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Indian sandstone patio with outdoor sofas against a stone townhouse
Rutland · Stamford · Oakham

Sandstone patios

A sandstone patio typically costs £130–£180 per m² laid on a full mortar bed, so a 25–30m² patio is roughly £3,250–£5,500.

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A sandstone patio typically costs £130–£180 per m² laid on a full mortar bed, so a 25–30m² patio is roughly £3,250–£5,500. Indian sandstone is a natural stone that varies from slab to slab and weathers over time, which is much of its appeal next to Rutland limestone and ironstone.

Per m²
£130–£180
Typical patio (25–30m²)
£3,250–£5,500
Sealing
Recommended
Time on site
Four to seven days

Our 2026 guide prices where shown. Your fixed price comes in writing after the site visit.

Sandstone patios

Why sandstone here

Rutland's houses are built of limestone and ironstone, and a natural stone patio sits beside them more comfortably than anything manufactured. Buff, golden and grey sandstones pick up the colours in the walls rather than fighting them.

Each slab differs, so we lay a sample area and sort the slabs for colour before they go down, rather than laying them straight off the pallet.

Sandstone patios

How we lay it

Sandstone that rocks, cracks or stains was almost always dot-and-dabbed or laid without a primer. Ours goes down on a full wet mortar bed over a compacted sub-base, with a bonding primer where the stone needs it, joints properly pointed, and a breathable sealer at the end.

Our standard

What you get

  • Calibrated sandstone, sorted for colour before laying
  • Full mortar bed and a bonding primer where the stone needs it
  • Joints pointed, not brushed in
  • Sealer applied to keep oil, wine and moss out

The specification

  • Ground dug out and levels set
  • 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base
  • Full wet mortar bed
  • Primer on the back of the slabs where needed
  • Pointed joints and sealer
  • Five year workmanship guarantee in writing
Natural sandstone courtyard patio against an old stone wall
Recent finishes

The kind of finish we build

Indian sandstone patio with outdoor sofas against a stone townhouse
Indian sandstone patio with outdoor sofas against a stone townhouse
Natural sandstone courtyard patio against an old stone wall
Natural sandstone courtyard patio against an old stone wall
Sandstone courtyard garden with a dining area behind a stone house in the conservation area
Sandstone courtyard garden with a dining area behind a stone house in the conservation area
Raised sandstone terrace with wide steps and planting in a Stamford garden
Raised sandstone terrace with wide steps and planting in a Stamford garden
Completed jobs

Recent jobs like this

Multi-tone Indian sandstone patio with a curved raised edge in the corner of a walled garden in Weldon

Indian sandstone patio, Weldon

Multi-tone sandstone in a walled garden, with a curved raised edge and a pebble margin.

★★★★★

Rated 5.0 from 37 Google reviews

“Done a great job doing my sandstone patio and block paved drive in Corby, 10/10 service and very helpful with helping pick a design. Highly recommend”

Daniel, Corby · Sandstone patio and block paved drive — Google review

“Rutland Landscaping did a fantastic job creating the Stone Garden patio at the rear of our garden. They arrived on time, worked efficiently and were exceptionally courteous throughout. Everything was kept clean and tidy, and their attention to detail was excellent. …”

CJ · Stone patio — Google review
Read the reviews
Questions

Things people ask us

How much does a sandstone patio cost?
A sandstone patio typically costs £130–£180 per m² laid on a full mortar bed, so a 25–30m² patio is roughly £3,250–£5,500. Indian sandstone is a natural stone that varies from slab to slab and weathers over time, which is much of its appeal next to Rutland limestone and ironstone.
Does an Indian sandstone patio need sealing?
We recommend it. Indian sandstone is porous, and a breathable sealer keeps out oil, wine, leaf staining and moss without changing the look much.
Is sandstone or porcelain better for a patio?
Sandstone is warmer and more traditional and suits stone cottages and period houses; porcelain is denser, harder-wearing and easier to keep clean. Sandstone laid properly comes in a little below porcelain on price.
What is black spot on sandstone and can it be removed?
Black spot is a lichen that roots into the surface of sandstone, so pressure washing alone will not shift it. A dedicated black spot remover, applied, left to work and rinsed off, usually clears it, though stubborn patches can take more than one treatment. Some cleaners lighten the stone slightly, so test a small hidden area first, and sealing afterwards slows it coming back.
Is Indian sandstone slippery when wet?
Riven Indian sandstone has a naturally textured surface and is not usually slippery when clean, but any sandstone gets slippery once algae or moss takes hold, particularly in shade under trees or on a north-facing patio. Smooth sawn sandstone has less grip than riven. Regular cleaning, and a sealer that slows algae growth, keep the surface safe underfoot.
What is the difference between riven and sawn sandstone?
Riven sandstone is split along its natural layers, so the surface is textured and slightly uneven, with a traditional, cottage look. Sawn sandstone is cut on all faces, giving a smooth surface, crisp edges and narrow joints that suit more contemporary gardens. Calibrated slabs of either type are a consistent thickness, which makes for a flatter, better-bedded patio.
Does Indian sandstone fade or change colour?
Yes, Indian sandstone weathers and mellows over time, and some colours change more than others: deep greys, greens and multi-colour blends usually soften most, while buff and golden stones change least. That gentle ageing is much of its appeal next to limestone and ironstone houses. A sealer slows staining and some enhance the colour, but none stop the stone weathering naturally.
Why do sandstone slabs get dark edges after laying?
Dark edges, often called picture framing, appear when moisture and salts from the mortar bed are drawn up into the edges of porous sandstone. It happens most when slabs are laid on a wet bed without a primer or with an unsuitable mortar. A bonding primer on the back of the slab and a full, even bed prevent it, and mild cases usually fade as the patio dries out.
What is the best jointing for a sandstone patio?
A sandstone patio is best jointed with properly pointed mortar joints, pressed in and finished, which is how we do it: they seal the bed underneath, keep weeds out and do not wash away. Brush-in resin compounds suit some stones but need deep, clean joints and a firmly bedded patio. Whichever is used, the joints are finished and dry before the stone is sealed.
How long does it take to lay a sandstone patio?
A typical sandstone patio takes four to seven days on site: digging out, building the sub-base, sorting the slabs for colour, laying on a full mortar bed, pointing and finally sealing. Sealing has to wait until the stone and joints are dry, so a wet spell can add a day or two. Steps, walls and curved edges add time to any patio.
Is Indian sandstone ethically sourced?
Not always, so it is worth asking. Some Indian quarries have had well-documented problems with child labour and poor working conditions, and reputable importers now offer stone backed by independent audits or membership of schemes such as the Ethical Trading Initiative. Ask whoever supplies or lays your patio where the stone comes from and what checks sit behind it.
What makes a sandstone patio cost more or less?
A sandstone patio usually costs £130–£180 per m² laid, and where it lands in that range depends mostly on the stone grade and finish, the size of the area, how much has to be dug out and taken away, and access. Sawn and calibrated stone costs more than standard riven, and steps, walls, curves and drainage are priced individually. Sealing is part of how we finish it.
Near you

Sandstone patios near you

Request a site visit

We measure up, check levels and drainage, and send a written proposal with the build-up, the programme and one whole price. No pressure and no follow-up sales calls.

Request a site visit Call 07312 132517
☎Call 07312 132517 Site visit