Pitcher Pavers
What are Bluestone Pitcher Pavers?
A pitcher refers to a natural stone traditionally used for paving. Because we cut our products from reclaimed bluestone blocks, we call them Bluestone Pitcher Pavers. However, you may also hear them described as bluestone pavers, cobblestone pavers or simply pitchers.
Bluestone, also known as basalt, is a dense volcanic stone that has shaped Melbourne’s streets and architecture since the 1850s. Throughout this period, builders relied on bluestone for foundations, kerbs, laneways and paving across the CBD and surrounding suburbs. As a result, the material became one of Melbourne’s most recognisable historic features.
At Bluestone Pitcher Pavers, we reclaim heritage Victorian bluestone blocks and transform them into premium paving products. Each stone is precisely cut and sized to suit modern landscape designs, driveways, courtyards and pathways while still preserving the character and authenticity of original bluestone.
Installing Bluestone Pitcher Pavers
Bluestone Pitcher Pavers are reclaimed Victorian bluestone sourced from Melbourne’s historic laneways. Because each stone varies slightly in thickness and size, correct installation is essential for achieving a clean, professional finish.
Suitable Base Preparation
For best performance, install pitcher pavers onto a reinforced concrete slab. Avoid laying them directly onto sand or crushed rock. Instead, ensure the slab remains level, includes correct drainage falls and measures approximately 75–100mm thick.
Installation Methods
Mortar Bed Installation (Recommended)
A mortar bed installation delivers the most reliable outcome for reclaimed bluestone. The sand and cement mortar layer allows installers to adjust individual stones easily. Consequently, this method achieves consistent levels and long-term stability.
Tile Adhesive Installation
Alternatively, installers may use tile adhesive when working on a perfectly level concrete slab. This approach provides a cleaner finish; however, it allows minimal height adjustment.
Achieving Consistent Joints
To achieve neat grout lines, group pavers of similar widths together during installation. By doing this, grout joints remain between 10–20mm, which helps prevent cracking and maintains a refined visual appearance.
Installation Tips
For best results:
Start from a straight reference edge
Randomise stone placement to create a natural layout
Regularly check levels and drainage falls
Clean grout residue as you work
Seal pavers after curing if desired
Suitability
Victorian Heritage Bluestone Pitcher Pavers suit a wide range of landscape and architectural applications. For example, they perform beautifully in:
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Garden edging
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Driveways
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Swimming pool surrounds
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Patios and courtyards
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Pathways and steppers
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Residential paving projects
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Commercial paving applications
Bluestone History
Victorian bluestone is a form of basalt, or olivine basalt, found across a vast volcanic plain stretching from Melbourne in the east to Portland in the west and north toward the Great Dividing Range. Its distinctive blue-grey colour ultimately gave bluestone its name.
During the 1830s and 1840s, quarrying began across Melbourne to supply material for the city’s rapidly expanding infrastructure. Builders used bluestone extensively for buildings, kerbing and laneways, aiming to recreate the character of traditional English cobblestone streets.
Because basalt proved stronger and more abundant than many other building materials available at the time, it quickly became Melbourne’s construction backbone. Workers originally split bluestone pitchers by hand, which resulted in their distinctive irregular sizing and authentic texture.
Over time, asphalt and bitumen replaced many original bluestone surfaces. Rather than allowing this historic material to disappear, we reclaim and recycle these stones, giving Melbourne’s heritage bluestone a new life as contemporary pitcher pavers.
Stone Care
Unless you are planning to utilise bluestone pitchers naturally permeability we recommend that you always seal your bluestone pitcher pavers with a stone enhancer sealer. It not only brings out the beautiful bluestone colouring but also makes it waterproof, stainproof and maintains slip resistance.
Sealing is recommended for all natural stone tiles and pavers. A range of sealers suitable for various applications are available. We can supply stone cleaning & sealing products.
Unsealed Paver
