Natural stone patios: sandstone, limestone and how they compare

Indian sandstone

Indian sandstone is the most widely laid natural stone in British gardens. Shades run from soft greys with a lilac hint to buffs, browns and warm pinks, and the riven surface means no two slabs match. That texture gives good grip underfoot. The trade-off is that sandstone is porous: it soaks up rain, can turn green in shade and may pick up marks from rusty furniture or fallen leaves. It is usually sold as a mixed-size pack and laid in a random pattern, which suits cottage planting and older brick houses alike.

Limestone

Limestone is generally smoother and more even in colour, with blue-blacks, greys and soft creams that suit a modern house. It comes sawn, honed or tumbled, each giving a different finish. It reacts with acids, so spilt wine or lemon juice can etch the surface, and very smooth finishes lose grip when wet. Many owners choose to seal it. Like sandstone, it needs a proper base and a full mortar bed to last.

To seal or not to seal

A good impregnating sealer makes natural stone easier to keep clean and slows staining, but it can darken the colour slightly and needs renewing every few years. Sealing too soon traps moisture, so stone is normally left to dry out thoroughly after laying before any sealer goes on.

Block paving as a patio

Concrete blocks are better known on driveways, but they make a practical patio too. They are laid on a compacted sand bed rather than mortar, with kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints, so a section can come up and go back down if the ground ever settles. The look is plainer than stone, though tumbled and textured blocks soften it.

Side by side

	Porcelain	Indian sandstone	Limestone	Concrete block
Look	Uniform, crisp, wide choice	Varied, riven, traditional	Smooth, even, modern	Plain, practical
Upkeep	Low	Moderate, often sealed	Moderate, often sealed	Low to moderate
Grip when wet	Depends on the finish	Good when riven	Lower when smooth	Generally good
Staining	Very resistant	Can stain	Can stain, especially from acids	Moderate
Relative cost to lay	Higher	Middle	Middle to higher	Lower

A general guide only; individual products vary, so check the details of any slab you are considering.