How much does sandstone paving cost?

February 2, 2024

When choosing new garden pavers, sandstone offers homeowners an enticing middle-ground - more durable than basic concrete or brick, but less expensive than premium natural stone like granite. In this article, we’ll break down the pricing considerations for sandstone, analysing the cost per square meter and the various factors that influence it.

On average, sandstone paving costs between £22-35 per square metre supply only for materials. This includes smooth calibrated options starting from £22 per m2, while thicker non-calibrated riven finish slabs tend to range from £30-35 per m2 on average.

Several key factors impact sandstone pricing

Cost Breakdown

Typical supply cost is £25/m2 for standard 22mm smooth silver grey pavers. Expect to pay £100-150/m2 fully installed.

Factors impacting price:

Thickness - Industry standard calibrated options are 22mm thick. Non-calibrated tend to be 30mm+. Thicker 60mm+ slabs have extra production costs so are more expensive, around £33-35 per m2.

Finish - Smooth calibrated finishes start from £22 per m2. Riven non-calibrated textures cost £5-10 more due to complex manufacturing.

Colour - More premium blacks, greys and mixed shades command a slight premium over standard greens and buffs. Up to 15% more.

Supply Route - Buying direct from manufacturers instead of retailers saves on markups. But has higher minimum orders.

In summary, expect to pay £22-25 per m2 for calibrated 22mm smooth finish options. While 30-60mm+ riven non-calibrated sandstone range from £30-35 per m2 for supply.

What does sandstone pricing depend on?

Base Material Grade Higher density, less porous "Silver Grey Sandstone" grade commands a 10-15% premium over standard "Raj Green" type sandstone. As it offers superior structural integrity.
Production Method Hand-cut traditional quarry options like Mint Fossil are 20-30% pricier than machine-cut flags. As they take far longer to produce.
Delivery Logistics For mainland UK supply, centralised warehousing saves on transport costs. Direct-from-quarry shipping has added freight expenses.
Sales Channel Retailers have larger markups to cover showroom costs. Buying direct from paver manufacturers is cheaper but has bigger minimum orders.
Installation Extras Base construction materials, mortar, grouting and waste disposal all add costs. Expect total install price to be 2x supply rate. Around £100-150 per m2.

How much does a new patio cost?

On average, the cost to install a new patio ranges from £80-£150 per m2. This includes materials, labor, site preparation and other associated costs. More budget-friendly options like concrete pavers typically cost £100-130 per m2. While premium materials like natural stone can run £150-200+ per m2 fully installed. The overall price scales up significantly with the patio size.

How does sandstone compare to concrete, slate and brick pricing?

Sandstone strikes an effective balance - more affordable than premium slate and granite options, but longer-lasting than basic concrete or brick. Its natural texture also offers superior aesthetic charm in most garden settings.

While concrete starts cheaper, quality degrades quicker. And uniform bricks lack character. Sandstone marries quality, longevity and style at a reasonable mid-market price point. Ideal for discerning homeowners wanting high calibre landscaping that doesn't destroy budgets.

What cost factors influence sandstone per m2?

The grade, thickness, texture, design complexity and sales route all impact pricing per square meter. Basic 22mm smooth silver grey costs £22/m2 wholesale, while 30mm+ hand-cut riven mint fossil slate commands £30-35/m2 in bulk.

What thickness options are available?

Popular calibrated thicknesses are 22mm (90kg per m2) and 30mm (120kg per m2). While riven comes in 30mm, 40mm and 60mm+ sizes upwards of 150kg per m2. Improved structural ratings make them ideal for driveways or pool copings.

What texture types does sandstone come in?

Sandstone's natural grain patterns create varied textures. Smooth calibrated options like Raj Green suit modern gardens well. While heavily riven quarry stocks like Pennant Grey offer striking traditional charm reminiscent of old-world Welsh village homes.

What design customisations are possible?

Waterjet carved surface engraving creates unique Moroccan-inspired patterns. Certain premium stones also take well to bull nosing, tapering or chamfered profiling. Bespoke cutting for curves, angles and edge details further enhances aesthetics.

Is sandstone reasonably priced?

At just £25/m2 mid-grade silver grey hits the sweet spot between cost and quality. It outclasses commodity bricks and concrete for longevity, while undercutting premium slates, limestones and granites on price. Allowing budget-conscious buyers access to refined natural stonework.

How does it compare to wood or porcelain alternatives?

Porcelain and composite decking is near maintenance-free but has a manufactured look. Sandstone integrates far better into quintessentially British countryside gardens through sympathetic natural texture and warmth. Giving landscapes a relaxed yet refined personality that artificial materials struggle to match