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Sandstone patios
Looking for natural sandstone paving in the West Devon and Dartmoor area?
The Tavistock Landscaping Company supplies and installs premium Indian sandstone paving across West Devon and the Dartmoor region, from classic traditional patios and pathways with our stylish trademark borders, to circle and feature kits. Every project starts with a free site survey and is finished by a fully insured, experienced installation team, giving you a beautiful, characterful surface that ages gracefully for years to come.
To discuss your sandstone paving project, call 07561 034906 and arrange your free, no-obligation quotation today.
Why choose sandstone paving?
Natural Indian sandstone remains one of the most popular choices for gardens in West Devon and around Dartmoor, and for good reason:
- Unique natural beauty: every slab has its own colour variation, fossil markings and texture, creating a patio that looks completely individual and never mass-produced.
- Timeless, traditional look: sandstone suits both period properties and modern homes looking for a warmer, more organic feel than contemporary porcelain.
- Proven durability: correctly installed and maintained, sandstone can last decades and develops an attractive weathered patina over time.
- Versatile finishes: available in riven, sawn and calibrated surfaces to suit different styles and budgets.
- Hides everyday marks: mixed-tone blends, such as Autumn Brown, are naturally good at disguising fallen leaves and day-to-day marks, so a patio looks tidy for longer.
- Good grip underfoot: the natural riven surface gives a textured finish with good grip, even when it is wet.
- Excellent value: generally more affordable upfront than porcelain, while still delivering a high-quality, long-lasting result.
Slab sizes and finishes
We stock a wide range of Indian sandstone to suit any garden design:
- 600 × 600 mm
- 900 × 600 mm
- Mixed-size patio packs (ideal for a more natural, random layout)
- Circle and feature kits
- Larger format and pathway slabs
Thickness is typically 20–30 mm depending on the range. Popular colour options include Autumn Brown, Raj Green, Kandla Grey, Mint and Fossil Buff, available in both riven (natural split face) and sawn (smoother) finishes.
Natural stone with real character
Indian sandstone is a natural stone, formed over millions of years from compressed sand and minerals. Those minerals create the warm browns, buffs, greys and greens you see in each slab, so no two are exactly alike and every patio is genuinely one of a kind. It suits both traditional and modern gardens, and looks wonderful alongside timber pergolas, sleeper beds and planting.
Why the groundwork matters
The most beautiful stone will still let you down if the base underneath is not right. Most patio problems, such as sinking, cracking and pooling water, start below the surface. That is why we put the most care into the part you will never see:
- Digging out properly: we excavate to the correct depth, allowing for every layer and the finished levels around your house and doors.
- Drainage built in: a gentle fall carries water away from your walls, and where the ground is heavy or damp we discuss extra drainage with you.
- More than the minimum: a 100mm sub-base is the usual minimum, but we lay 150mm of MOT Type 1.
- Compacted layer by layer: we compact in 50mm layers with a vibrating plate, rather than all in one go, so the compaction goes all the way through.
Our installation process
Sandstone is more forgiving than porcelain but still needs careful preparation for a long-lasting result. Here’s how we install it properly:
- Free site survey: we assess ground conditions, drainage, levels and access before quoting.
- Excavation: we dig out to the right depth for your finished level, allowing for the sub-base, mortar bed and slab, and keeping the surface below the damp proof course. Existing surfaces are removed where needed, and the ground is shaped with a gentle fall (typically around 1:60) so water runs away from the house.
- Sub-base: the minimum usually recommended is 100mm, but we always lay a 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base. It is compacted with a vibrating plate in 50mm layers, so every layer is properly compacted and the finished patio has a solid, stable foundation that helps prevent settling.
- Drainage planning: surface water is directed away from the property and boundaries.
- Laying bed: slabs are bedded on a full mortar bed of sharp sand and cement for stability.
- Primer adhesive: every slab is primed with slurry adhesive, which helps it bond with the mortar bed and helps prevent efflorescence coming up through the slab, as sandstone is porous.
