Why people choose sandstone
Every slab is split from natural stone, so the colour and markings vary from one to the next. Laid in mixed sizes in a random pattern, that variety gives a patio that looks as though it has always been there.
- Riven or sawn. Riven slabs keep the natural split face; sawn slabs are cut smooth with sharp edges for a cleaner, modern finish.
- Colour. Greys, buffs, browns and golds, sold under names like Kandla grey, Raj green and autumn brown. See samples wet and dry before you decide, as rain changes the look a lot.
- Calibrated or hand-cut. Calibrated slabs are an even thickness, which makes for a flatter patio. Hand-cut slabs vary and need more skill to lay level.
Laying it properly
Sandstone needs the same solid groundwork as any patio, plus a couple of extra steps:
- Dig out and compact a crushed-stone sub-base, deeper where the ground is soft clay.
- Prime the back of each slab. Sandstone is porous, and the primer helps it bond and stops it drawing mortar stains and damp up from below.
- Bed every slab on a full mortar bed, never on a few dabs.
- Lay to a fall away from the house, finishing below the damp-proof course.
- Point the joints with mortar or a brush-in compound, keeping it off the face of the stone.
Sandstone by the sea
Natural stone weathers, and near the coast it weathers a bit faster. Damp sea air and shade encourage algae and the small black lichen spots that turn up on most UK patios. That is normal, not a defect, but it means an occasional clean. A sealer can make cleaning easier and help with stains; it is optional and slightly changes the colour, so talk it through with us.
Do not attack sandstone at close range with a pressure washer. It scars the surface and strips the joints.
Sandstone or porcelain?
Pick sandstone if you want natural texture, colour variation and a patio that mellows with age, particularly behind an older brick or stone house. Pick porcelain if you want a uniform look and as little upkeep as possible. Matching sandstone also works well for paths and steps and coping on a low garden wall.
Questions people ask
Does sandstone need sealing?
No, it is optional. Sealing can help resist stains and make cleaning easier, but it can deepen the colour. Ask us about the stone you have chosen.
Why is my sandstone patio covered in black spots?
They are usually lichen, which grows slowly on damp stone and is common near the coast. It needs a suitable treatment and time to clear; a pressure washer alone rarely shifts it.
Will sandstone suit a Victorian terrace?
Often very well. Riven buff or grey sandstone looks at home in the walled back yards behind terraces in Redcar and Saltburn.
How much does a sandstone patio cost?
It depends on the size, the stone, the groundwork and any extras such as steps or walls. See what affects the price or ask for a free quote.
