualities and durability. The blue-grey colour tones complement a variety of architectural styles.

Another advantage of choosing Australian bluestone is the large variety of formats, sizes, and surface textures available. Bamstone bluestone products are made-to-order with limitless design options to be explored.

Learn more about Australian bluestone.

As a natural stone, Australian bluestone was formed by nature and not in a factory. It can vary in appearance and physical properties, just like other natural stones. Bamstone undergo constant testing and quality checks to ensure a consistent and premium supply of Australian bluestone. Whilst it is important to ensure thorough evaluation of the stone’s variability, this same variability also makes every piece unique, meaning every project that uses natural stone can be distinctive. One of the things we appreciate most about natural stone is that every piece has a story to tell and its uniqueness must be celebrated.

 

 

Dimensional stability and mineral composition is important. There are some types of bluestone that are not dimensionally stable and can warp at some paver formats and thicknesses – this is not a common challenge for Australian bluestone due to its unique composition, but there are some imported products that have been known to warp when exposed to moisture.

Another element to consider is that the visual characteristics of the stone meet your requirements. The vesicular ‘cats paw’ nature is the principal difference that makes Australian bluestone an iconic feature of Melbourne and surrounds. These ‘cat paws’ are recognised as a heritage feature of Melbourne buildings and walkways.

Learn about vesiculation and the difference between Landscape Grade bluestone and Standard Grade bluestone.

The purpose of industry stone testing is to determine the properties of the material. By testing your product, you can build confidence in the product and its fitness for use in public and private spaces. Stone is a natural product, and you really need to understand its strengths, weaknesses, and any variability. Stone Initiatives have conducted extensive research and testing over the years and found repeatedly that the natural bluestone resource at our local quarry site is of incredible quality, setting the bar high on a global scale. This makes us extremely proud and confident in our supply of premium products.

Discover more about Bamstone blustone stone testing.

We are glad you asked. Learn about the benefits of sourcing Bamstone bluestone here.

Whether or not a sealant is required depends on the specific project and how the stone will be used.

For further information and recommendations on what treatment, if any, is suited, we recommend you speak to one of our experienced team members at Bamstone. Our team will carefully review multiple factors and provide a recommendation that is best suited to your bluestone project.

When left unsealed, natural Bamstone bluestone will develop a natural patina over time.

Bamstone cut and process all bluestone products locally in south west Victoria. Lead times are dependent on the production schedule at the time of ordering and the scale of your project. For more information, contact our sales team.

We always encourage our clients to make an enquiry at the initial stages of a project to ensure production schedules can be managed accordingly.

Yes, we have a range of product samples which can be distributed upon request. Please contact our team to learn more.

Yes. Freight can be arranged via our partnering depot in Melbourne.

Address:

Paddy’s Bricks 352 Kororoit-Creek Road, Williamstown Victoria, Australia 3016.

Bamstone bluestone products are made-to-order locally in south-west Victoria, Australia. However, we also have a range of products readily available in a variety of standard dimensions. Contact our team to learn more.

Yes. Since 1975, Bamstone have distributed Australian bluestone products throughout Australia and around the world.

Supplied international locations: New Zealand, London, USA, Singapore, Fiji, Malaysia, Lebanon, Hong Kong and Japan. ​ ​

There are a variety of product finishes that can be achieved including diamond sawn, honed, bush hammered, grit blasted, tumbled, pitched and polished.

Choosing the right product finish for your design project is important. Learn more about our range of finishes via our product pages.

We also encourage our clients to contact our team and learn more about the design, longevity and functionality of each product finish.

Bamstone is proudly Australian Made and has been in operation since 1975. Discover our Australian story here.