Hey Folks!

We are about to install NY bluestone pavers. The stone we purchase would probably be custom cut to about 2’ by 30”. We almost bought the stock, monolithic PA bluestone, honed because it’s *everywhere* in our NY suburban neighborhood but it felt too railroad-y, and common, so we purchased some lovely natural looking stone that pairs well with the stone work on our 1952 ranch we are hoping to update. The colors are lovely shades of grey with hints of blush and rust.

Here’s the million dollar question: we are in love with pavers separated by stones, but we hear it may be a mess in the winter, with kids, etc. The grass joints (all puns aside) seem like they could be less maintenance than the stones but we’ve been told we should save that look for something more casual, like a backyard garden and not a main, front entrance. We also fear that either of these looks mat be too “contemporary” and some day become dated for our Modern ranch.

This leaves us to option 3, just connecting the stones in solid pieces but it just seems like it might be too ordinary.

We’ve already established that we like bigger stones as opposed to mixing shapes and sizes for the entrance.

We are attaching photos of the stone we are using, the grass vs stone options we prefer, and the last option, lining the pavers in row.

We are hoping to create a square angled walkway to the front entrance.

The front porch will be supported by a simple modern cedar beam, we will eventually replace the shutters with cedar wood as well. And we are building a cedar looking composite deck.

Any thoughts on weather, maintenance and aesthetics would be greatly appreciated. The stone is waiting to be installed and we just can’t make up our minds!

Thank you!