What you get with Indian sandstone
Sandstone is quarried, split and cut, so every slab carries its own colour and markings. That variation is the whole point: laid in a random pattern of mixed sizes, it gives a patio that looks settled in from day one.
- Riven or sawn. Riven slabs have the natural, uneven split face. Sawn slabs are cut smooth with crisp edges for a more contemporary look.
- Colours. Greys, buffs, browns, golds and greens, sold under names such as Kandla grey, Raj green and Autumn brown. Look at real slabs, wet and dry, before you choose.
- Calibrated or hand-cut. Calibrated slabs are cut to an even thickness, which makes for a flatter, more consistent finish. Hand-cut slabs vary more and take more skill to lay.
How sandstone should be laid
Natural stone needs the same care underneath as any patio, plus a few extra steps:
- Dig out and build a compacted stone sub-base to suit the ground. Clay soils, common across Middlesbrough, usually need a little extra depth.
- Prime the back of each slab with a bonding primer before laying. Sandstone is porous, so the primer helps the bond and stops the slab drawing moisture and mortar stains up from below.
- Bed every slab on full mortar, never on a few spots, so it is supported all over.
- Lay to a fall away from the house, keeping the surface well below the damp-proof course.
- Point the joints with mortar or a brush-in jointing compound, keeping residue off the face of the stone.
Living with a sandstone patio
Sandstone weathers. Over time it mellows, and in damp, shady spots it can pick up algae, moss and the small black lichen spots that are common on UK patios. None of that is a fault, but it does mean an occasional clean. A sealer can help with staining and make cleaning easier, though it is optional. We'll talk it through with you.
Avoid blasting sandstone at close range with a pressure washer. It can scar the surface and wash out the joints.
Sandstone or porcelain?
Choose sandstone for natural texture and colour variation, and if you like a patio that ages with the garden. Choose porcelain if you want a very uniform look and the least possible upkeep. Many gardens use sandstone for the patio and the same stone for paths and steps.
Questions people ask
Does Indian sandstone need sealing?
It does not have to be sealed. Sealing can make it easier to keep clean and help resist stains, but it can also change the colour slightly. We can talk you through the pros and cons for your stone.
Why has my sandstone patio got black spots?
Small black spots are usually lichen, which grows slowly on damp stone. They do not wash off easily with water alone and need a suitable treatment and time. Pressure washing often makes the patio look worse.
Is sandstone a good choice in a shady garden?
It works, but expect more green growth in shade and plan to clean it more often. In a north-facing or heavily shaded garden, porcelain is the lower-maintenance option.
How much does an Indian sandstone patio cost?
That depends on the size, the stone you choose, the groundwork and any steps or walls. See what affects the price or ask for a free quote.
