It’s a question we get a fair bit from our customers here at Bridge Street Stone. The short answer is no, Indian sandstone is not slippery. In fact, it’s naturally slip resistant! This is obviously a huge advantage in its favour, and one of the biggest reasons why Indian sandstone is one of the most popular types of paving stone used in the UK.
Indian sandstone’s natural slip resistance has a lot to do with the structure of the rock. We won’t give you a detailed geological lesson, but we’ll give you a quick rundown of the basics. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, and is essentially composed of countless sand-sized grains of rock and minerals, all cemented together with mud that once lay at the bottom of seas, rivers and lakes millions of years ago.
So, while Indian sandstone isn’t non-porous, it’s this minuscule grainy texture of sandstone which makes it naturally slip resistant. This makes it a great fit for all sorts of settings and environments, but especially to those of us right here in the North of England!
Why is a non-slippery surface important for paving stones?
Not every paving stone shares a non-slip quality to quite this sort of degree - some of the more expensive stones like marble can get quite slippery during the rainier months of winter. But while they might have some benefits of their own, it’s the non-slip nature of Indian sandstone that gives it an inherent versatility to make it a great fit for almost any environment.
Apart from the immediate safety benefits, it makes them better suited to parts of the garden which may be prone to getting wet more often when they’re in use, such as areas around water features, ponds, or outdoor pool surrounds. On that note, a non-slip surface is also generally useful in outdoor areas around family homes, as young children can be more prone to running across wet surfaces - particularly in the summer!
How do I clean algae stains off my Indian sandstone?
Algae is one of the most notorious culprits for slips and falls in the garden. Left unchecked, it can cover everything from decking to outdoor paving stones, so it’s often useful to know the best way to stop it from clinging to (and leaving stains on) your Indian sandstone.
While soapy water normally does the job for paving stones, if you’re also trying to remove stains left by moss and algae, it’s best to use a light bleach mixture instead. The solution should be equal parts bleach and water, and poured carefully onto the slabs. Then, simply leave it for half an hour or so before removing it, preferably with a stiff brush, power washer or a hose. That should do the trick!
And if you’re on the lookout for the best paving stones for your garden, look no further than us right here at Bridge Street Stone. We stock Indian sandstone in a variety of colours and shades, from Autumn Brown to Golden Leaf, and our expertise with these products is second to none. All are sourced directly from India, and we’re able to offer free delivery to most areas. To make an order, feel free to give us a call today on 01282 860571.