What makes sandstone different
Each slab is split from quarried stone, so colour and markings vary from one to the next. Laid in mixed sizes in a random pattern, that variation gives a patio that looks settled from the day it is finished.
- Riven or sawn. Riven slabs keep the natural split face. Sawn slabs are cut smooth with sharp edges for a more modern look.
- Colour. From silver greys and buffs to browns and golds, sold under names like Kandla grey and Autumn brown. Always look at real slabs both wet and dry before choosing; in grey coastal light they can look quite different.
- Calibrated or hand-cut. Calibrated stone is cut to a consistent thickness for a flatter finish. Hand-cut stone varies more and needs more skill to lay level.
Laying it properly
Natural stone needs everything a good patio needs, and a bit more:
- Dig out and lay a compacted stone sub-base. Heavier clay, common across the town, usually needs a little extra depth.
- Prime the back of every slab. Sandstone is porous; a primer helps it bond and stops it drawing damp and mortar staining up into the face.
- Bed each slab on full mortar, not a handful of spots.
- Lay to a fall away from the house, well below the damp-proof course.
- Point the joints with mortar or a brush-in compound, keeping it off the face of the stone.
Living with sandstone by the sea
Sandstone weathers and mellows, and in damp corners it will pick up green algae and the little black lichen spots common on UK patios. In Hartlepool's damp air that tends to happen sooner on shady patios than sunny ones. It is not a fault, but it does mean the odd clean. A sealer can make cleaning easier and help with stains; it is optional and worth talking through with us.
Do not attack sandstone with a pressure washer held close. It scars the surface and strips the joints.
Sandstone or porcelain?
Go for sandstone if you want natural texture and colour and you like a patio that ages with the garden. Go for porcelain if you want a uniform look and the least looking after. Plenty of gardens use sandstone for the patio and the same stone for paths and steps.
Questions people ask
Does Indian sandstone have to be sealed?
No. Sealing can make it easier to keep clean and more resistant to stains, but it can darken the colour a little. Talk it through with us before deciding.
What are the black spots on my sandstone?
Usually lichen, which grows slowly on damp stone. Water alone will not shift it; it needs a suitable treatment and a bit of time. Pressure washing often leaves things worse.
Is sandstone a good idea in a shady garden?
It will work, but expect more green growth and more cleaning. For a north-facing or heavily shaded garden, porcelain is the easier option.
How much does a sandstone patio cost?
It depends on the area, the stone, the groundwork and any steps or walls. See what affects the price or ask for a free quote.