Getting to know the stone
Indian sandstone is quarried and split, so colour and markings change from slab to slab. That variety is exactly why people like it.
- Finish. Riven stone keeps the rough natural split surface. Sawn stone is cut flat with crisp edges and suits a more modern scheme.
- Colour. Choices run from cool greys such as Kandla grey through buffs and golds to the browns of Autumn brown and the green tones of Raj green. Wet a sample before deciding, as the colour deepens a lot in the rain, which round here is often.
- Thickness. Calibrated stone is cut to a consistent depth and gives a flatter surface. Uncalibrated stone varies and takes more skill to set level.
- Pattern. Most sandstone is laid in a random pattern of mixed sizes, though single-size layouts are popular with sawn stone.
How we lay sandstone
- We dig out and lay a compacted crushed-stone base, going deeper on clay.
- We prime the back of every slab. Sandstone soaks up water, so priming improves the bond and helps stop staining coming through from below.
- We bed each slab on a full layer of mortar.
- We build in a fall away from the house and keep it below the damp-proof course.
- We point the joints neatly, keeping mortar and compound off the face of the stone.
Living with sandstone
Expect it to change a little with time. It softens in colour, and damp spots under trees or along a north-facing wall will gather some green. You might also see small black lichen spots, which are common on sandstone across the region. They're not a defect, just a sign it needs a clean.
You can seal sandstone if you want it easier to keep clean, but it isn't essential and can slightly change the colour. Avoid blasting it up close with a pressure washer, as that damages the surface and empties the joints.
Sandstone or porcelain?
Sandstone gives you texture and natural variety but needs a bit of looking after. Porcelain gives you uniformity and almost no maintenance. If you go with sandstone, matching it in your steps and paths and the coping on a low wall looks particularly good.
Questions people ask
Should I seal my sandstone?
It's up to you. A sealer can help with stains and cleaning but may darken the stone a shade. We can talk you through it.
Why does sandstone get black spots?
They're usually lichen, which grows slowly on damp stone and won't wash off with water alone. It needs a suitable treatment and time. Pressure washing usually makes matters worse.
Is sandstone right for a shady garden?
It will work, but it will go green faster and need cleaning more often. In a very shady garden, porcelain is less work.
What does a sandstone patio cost?
It depends on the area, the stone, the groundwork and any extras. See what affects patio prices or ask for a free quote.
