Natural stone paving is one of those things that looks straightforward until you start looking at samples. There are dozens of types, several finishes, and a significant difference in quality between suppliers. We have been laying natural stone since 2014 and we have made enough mistakes along the way to know what to look for and what to avoid.
Sandstone: the most common choice ¶
Indian sandstone dominates the market because it is relatively affordable and comes in several colours. The quality varies enormously between suppliers. The best sandstone is dense, consistent in thickness, and has a calibrated back face that makes bedding it easier. Cheap sandstone is often porous, prone to staining, and inconsistent in thickness, which makes laying it properly very difficult. We have used the same Derbyshire-based supplier since 2016 because the stone arrives consistent and the colour is true to the sample.
Limestone: cooler tones, harder surface ¶
Limestone is denser than most sandstone and tends to have a cooler, greyer palette. It is harder underfoot and more resistant to staining, which makes it a good choice for areas near a kitchen or barbecue. The main drawback is cost: good limestone paving runs about 20 to 30 percent more than equivalent sandstone. It also shows footprints and water marks more readily when wet, which some clients find off-putting until it dries.
Slate and granite: the harder end of the range ¶
Slate and granite are the most durable options and the most expensive. Slate has a distinctive layered texture and works well in contemporary gardens or alongside timber. Granite is almost indestructible and is the right choice for driveways or areas with heavy foot traffic. Both require a very consistent sub-base because they have less tolerance for movement than sandstone. We use granite for driveway aprons and slate occasionally for courtyard gardens where the client wants a specific look.
Finish: riven, sawn, or honed ¶
Riven stone has a natural split surface with texture and variation. It is the most traditional look and the most slip-resistant. Sawn stone has a smooth, flat face cut by machine. It looks more contemporary and is easier to keep clean, but it can be slippery when wet unless it has been treated or textured. Honed stone is sawn and then lightly polished to a matt finish. It is the most refined option and the least practical for outdoor use in a wet climate.
What to ask your supplier ¶
Before buying, ask for the country of origin, the thickness tolerance, and whether the stone has been calibrated on the back face. Ask for a sample large enough to see the colour variation across the batch, not just a single tile. If the supplier cannot tell you the country of origin or the thickness tolerance, that is a sign to look elsewhere. Good stone is not cheap, but it is a one-time purchase if it is laid correctly.
If you are unsure which stone suits your garden, bring us a photograph of the space and we can talk through the options. We carry samples from our current suppliers and we are happy to show them on site during a quote visit.