Bluestone vs Rip Rap

Bluestone

Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained natural stone commonly used in the northeastern United States. It is valued for its durability, rich blue-gray color, and clean, angular appearance.

Rip Rap

Large, heavy, angular stones ranging from 6 to 24+ inches used primarily for erosion control. Rip rap protects shorelines, stream banks, bridge abutments, and steep slopes from water erosion. The heavy weight and interlocking shape resist displacement by flowing water and wave action.

Bluestone

• ✓ Walkways
• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Driveway borders

Rip Rap

• ✓ Shoreline protection
• ✓ Stream bank stabilization
• ✓ Bridge abutments
• ✓ Steep slope stabilization
• ✓ Culvert outlets
• ✓ Retaining wall faces

Bluestone

• + Highly durable
• + Attractive natural color
• + Resists weathering
• + Slip-resistant texture

• − Expensive
• − Heavy
• − Regional availability

Rip Rap

• + Extremely effective at preventing water erosion
• + Heavy weight resists displacement by water
• + Long-lasting — lasts decades with no maintenance
• + Angular shape interlocks for stability
• + Natural appearance blends with waterside environments

• − Very heavy — requires heavy equipment to place
• − Expensive for large projects
• − Not suitable for foot traffic
• − Requires engineering design for major installations
• − Limited decorative appeal

Bluestone

Available as gravel, chips, or slabs. Colors range from blue-gray to steel blue.

Rip Rap

Large angular stones typically 6-24 inches in diameter, though some applications use stones up to 36 inches or larger. Weight ranges from 25 to 500+ pounds per stone. Colors vary by source quarry — typically gray, blue-gray, tan, or brown. Sold by the ton rather than by the yard.