One of your home’s most frequently used spaces is the walkway. They can be attractive, but they are also necessary. For the same, you need to add a natural texture while maintaining the functionality. Including Bluestone paving stones in their design is one way to enhance them. They are rugged, durable and aesthetically beautiful. Dark hues like blue, grey and deep charcoal are among the stone’s lovely natural colour range.
But that’s not all!
They have a delightful feature known as a “cat paw” pattern. It is something that many designers and architects actively look for. Cat’s paw can produce a visually arresting textured surface with a ton of character when it is strewn among the Bluestone paving stones.
Let’s understand it better before we know how to lay the Bluestone to highlight them in your walkway design.
What is Cat Paw in Bluestone Pavers?
Simply put, catspaw is the term for the tiny holes that are present on the surface of your Bluestone pavers. The exposure to the pressure and gas released by the volcanoes where these stones are created causes these holes to form on the surface. The design’s name comes from its striking appearance and resemblance to the catspaw. This characteristic sets bluestone apart from other paving stones, even though some people view it as a drawback. This natural stone is the greatest option for external landscaping projects for homeowners because of this natural feature. Almost any project can benefit from the attractiveness that the design brings.
How to Lay Bluestone Paving to Highlight Cat Paw in Your Walkway?
- Let The Cat Paw Pattern Shine Bright
First and foremost, don’t cover up those paw prints! Accept them. Your Bluestone paving has a unique flair because of these delicate marks. Selecting stones with natural textures and patterns is important when picking them for the walkway. Some may have more noticeable markings, while others may have tiny indentations that resemble paw prints.
Allow these imprints to be a focal point instead of attempting to hide them with filler or a more polished surface. Place them in a way that will make them stand out. Imagine coming upon a set of paw prints while strolling down your route, as though a cat had just wandered through your outdoor haven. It resembles a treasure search!
- Use Organic Components to Enhance the Prints
Using natural elements is the best way to enhance these prints. Here are a few ways in which you can do so:
- Add stones with different textures: Around your Bluestone walkway, add different kinds of stones, such as pebbles or smooth river boulders. It is how the organic texture of this natural stone, including those paw prints—will be highlighted by the contrast.
- Lighting effects: To create delicate shadows on your paving stones, use soft outdoor lighting along your walkway. As you stroll along your route at night, the light can highlight the paw prints, producing a mystical effect. The imprints will seem almost ethereal, like tiny footsteps in the sand, due to the gentle illumination.
- Water features: The natural beauty of these paving stones can also be reflected by placing a small fountain or pond close by. The peaceful, calming sense of the stonework will be enhanced by the sounds of flowing water.
- Seal Your Bluestone Paving Stone to Protect the Prints
Maintaining your path is also important but avoid using harsh cleaning agents that could damage the stone’s natural texture. Gentle cleaning solutions, such as a mild soap and water mixture, are ideal for removing dirt while leaving your paw prints intact.
For deeper maintenance, pressure washing at a low setting can help preserve the stone’s appearance. After laying your Bluestone paving stones, you should make sure they are properly sealed to protect them from the elements. However, when it comes to this natural stone, it’s vital to use a sealer that won’t obstruct those natural paw prints.
Also Read : How to Install Bluestone Pavers and Explore Stunning Paving Ideas
To Wrap Up
Without a cat paw pattern, Bluestone pavers have a simple, subtle appearance. Depending on the style of their refurbishment, many clients also favour this. Usually, our clients either adore it or detest it. It is solely the natural stone aesthetic and entirely subjective. The durability and quality are unaffected by whether you decide to have it or not. It is simply a characteristic of the stone. So, get the most premium stones from your nearby suppliers today to design the walkway!
