Indian Sandstone and Yorkstone Setts

FAQs

What is Indian sandstone paving and why is it so popular in the UK?

Indian sandstone paving is a natural stone patio material quarried in India and widely used across the UK for gardens, patios and pathways. Each slab has natural colour variation and texture, giving outdoor spaces a more authentic and high-end look than manufactured paving.

It’s especially popular in the UK because it combines natural beauty, durability and affordability. Homeowners love the wide range of colours and finishes available, making it easy to match both modern and traditional garden designs.

Is Indian sandstone paving suitable for the UK climate?

Yes, Indian sandstone paving is well suited to the UK climate. When correctly installed, it can handle rain, frost and temperature changes without cracking or deteriorating.

Its natural density and breathable structure allow moisture to escape, helping to prevent frost damage. This makes Indian sandstone a reliable long-term choice for outdoor paving in British gardens.

Do you need to seal Indian sandstone paving?

Sealing Indian sandstone paving is not essential, but it is highly recommended. A quality sealer helps protect the stone from staining, algae growth and moisture absorption while enhancing its natural colour.

Sealing also makes the paving easier to clean and maintain over time, particularly in shaded or high-traffic areas. Sealers should only be applied once the paving has been installed and fully dried.

Is Indian sandstone slippery when wet?

Indian sandstone is naturally slip resistant due to its textured surface, making it a safe option for patios and garden paths when installed correctly.

Like all outdoor paving, it can become slippery if algae or dirt builds up, so regular cleaning is important. Choosing the right finish and maintaining the surface will help keep it safe underfoot in wet conditions.

How long does Indian sandstone paving last?

When properly installed and maintained, Indian sandstone paving can last for decades. Its natural strength and durability make it ideal for long-term outdoor use.

Regular cleaning and optional sealing will help preserve its appearance and performance over time, ensuring your patio continues to look great year after year.

What is porcelain paving and why is it so popular?

Porcelain paving is a manufactured paving slab made from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. This process creates a dense, hard-wearing surface that is highly resistant to stains, moisture and fading.

It has become increasingly popular with homeowners because it offers a sleek, modern look while being very low maintenance. Porcelain paving is ideal for contemporary patios and outdoor living spaces.

Is porcelain paving slippery when wet?

Outdoor porcelain paving is manufactured with an anti-slip surface, making it safe to use even in wet conditions. Most outdoor porcelain slabs meet high slip-resistance ratings suitable for patios and walkways.

Its low porosity also prevents algae and moss from penetrating the surface, helping to maintain grip and safety with minimal maintenance.

What is Yorkstone paving and why is it considered premium?

Yorkstone is a natural sandstone quarried in the UK and traditionally used in historic buildings, streets and gardens. It is known for its distinctive character, durability and timeless appearance.

Considered a premium paving material, Yorkstone offers unmatched heritage appeal and long-lasting performance, making it ideal for homeowners looking for a classic, authentic finish.

Indian Sandstone and Yorkstone Setts

What are setts in paving?

Setts are small blocks of dressed stone that are used in a variety of paving projects, often complementing (or even substituting) traditional block paving. Sometimes referred to as Belgian blocks, setts are broadly rectangular pieces of quarried stone with a depth and width of between 75-200mm, and a length of anywhere between 75mm to 450mm. 

Setts generally have six identifiable sides. This is one of the ways in which they can be distinguished from cobbles, which tend not to have definite sides. They’re both some of the most popular alternatives to block paving, especially with their traditional look and feel. 

Setts can be made from a wide variety of materials, including limestone, sandstone, granite, basalt and more. Here at Bridge Street Stone, we have Yorkstone cobbles, Indian sandstone and granite setts available in a choice of colours, allowing you to mix and match the shade of your setts to the colour scheme you’ve chosen for your interiors or outdoor space. 

What are setts used for?

Historically, the first setts were originally used on steep streets, as they were able to provide a safer surface for horses to walk on. Nowadays, setts are often used to provide an attractive border to patios, paving, or driveways, adding an extra layer of visual interest and character to a space. Their rustic feel makes them particularly popular for traditional environments, but they’re becoming increasingly frequent additions to more contemporary properties too. 

Notably, they provide a great opportunity to introduce some intriguing contrast to your space. Darker-coloured setts and cobbles can beautifully offset lighter or more neutral coloured Indian sandstone slabs, creating an understated by subtly dramatic effect.

They can also be effectively used to set a clear visual boundary for lawns and green spaces too, neatly segmenting the different ‘zones’ in your outdoor space and providing some extra texture to the overall design. 

Those are just a few examples to get you started, of course. If you need a little more help or inspiration, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Bridge Street Stone - feel free to give our sales line a call on 01282 860 571, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!