Indian sandstone patios

Indian sandstone, the natural, characterful choice

Indian sandstone is the warm, natural patio that suits a period or country garden in a way porcelain cannot. It has a riven surface and a variation in colour and tone that gives it real character, it is kinder on the budget than porcelain or premium natural stone, and it weathers and settles into a garden over the years.

Laid on a full mortar bed

Sandstone is laid on a full mortar bed, properly, not spot-dabbed. The slabs vary in thickness, which is part of their character, so laying them to a true, even surface with consistent joints is a matter of skill and patience. We calibrate the falls and the jointing so the patio sheds water and sits flat, and we point it to last.

Character, and a little care

Because sandstone is a natural, porous stone, it varies from slab to slab and it benefits from sealing to resist staining and to hold its colour. It will weather over time, which most people who choose it want. If you would rather a uniform, no-maintenance surface, porcelain is the alternative, and we are happy to compare the two for your garden.

Built on the right base

As with any patio, the sub-base and drainage decide whether it lasts. We dig to firm ground, build the base for the conditions, and set the falls so water runs away from the house, which matters most on the clay vale. Arrange a consultation and we will help you choose the right stone for the setting.

• 01

  Porcelain patios

  Porcelain patios laid on a full adhesive bed by installers who lay them properly, because we will not warranty slabs we did not lay.

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• 02

  Natural stone patios

  Natural stone patios in sandstone, limestone and Cotswold stone, laid to make the most of the stone's character.

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• 03

  Cotswold stone patios

  Patios in local Cotswold stone, so the new work sits as though it has always been there.

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• 04

  Pathways

  Garden paths in stone, gravel and porcelain that tie the garden together and last.

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• 05

  York stone patios

  York stone patios in genuine riven Yorkshire sandstone, a timeless, characterful surface that suits period and country property.

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• 06

  Limestone patios

  Limestone patios with a soft, natural finish that sits beautifully with the local stone and period property.

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• 01

  Porcelain patios

  Porcelain patios laid on a full adhesive bed by installers who lay them properly, because we will not warranty slabs we did not lay.

  Read
• 02

  Natural stone patios

  Natural stone patios in sandstone, limestone and Cotswold stone, laid to make the most of the stone's character.

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Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-03.

• Does Indian sandstone need sealing?

  It benefits from it. Sandstone is a natural, porous stone, so sealing helps it resist staining and hold its colour. We will advise on sealing for the stone you choose.

• Why does the colour vary across the slabs?

  That variation is natural and is part of the character of riven sandstone. It is one of the reasons it suits a period or country garden, where a perfectly uniform surface can look out of place.

• Is sandstone cheaper than porcelain?

  It is usually kinder on the budget to buy, though we do not quote by the metre because every patio differs. It needs sealing and weathers over time, where porcelain is higher to buy and lay but lower maintenance.

• Will it get slippery or mossy?

  Like any natural stone it can gather algae in damp, shaded spots over time. Good drainage, the right aspect and occasional cleaning keep it in good order, and sealing helps.