Help please?

Marg

I would like my large patio paved with Indian sandstone paving. I live in the North West. Can someone tell me please what is the 'going rate' roughly per sq metre? Does the rate usually get less if it is a big area? ( I might have the drive done as well ).

Thank you

jockster211

Hi Marg

You don't say if you're providing all materials? Assuming you are expect to pay around £40-50/metre.

Indian sandstone is tricky & labour intensive to lay as they're heavy, a full mortar bed is required otherwise they'll crack/break & they are a natural product and therefore vary from 25-75mm in thickness. It will also look better if you 'stain' it to maintain a wet look.

Jockster

Marg

Jockster - Thank you for your help, I expect the person doing the job will provide materials (I wouldn't know where to start!) How much would you expect the sandstone to cost per sq metre? Does it vary much in quality/price? How would I stain it?

jockster211

Hi Marg

Probably gonna cost £20-40-ish/metre for the sandstone. It comes in modular sizes of 300mm, so you get 300x300, 300x600, 600x600, 600x900, etc, along with sundial packs you then make up a random pattern. The sandstone will vary in quality just because its a natural product. You get 'firsts' & 'seconds', although I'm not sure how you can tell. Expect it to delaminate a little, but it shouldn't be crumbly or soft. You can pick up various colours, but some of the popular ones are usually either greens or browns. To be honest they vary enormously in colour/shade, which I think makes them all the more appealing.

On top of that they need to laid on a full mortar bed so maybe another £5/metre for cement, builders sand, etc. Whoever lays it for you in the end will have a cement mixer on site to mix the mortar 'cos its backbreakingly heavy work.

Then there are proprietary 'stainers' to apply after the sandstone has been laid, but you don't have to. These are usually roller applied & soak into the stone & give it some stain protection as well as giving a wet look finish.

Here's a link to a good website

http://www.pavingexpert.com/york01.htm


Good luck.

Jockster