Which stone for new patio...?

littleblue735

Any advice welcome....
I am planning a new large patio (7m x 4m) and have looked online at the various materials available but there's such a huge choice. I don't want contemporary but don't like old lady style either and I want it to last 20 years.

Choices are between sandstone, limestone and slate. I love the look of the slate and its pricey but the landscaper guy I had round said it was a nightmare to work with. Not sure if he was right or whether he just doesn't like laying it?

I assume all these stones are robust so it doesn't really matter which I choose rather than just how it looks...?
Any help on how to narrow the choice down please...?

REEN

http://www.pavingexpert.com/archv301.htm

Scroll down to "Slate paving in the garden". Smooth slate can be slippery. (Found out the hard way on a rainy holiday in Wales.)

bouicca21

I second paving expert. Really useful site.

When I had mine done the real problem turned not to be choosing the stone (If you are interested I went for sandstone in classic tones) but getting a quote from someone who would dig out deep enough to protect the dpc.

Horseygirl123

Ive been looking into this as we want a new patio. We've visited several builders merchants and asked a couple of patio installers and they favour Indian sandstone for quality, durability, etc. I just don't like it. I love brick pavers but we have a concrete slab base and that has its problems. Of course if cost wasn't an option I'd choose natural yorkstone or limestone. So it's back to the drawing board - for now it will probably a concrete product. My friend has a slate type of patio and its lethal when it's wet.