Natural stone gives a patio a warmth and character that's hard to copy. We lay Indian sandstone and York stone patios for gardens all over Harpenden, including Southdown and Batford. We also work in nearby Wheathampstead and St Albans.
This page explains the difference between Indian sandstone and York stone, the finishes you can choose and how to look after natural stone. When you're ready, we'll come out for a free site survey and give you a clear written quote. There's no deposit to pay.
Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338, email hello@5stardrivewaysandpatios.co.uk, or get your free quote.
Indian sandstone
Indian sandstone is quarried in India, and it has become one of the most popular patio stones in the UK. It comes in a wide range of colours, from greys and blacks to buffs, golds, browns and mixed blends.
It's hard-wearing and suits both modern and traditional gardens. It also comes in a choice of finishes and slab sizes.
York stone
York stone is a natural sandstone from Yorkshire. It has soft buff, brown and grey tones that weather beautifully. People often choose it to match existing York stone paths and walls, or for a classic English garden look.
Indian sandstone or York stone?
1. Choose Indian sandstone for the widest choice of colours and a good range of finishes.
2. Choose York stone for soft, traditional tones and a stone that weathers gracefully.
Both are natural stone, so both vary in colour and markings, and that gives a patio its character. If you'd prefer something even and low-maintenance, see our porcelain patios page.
Choosing a colour
Natural stone looks different wet and dry, and in sun and in shade. It's worth seeing the stone in your own garden before you decide. A few pointers:
1. Greys suit modern homes, and look crisp next to white render or dark windows.
2. Buffs and golds warm up a shady garden, and sit well with red or yellow brick.
3. Mixed blends hide everyday marks and leaves better than a single flat colour.
4. Think about the house. Picking up a colour from your brickwork, window frames or front door helps the patio feel part of the home.
Riven or sawn?
1. Riven. The stone is split along its natural layers. This gives a textured surface with a rustic look and good grip.
2. Sawn. The stone is cut smooth. This gives crisp edges and a sleek, modern finish.
Riven suits cottage and country-style gardens. Sawn suits modern homes.
Natural variation
Every slab of natural stone is different. The colour changes from slab to slab, and you may see veins, ripples or small mineral spots. That's what makes natural stone special.
Drainage and levels
A natural stone patio needs to slope gently away from the house, so rain runs off rather than pooling. We set the levels carefully when we lay the base. Where water has nowhere to go, we add drainage, such as a channel drain along the edge.
Most back garden patios at or near ground level don't need planning permission. A patio built up on a big bank or terrace might. Listed homes need consent for big works, and flats have different rules.
Walls, steps and paths in matching stone
Natural stone patios look their best with matching edges. We build garden walls, including brickwork and pillars, and retaining walls for sloping gardens. We also lay paths and steps in matching stone.
What affects the cost of a natural stone patio?
We don't publish prices, because every garden is different. The main things that affect the cost are:
1. Size. The area of the patio.
2. Stone. Indian sandstone or York stone, and the finish.
3. Digging out. Removing turf, soil or an old patio.
4. Levels. Steps, raised areas and retaining walls.
5. Drainage. Any drains needed.
6. Access. How easily materials can reach the garden.
7. Sealing and finishing. Pointing, sealing and edging.
Book a free site survey and we'll give you a clear written quote, with no obligation.
How we lay a natural stone patio
1. Survey. We visit, measure up, check the levels and drainage, and talk about stone and finish.
2. Written quote. A clear quote with everything set out. No deposit.
3. Digging out. We remove turf, soil or the old patio, and take it away.
4. Sub-base. We lay and compact a proper sub-base, so the patio stays level.
5. Levels and slope. We set the levels so water runs away from the house.
6. Laying. We lay the slabs to your chosen pattern.
7. Pointing. We fill the joints neatly.
8. Sealing, if you'd like it. A sealer can help the stone resist stains.
9. Clean-up and handover. We clear up and explain the aftercare.
Looking after a natural stone patio
1. Sweep it regularly, to keep leaves and dirt off.
2. Clean up spills quickly, especially oil, wine and barbecue fat.
3. Use a gentle cleaner. Avoid harsh acids, which can mark natural stone.
4. Keep the joints clear of weeds and moss.
5. Think about sealing. It can help the stone resist stains and make cleaning easier.
Our patio cleaning service can jet wash and reseal a natural stone patio when it needs a refresh.
Recent natural stone patios
See more in our photo gallery.
Questions about Indian sandstone and York stone
What's the difference between Indian sandstone and York stone?
Both are sandstones. Indian sandstone comes in the widest range of colours. York stone comes from Yorkshire and has soft, traditional tones.
Riven or sawn: which finish should I choose?
Riven is textured and rustic. Sawn is smooth and modern. We'll help you choose on the survey.
Why do natural stone slabs vary in colour?
It's a natural material, so no two slabs are quite the same.
Should a sandstone patio be sealed?
It's up to you. Sealing can help the stone resist stains and makes cleaning easier.
How do I clean a natural stone patio?
Sweep it, use a gentle cleaner and avoid harsh acids.
Is a natural stone patio covered by the 10-year guarantee?
Yes. Our 10-year guarantee covers our driveways, patios and walls. The details are set out with your written quote.
Areas we cover
We lay natural stone patios in Harpenden and 23 nearby towns. See our areas page or our Harpenden patios page.
Get your free quote
Tell us a little about the job and we'll arrange a free site survey and a clear written quote. There's no deposit to pay and no obligation.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338. You're welcome to send photos of your driveway or garden on WhatsApp first.