Sawn Sorrel Rippon Sandstone Paving for Your Garden

Indian Sandstone Paving slabs are a versatile and stylish option for a variety of outdoor spaces. Their natural appeal makes them an excellent choice for garden patios and pathways, where they beautifully complement the vibrant green of a Turf Grass lawn. These slabs also make a striking impression in front gardens, enhancing curb appeal, as well as in commercial settings such as café entrances or around period properties, where their timeless charm aligns with traditional architecture.

What sets sawn paving slabs apart is their subtle shimmer when sunlight hits their surface, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication that’s sure to impress guests and family alike. This natural sparkle enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space, making it both inviting and visually captivating.

What is 'Sawn' Paving?

Sawn or Honed Paving Slabs undergo additional refinement processes after being extracted from large sandstone blocks in natural stone quarries. Many of our sawn sandstone options are polished versions of classic, well-loved paving stones. For instance, Sawn Rippon Sandstone is the upgraded version of our top-selling Buff Blend Rippon Sandstone.

These extra processes are designed to elevate the aesthetic of the paving, transforming them into a premium product. The result is clean, precise lines that lend a sleek, professional, and modern finish to your garden paving. While these enhancements come with a higher price tag, the superior quality and appearance make them worth the investment.

One key process is machine-sawing, which gives the paving its "sawn" designation. While standard sandstone and limestone slabs are typically sawn along their edges, Sawn Sorrel Sandstone is machine-sawn on all six sides, resulting in a perfectly smooth and uniform surface compared to the traditional, textured "riven" finish.

The final step is honing, which involves polishing the slabs to produce a glossy, ultra-smooth finish. This process enhances the stone's natural colors and provides a luxurious appearance that adds sophistication and elegance to any outdoor space, ensuring a timeless appeal for years to come.

Laying Sawn Sorrel Rippon Sandstone Paving

Charlie Says: We advise laying our sawn paving slabs on a full mortar bed and slurrying the back of the stone, which is the same process that is followed with porcelain paving. The Sorrel requires sealing as soon as it's laid to ensure the colour is maintained and looking new. We also suggest laying this paving in a sunny spot of the garden that isn't obstructed by trees.

Looking After Your Paving 

To preserve the vibrant color and pristine condition of your paving, we recommend using Azpects Easy Seal. This product helps protect the surface and ensures the original color stays intact for an extended period.

For ongoing maintenance, we advise hosing down or jet washing your paving twice a year. This routine effectively removes accumulated dirt, debris, and grime, keeping your paving looking fresh and well-maintained over time.

What is the Difference Between Sandstone and Porcelain Paving?

There are several key differences between Sandstone and Porcelain Paving, making them suited to different preferences and outdoor styles:

Sandstone Paving is a naturally formed material, which means each slab features unique variations in color and texture. Its surface is typically riven, giving it a more rustic, organic feel.

Porcelain Paving, on the other hand, is manufactured using advanced processes, resulting in a perfectly smooth surface and offering precise, bespoke color and pattern options. This makes porcelain highly consistent and customizable.

Variety and Design Options:

Porcelain provides a broader spectrum of colors, textures, and finishes, catering to both contemporary and traditional styles. Its versatility is a major draw for those seeking specific aesthetics.

Sandstone, while more limited in finishes, has a natural charm and character that enhances outdoor spaces with an earthy, timeless appeal.

When looking at Sawn Sandstone, which is honed and polished for a smoother finish, the differences with porcelain are less pronounced. Both have a sleek, smooth surface and achieve a non-slip R11 rating, making them practical for outdoor use.

Sandstone weathers naturally over time, developing a unique patina and slight changes in texture and color. This aging process adds character but may not appeal to those wanting a consistent appearance.

Porcelain excels in retaining its original color and finish for years, as it resists weathering, fading, and staining. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking low-maintenance, long-lasting paving.

If you prefer the natural charm of subtle variations, Sandstone is a great choice. However, for a modern look with vibrant colors that remain unchanged, Porcelain Paving is the superior option. Both materials offer distinctive benefits to suit a range of garden designs.

Buy With Confidence

• Our paving can be purchased in quantities of 5 square metres or as single slabs
• You can purchase a full patio pack containing 18.9 square metres of mixed sizes
• Please enter the amount of 5 sqm you need (for example 20sqm would be 4 x 5sqm)
• All of our paving comes in crates which can be easily placed into a van or into a garden using a hiab lorry
• You can choose free collection from one of our Depots or fuss-free, home delivery

A Service You Can Rely On

• Our reliable service offers prompt delivery to any area in the UK
• Stone Zone is a family-run business that has been well-established since 1998
• Our efficient customer advisors can help you with your purchase
• We pride ourselves on offering a range of affordable garden supplies 

Sample slabs are available in-store and online, please ask a customer advisor.