- Pointing and finishing: joints are pointed with a durable, flexible compound, and the finished surface is cleaned, ready for sealing if required. We recommend waiting at least 12 weeks before sealing to reduce the chance of trapping moisture or efflorescence.
Porcelain vs Indian sandstone: which is right for you?
| Indian sandstone | Porcelain |
|---|
| Appearance | Natural variation, traditional | Uniform, contemporary |
| Maintenance | Periodic sealing recommended | Very low, no sealing needed |
| Staining / algae resistance | Good when sealed | Excellent |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lifetime cost | Moderate (occasional treatment) | Lower (minimal upkeep) |
| Character | Unique, organic look | Clean, consistent finish |
If you love natural variation, a traditional look and want to keep initial costs lower, sandstone is an excellent choice. If you prefer an ultra-low-maintenance, contemporary look, porcelain may suit you better, and we install both. See our porcelain patios →
Looking after your sandstone
- Sweep regularly: clear leaves and debris, especially in autumn, and more often if you have trees overhead.
- Wash gently: warm water, a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft brush a few times a year. Avoid strong pressure washing, which can damage the pointing and the stone surface.
- Reseal every few years: use a breathable sealer in dry, mild weather. Shady, damp spots may need it a little more often.
- In winter: avoid de-icing salts, which can harm natural stone. Sand gives grip, and a plastic shovel is kinder than metal for clearing snow.
How much does sandstone paving cost in West Devon?
The cost of Indian sandstone paving depends on the chosen range, slab size, sub-base condition and site access. Every garden is different, which is why we offer a free, no-obligation site survey and a fixed quotation before any work begins, with no hidden extras. Call 07561 034906 for a price.
Areas we cover
We install sandstone paving across West Devon, the Dartmoor area and surrounding towns, including Tavistock, Yelverton, Okehampton, Princetown, Horrabridge, Whitchurch, Peter Tavy, Mary Tavy, Lifton, Bridestowe and the wider Dartmoor region.
Why homeowners choose The Tavistock Landscaping Company
- Fully insured and qualified installation team
- Free, no-obligation site surveys and quotes
- 15 years’ experience installing sandstone, porcelain and natural stone paving
- Guaranteed workmanship on every job
- Local, independent business with a genuine passion for creating dream gardens for our customers
Frequently asked questions
Is sandstone suitable for the West Devon & Dartmoor climate?
Yes. When properly installed and sealed, Indian sandstone performs well in the wetter, colder conditions typical of the area. Sealing helps protect against water absorption, frost and algae.
How thick should the sub-base be for a sandstone patio?
The minimum usually recommended is 100mm. We always lay 150mm of MOT Type 1, compacted in 50mm layers with a vibrating plate, for a stable base that lasts. On softer or wetter ground we can go deeper, and we will talk you through it during your survey.
Does sandstone need sealing?
We strongly recommend sealing most sandstone once it has dried after installation, then periodically every few years. This reduces staining, water ingress and algal growth.
How long does sandstone paving last?
With correct installation, a solid sub-base and occasional maintenance, sandstone paving can easily last 20–30 years or more.
Do I need planning permission for a sandstone patio?
Most residential patios do not need planning permission. Driveways may need to meet permeable paving or drainage requirements under permitted development rules. We can advise during your free survey.
Can sandstone be laid over an existing patio or concrete base?
In some cases yes, provided the existing surface is sound, level and free from major movement. For the best long-term performance we usually recommend full excavation and a new sub-base.
What’s the difference between riven and sawn sandstone?
Riven has a natural split, textured surface with more character. Sawn is cut smoother and more uniform, giving a cleaner, more contemporary appearance while still keeping natural colour variation.
Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Get a free, no-obligation site survey and quote for Indian sandstone paving in West Devon and the Dartmoor area.
Call 07561 034906At The Tavistock Landscaping Company, we take real pride in our work. From resin and gravel driveways and full garden transformations to patios, fencing, retaining walls, sleeper raised beds and pergolas, every project gets the same care, honest advice and attention to detail. Whatever you have in mind, call us on 07561 034906 and we’ll talk it through with you, with a free, no-obligation quotation.
