Indian Paving Stones
Indian Sandstone has become an increasingly popular paving material over the last few years and is now commonly used as a domestic patio or driveway product throughout the UK.
eDecks are proud to stock a variety of different styles of Indian Sandstone in a range of colours, patterns and sizes. This 100% naturally occurring material’s strength, versatility and natural beauty will give you confidence in your purchase, creating a functional, yet stylish space for social gatherings with friends and family.
How do you know that you are buying good quality Indian sandstone paving?
With any purchase, if the price seems too good to be true then it often is and patio paving is no exception. Using Indian sandstone paving in your garden can create a luxurious and stylish finish but it’s essential to do your research or you risk disappointment (and additional cost) a few months down the line.
Our Stone Standard is a symbol of quality and shows that our Indian sandstone products have gone through rigorous tests at independent laboratories. But what do we test for, and what can you do to make sure you’re buying good quality Indian sandstone?
The British Standard
The first thing to know is that there is a British Standard (BS 7533 Class 2) which covers Indian sandstone. This is the minimum standard you should accept when it comes to your paving, never assume that just because a stone is on general sale that it meets the standard.
All Indian sandstone sold by eDecks meets a strict Stone Standard, and you can be confident that you’re buying quality.
Water Absorbency
Sandstone with a high level of water absorbency – that is, one that draws in too much water – will be more vulnerable to frost and more likely to attract algae or lichen growth over time which means it is harder to keep clean. All sandstone sold by us has a maximum water absorption of 1.7%, anything higher than this could go green within a few months and maybe more slippery than you’d like too.
Regular frosts are common in the British winter and a repeated freeze-thaw can have an impact on the strength of stone over time. All sandstone sold by us is frost resistant, which means the impact of a harsh winter will be minimal.
Ethical Sourcing
Another consideration when it comes to stone is where it has come from and whether it has been quarried and manufactured in a way that is safe and fair. Too many overseas quarries continue to use child labour in conditions that are unsafe for everyone, so it is important to know where your patio has come from. All of our natural stone paving is ethically sourced under the Fair stone brand. By buying Fair stone, you can be assured that the stone is quarried and processed to the strict standards of the Ethical Trading Initiative; it ensures no child labour, fair wages and safe working conditions are maintained.
The process of purchasing the right stone is more than just choosing the right shade and quantity, but the time it takes is time well spent. Before you buy any stone product, you should make sure the manufacturer has fully tested it for the measures we’ve listed above. Only this will tell you that your new garden feature won’t turn green or crack in the rain and frost. And make sure your installer or supplier knows the origins of the stone too so that you know you're getting a beautiful garden that has contributed positively to all those who've been involved in its journey.
Not quite sure what style of stone you’re after? No problem. We offer samples on our full range of paving slabs, so you can be certain that you are satisfied with your choice before purchasing.
Don’t forget, we offer free delivery within one working day