Granite and bluestone are both premium natural stone choices for Los Angeles patios — but they differ significantly in color range, heat absorption, texture, cost, and maintenance requirements. Bluestone excels for pool decks and shaded patios; granite is superior for high-traffic areas and sunny south-facing patios where heat retention matters.
This guide compares both materials across every dimension that matters for Los Angeles homeowners, helping you make the right choice for your specific project.
Both granite and bluestone are premium, long-lasting natural stone choices. Neither is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your patio's location, design goals, budget, and how you'll use the space.
| Factor | Granite | Bluestone |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | $8–$18 per sq ft | $12–$22 per sq ft |
| Installed Cost (LA) | $18–$32 per sq ft | $22–$38 per sq ft |
| Color Options | Very wide — white, grey, black, pink, multi | Limited — blue-grey, charcoal, buff |
| Heat Absorption | Moderate–High (darker granites absorb more) | Moderate (classic blue-grey stays cooler) |
| Slip Resistance | Good when flamed or brushed | Excellent naturally |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent — very low porosity | Good with sealing |
| Maintenance | Low — seal every 3–5 years | Moderate — seal every 2–3 years |
| Durability | Exceptional — 50+ years | Excellent — 30–50+ years |
| Aesthetic Style | Contemporary, upscale, bold | Classic, elegant, East Coast traditional |
| Pool Deck Suitability | Good (light colors, textured finish) | Excellent (naturally slip-resistant) |
Both are natural stone, but they form differently — which explains their different properties and appearances.
Granite forms from cooled magma deep within the earth, crystallizing slowly under enormous pressure and heat. This origin gives granite its signature coarse-grained texture and extraordinary hardness (6–7 on the Mohs scale — one of the hardest paving materials available). Granite is extremely low porosity, resists staining naturally, and requires less sealing than most other natural stones. Its wide color range reflects the varying mineral compositions of different granite deposits around the world — from pure white Bethel White to jet-black Absolute Black to warm Colonial Gold.
Available finishes for outdoor use: flamed (thermal treatment that opens the surface for maximum grip), brushed (mechanically textured), sandblasted, and honed (smooth, matte).
Bluestone is a dense sandstone or feldspathic greywacke quarried primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia — with its name derived from its characteristic blue-grey color. Unlike granite, bluestone is a sedimentary stone that naturally cleaves along flat planes, making it ideal for large, even-thickness patio slabs. Bluestone is naturally textured with a slightly rough, irregular surface that provides excellent traction, particularly when wet — making it the traditional choice for pool decks and outdoor dining terraces.
Available finishes: natural cleft (split along natural planes — the most traditional look), thermal (heat-treated for enhanced texture), and sawn (smooth-cut for a more refined appearance). Natural cleft is the most popular for residential use in LA.
Los Angeles's Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters — affects natural stone in specific ways. Here's how granite and bluestone each handle LA's conditions.
Granite: Dark granite (black, dark grey) absorbs significantly more heat than lighter stones — surface temperatures on black granite in direct LA summer sun can reach 150°F+, making it uncomfortable for bare feet near pool areas. Light granite (white, light grey, buff) stays much cooler and is suitable for sun-exposed spaces.
Bluestone: Classic blue-grey bluestone stays moderately cooler than dark granite in direct sun. Its lighter natural color reflects more heat. Bluestone is generally more comfortable underfoot in LA's summer sun than comparably dark granite.
Granite: Polished granite is extremely slippery when wet — never specify polished granite for outdoor use. Flamed or brushed granite provides excellent slip resistance (COF 0.7+) and is safe for pool decks and wet areas. The textured finish is permanent and doesn't smooth with wear.
Bluestone: Natural cleft bluestone is naturally textured and provides excellent slip resistance without any additional processing (COF 0.8–1.0). This is one of bluestone's strongest advantages for pool decks and outdoor areas that get wet.
LA's climate doesn't produce sustained freezing temperatures at most elevations, so freeze-thaw is rarely a concern. Neither granite nor bluestone has durability issues in LA's mild winter conditions. At higher elevations (Topanga, La Cañada, parts of the Valley that occasionally freeze), both perform well — granite has essentially zero water absorption; bluestone's denser varieties also perform well, though lower-density bluestone should be sealed before any cold weather exposure.
Granite: Extremely stain-resistant due to very low porosity. Wine, olive oil, and most common outdoor contaminants can be cleaned with simple soap and water. Sealing granite is recommended but less urgently needed than with other stones.
Bluestone: More porous than granite. Requires sealing to resist staining from oils, tannins (fallen leaves, organic matter), and wine. A high-quality penetrating sealer applied every 2–3 years provides excellent stain resistance. Unsealed bluestone in LA's environment will develop staining within 1–2 years.
Both granite and bluestone are non-combustible natural stones — neither material propagates or is damaged by airborne embers from wildfires, which is a real consideration for LA hillside and foothill properties. Neither material requires any special fire-resistant certification — all natural stone meets this standard inherently.
Granite: Excellent UV color stability. Granite's mineral pigments do not fade significantly over decades of sun exposure. The color you see when installed is essentially the color you'll have in 20 years.
Bluestone: Good UV stability, though blue-grey tones may lighten slightly over many years of intense sun exposure without sealing. A UV-stabilizing penetrating sealer maintains color depth. Thermal-finished bluestone is somewhat more stable than natural cleft in high-sun exposures.
Material and installation costs vary by project size, stone specification, and site conditions. These ranges reflect typical Tegula Stone project pricing for standard residential patio installations in the greater Los Angeles area.
Prices include site preparation, base material, stone, labor, and basic sealing. Does not include demolition, drainage, or permits.
Based on installations across Los Angeles, here are the scenarios where each material excels.
• You want a contemporary, bold aesthetic with dramatic color options
• The patio is in a high-traffic area (driveway approach, main entertaining terrace)
• Minimal ongoing maintenance is a priority (granite needs sealing less often)
• You want a monolithic, uniform look with consistent coloring
• The patio has significant shade and heat retention isn't a concern
• Budget allows for premium granite but needs to stay below bluestone pricing
• The design involves mixing stone with metal, glass, or modern architectural elements
• The patio surrounds a pool or hot tub (superior wet slip resistance)
• You prefer the classic, traditional East Coast aesthetic
• The installation is in a high-sun area where heat absorption matters (bluestone generally stays cooler)
• The design is a formal or traditional style (bluestone coordinates beautifully with Tudor, Colonial, or Craftsman architecture)
• Natural variation in tone and texture is aesthetically desirable
• The project is an outdoor dining terrace where food and drink spills are expected (sealed bluestone handles this well)
• You're matching existing bluestone elsewhere on the property
This comparison guide was prepared by the Tegula Stone editorial team.
Tegula Stone has installed hundreds of granite and bluestone patios throughout Los Angeles. Our stone experts will help you choose the right material for your space, style, and budget. Free estimates on all patio projects.