Quick Answer
Before buying Indian sandstone, confirm the colour family, finish, thickness, calibration, edge type, pack format, waste allowance, installation method, sealing expectations and delivery access. These details affect the finished patio more than the product name alone.
1. Choose the Right Colour Family
Indian sandstone is naturally varied, so choose the overall colour family rather than expecting every slab to match a small sample. Kandla Grey sandstone gives a neutral contemporary look, Raj Green sandstone feels traditional and settled, Rippon Buff sandstone adds warmth, Autumn Brown sandstone creates a deeper rustic finish, and Indian York sandstone offers a Yorkstone-inspired tone.
For a classic riven sandstone patio, compare the main colour collections before deciding. Riven Indian sandstone is still the most familiar choice for traditional UK patios because the surface is naturally split along the stone bedding planes, giving the paving its textured face, rustic edge character and natural colour movement.
2. Choose Riven or Smooth Finish
Riven sandstone is split along natural bedding planes and has a traditional textured surface. It suits cottages, period properties, relaxed planting and classic patios. This is the familiar Indian sandstone look that many UK gardens use, especially in colours such as Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Rippon Buff, Autumn Brown and Indian York.
Smooth sandstone paving is different. It is sawn and usually honed to create a flatter, cleaner and more refined surface than traditional riven sandstone. It still has the natural mineral character of Indian sandstone, but the finish is more controlled and more contemporary.
Choose riven sandstone if you want traditional garden character, natural surface texture and a more rustic British patio feel. Choose smooth sandstone if you want a cleaner sawn edge, a flatter honed face and a more modern natural stone finish. Smooth sandstone may show marks more readily than a riven surface, so sealing is more often considered, especially on lighter colours or outdoor dining areas.
3. Check Thickness and Calibration
Calibrated sandstone is processed to a more consistent thickness, making it easier to lay. Many classic riven patio slabs are supplied around a nominal 22 mm calibrated thickness, while some smooth sawn options are around 20 mm. Always check the individual product details before ordering.
The size and format also matter. Sandstone paving 900 x 600 is often chosen for cleaner large-format layouts, while sandstone paving 600 x 600 gives a more regular square layout. Indian sandstone patio packs are better suited to a traditional mixed-size flagstone pattern. For borders, paths, edging details and small feature areas, sandstone cobbles and setts can be used alongside the main paving slabs.
4. Choose the Right Pack Format
| Format | Best for | Visual effect |
|---|---|---|
| 900 x 600 slabs | Cleaner modern layouts | Strong lines and larger format |
| 600 x 600 slabs | Balanced grid layouts and smaller spaces | Regular and controlled |
| Patio packs | Traditional garden patterns | Mixed-size, informal and classic |
| Smooth sandstone paving | Cleaner patios, dining areas and contemporary gardens | Flatter, sawn and honed natural stone finish |
| Setts and cobbles | Edges, paths, thresholds and detailing | Textured and decorative |
5. Allow for Waste and Selection
Most patio projects need extra material for cuts, breakages, colour selection and pattern control. Natural stone also benefits from blending slabs from different parts of the pack during installation. Ordering too tightly can leave the installer with fewer options and a less balanced result.
6. Ask Installation Questions Before Ordering
- Will the installer use a full mortar bed?
- Will a suitable slurry primer be used where required?
- Are falls planned away from buildings?
- Will slabs be blended before laying?
- What jointing method will be used?
- Is the project a patio, path or driveway?
7. Decide on Sealing Expectations
Sealing is optional for many riven sandstone patios, but it can help in shaded areas, dining spaces and smooth sandstone installations. If the customer wants the stone to resist stains more easily, sealing should be discussed before the patio is laid.
8. Confirm Delivery Access
Indian sandstone is heavy and is normally delivered on pallets or crates. Check access for pallet delivery, kerbs, gravel drives, slopes, narrow roads and storage space before ordering. Delivery planning is part of a successful paving project.
FAQ
Which Indian sandstone colour is most popular?
Kandla Grey Sandstone is one of the most widely used colours in UK gardens because it is neutral and works with many property styles.
Are patio packs better than single-size slabs?
Neither is better for every project. Patio packs suit traditional mixed patterns, while single-size slabs suit cleaner contemporary layouts.
How much extra sandstone should I order?
The allowance depends on layout, cuts and site conditions. Many projects allow extra for cutting and selection, but your installer should confirm the final quantity.
Clear Recommendation
Buy Indian sandstone as a complete patio system, not just as a colour. The best results come from matching stone quality, pack format, installation method and maintenance expectations before the first crate arrives.
