When designing a patio or a hard landscaped area in the UK, choosing the right stone is essential. It is not just about the aesthetic value of the property, but how the material performs under the UK's unique climate, characterised by heavy rainfall, damp conditions, and winter frost.
1. Material Characteristics and Aesthetics
- Aesthetic Style: Granite typically offers a modern, minimalist, and uniform look with subtle crystalline speckles. Indian Sandstone provides a more traditional, warm, and textured appearance, where every flagstone features unique veining and colour variations.
- Popular Colours: For Granite Paving, Silver Grey Granite Paving and Blue Grey Granite Paving are the most widely used choices on UK projects. Indian Sandstone remains most popular in Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Autumn Brown, Fossil Mint and the Rippon Buff.
- Surface Finishes: Granite is usually supplied with a flamed finish to ensure slip resistance. Sandstone is commonly natural riven (textured), although sandblasted or honed (smooth) finishes are also available.
2. Suitability for the British Climate
The UK experiences significant rainfall and a rigorous winter “freeze-thaw cycle” that can test any external surface.
- Granite Paving: Granite has extremely low porosity, making it highly resistant to frost damage. A flamed granite surface also provides excellent slip resistance, ensuring safe use during wet British winters.
- Indian Sandstone: As a porous sedimentary stone, sandstone naturally absorbs more moisture. Lower-quality material may suffer from delamination during severe frosts, and if drainage is poor, naturally occurring iron minerals can oxidise and cause rust staining.
3. Maintenance and Aftercare
Granite Paving is widely regarded as a low-maintenance paving option. In most cases, it only requires occasional cleaning with a pressure washer. Its dense structure makes it highly resistant to algae and lichen growth. Indian Sandstone requires more ongoing care; due to its porosity, it is more prone to algae, particularly in shaded areas. The use of a professional-grade sealer every 2 to 3 years is strongly recommended to maintain its appearance and longevity.
4. Cost Comparison (Current UK Market – Paving Slabs UK Direct Supply)
- Indian Sandstone: Indian Sandstone remains a cost-effective natural stone option in the UK. Depending on colour, thickness, and finish, typical prices generally range from approximately £25 to £30 per square metre (materials only).
- Granite (PSU Quarry-Backed Pricing): With Paving Slabs UK's direct access to granite quarries and a vertically integrated supply chain, granite paving prices have reduced significantly in recent years. In practical terms, standard flamed Silver Grey Granite paving slabs now often sit in a similar price range to premium sandstone, typically from the low-to-mid £24 to £26 per square metre, with Blue Grey and darker granites positioned slightly higher depending on specification.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Opt for Granite if:
- You prefer a clean, contemporary, and minimalist garden design.
- You want minimal long-term maintenance.
- The area is north-facing or heavily shaded, where algae growth is more likely.
Opt for Indian Sandstone if:
- You want the character and warmth associated with traditional British gardens.
- You prefer natural colour variation and a more rustic appearance.
- You are working to a defined budget and want a proven, time-tested material.
Professional Advice: When purchasing Indian Sandstone in the UK, always confirm that it carries a valid CE mark or post-Brexit UKCA mark. Most importantly, ensure the paving is installed on a full mortar bed. The “dot and dab” method must be avoided, as it creates voids beneath the slabs, leading to moisture retention, “picture framing” stains, and long-term structural failure.
