Indian sandstone patio laying
Natural stone patios laid on a full bed over a compacted sub-base, with the falls, priming and pointing that keep sandstone looking good.
Why people choose Indian sandstone
Indian sandstone is a quarried natural stone that comes in warm buffs, greys, mint and multi-coloured blends. Each slab is slightly different, so a finished patio has the variation of real stone rather than the repeat pattern of a manufactured product. It suits older brick houses and cottage gardens particularly well, and it weathers in rather than wearing out.
It is sold in two main finishes. Riven slabs are split along the natural layers of the stone, giving a textured, uneven face and a gauged thickness that still varies a little from slab to slab. Sawn slabs are cut on every face, so they are flat, consistent in thickness and give a crisper, more contemporary look. Sawn stone is also usually honed or lightly textured on top for grip.
How we lay a sandstone patio
Patio laying starts below ground. We dig out to firm ground, lay and compact a granular sub-base, and set the levels so the finished surface falls gently away from the house and sits at least two courses of brick below the damp-proof course. Getting the falls right at this stage is what stops puddles and green staining later.
Natural stone is porous, and mortar sitting against the back of a dry slab can draw salts and moisture through the face. To prevent this we apply a slurry primer to the back of each slab and lay it on a full, solid bed of mortar rather than on dabs. A full bed also stops slabs rocking and cracking where there are voids underneath.
Because riven slabs vary in thickness, each one is bedded individually to bring the surface level with its neighbours. The joints are then pointed with a mortar or a suitable jointing compound, and the patio is left to cure before it takes heavy furniture.
Looking after the stone
Sandstone is hard-wearing but it does weather. Fallen leaves, plant pots and shade can leave marks, and algae will grow where water sits. A gentle brush and a stone-safe cleaner keeps it in good order. Some owners choose to seal their patio to reduce staining; others prefer the stone to age naturally. Strong acid cleaners and aggressive pressure washing can damage the surface and the joints, so they are best avoided.
A patio often works best alongside other built features. Low walls, raised beds and garden steps can be built in matching or contrasting materials so the levels in the garden flow together.
Indian sandstone patio questions
- What is involved in laying an Indian sandstone patio?
- Digging out, a compacted sub-base, setting falls away from the house, priming the back of each slab, laying on a full mortar bed and pointing the joints. The groundwork is the part you do not see but it decides how long the patio lasts.
- How long does it take to lay a sandstone patio?
- It depends on the size, how much digging out is needed, access to the garden and the weather, because mortar should not be laid in heavy rain or frost. We give you a realistic timescale with your free estimate.
- What affects the cost of an Indian sandstone patio?
- The area, the grade and finish of stone (riven or sawn), how much ground has to be removed, drainage, steps or walls, and how easily materials can be brought through to the garden.
- Riven or sawn sandstone: which should I choose?
- Riven gives a traditional, textured look that suits older houses and informal gardens. Sawn gives flat, even slabs and clean lines for a modern garden. Both are laid on the same kind of sub-base and full bed.
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