Indian sandstone is a popular choice for paving for many homeowners due to its durability, natural beauty and affordability. Not to mention, it also adds a beautiful aesthetic to any outdoor or indoor space. But one of the great things about Indian sandstone paving is that not only is it low-maintenance, but it also comes in a variety of colours and styles. With such an extensive range of colours available, each with its unique appeal, you can easily find the perfect shade and tone for your outdoor area or patio. In this blog post, we'll explore the different colour ranges with Indian sandstone paving, so that you can make the best choice of colour for your garden patio.
How Indian Sandstone is Formed
Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of smaller grains of sand that are adhered together by minerals. There are many different types of sandstone, each with its own unique colour and grain size. The colours within sandstone depend upon the mineral compositions of the rock, for example: red sandstone colours are formed from iron oxide, yellow tones are from sulphur and the grey colours are created by the lack of iron oxide within the stone.
Styles & Finishes with Indian Sandstone Paving
Indian sandstone paving is one of the most diverse types of paving and its versatility means it is available in a number of different styles and finishes to suit all tastes. In its simplest, most natural form, it is produced as a riven finish paving slab with hand chiselled edges available in individual sizes or premixed size packs. A riven finish has a natural rippled appearance and is split across the natural seams in the rock to create a gently uneven surface texture that is easy on the eye and works well in both traditional and more modern designs where an irregular aesthetic is desirable. Sandstone can also have a sawn flat surface finish with sawn straight edges that suits a more contemporary design. The texture of the stone can either be honed which gives a smooth to the touch finish, sandblasted to give a light sandpaper-like texture or shotblasted to give a heavier stippled surface. It can also have a flamed finish which is a more unusual finish whereby the surface of a riven stone is burnt away with a hot flame to remove the softer minerals, leaving a visually pleasing gently undulating surface. Some Indian sandstone is 'tumbled' to give it an aged or antique finish, giving the appearance of a stone that was laid several centuries before, making it ideal for an older style home.
Sandstone is not just available as a paving slab material, it is also made into walling bricks, cobble setts, bullnose step treads, solid stone steps, paving circle kits, edging and driveway block paving, so you can be sure to find a complete range products suitable for all types of paving project with Indian sandstone.
Colours of Indian Sandstone
The colours of sandstone are often determined by the area or quarry in India where the stone originates. Colours can range from the lightest of ivory shades to dark brown and grey tones and the colours will intensify when wet. Indian sandstone has a multitude of colour names and different manufacturers generally have their own name to describe the same colour range of sandstone. The colours can vary between individual pieces of stone within the same pack and even a single piece of stone will show different bands of colour. Some ranges have more noticeable colour variations than others and although the descriptions highlight the predominant shades found within the stone, it's always possible to see other colours make an appearance as well depending upon the minerals found within each unique piece of stone. Additionally, natural sandstone will exhibit characteristics such as veins and occasional bloom-like colour patterns and if you're lucky, fossil imprints of ferns or other organic matter that were embedded in the layers of stone when it was created.
Buff | Harvest | Camel | Sunset Buff | Sunrise | Country Buff |
Buff Indian sandstone is one of the most popular choices for paving. It has a warm honey buff colour that is perfect for creating an ambient and welcoming feel in your garden. Occasional pink and brown-grey tones may also be seen within this colour range and these introduce rich warm brown and dusky pink tones when wet. This colour range is versatile and can be used in both traditional and modern garden designs. Buff sandstone works well with darker coloured plants and foliage, creating a beautiful contrast.
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Raj Green | York Green | Lakeland |
Raj Green Indian sandstone is a mix of neutral grey-green and beige tones with occasional lilac notes. This colour range is ideal for creating a natural and rustic look in your garden and works well in older style properties where neutral and undertated colours blend semalessly with the aged qualities of your home. Raj Green sandstone one of the most popular choices especially where a gentle, background colour is desirable. When wet, the colours intensify to khaki, tan and deeper grey with very occasional warmer tones.
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Fossil Mint | Mint | Ivory | Golden Sand |
Fossil Mint Indian sandstone has a light cream colour with hints of pink and brown. Although the stone has a predominantly cream colouration and gives an overall light appearance, it may also have bronze and black fossil imprints that add a unique charm to the paving. This colour range is perfect for adding bright, light colour tones in your garden. Fossil Mint sandstone works well with plants that have a pink or purple hue, creating a beautiful contrast.
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Kandla Grey | Promenade | Grey |
Kandla Grey Indian sandstone is a fairly consistent dove grey colour with very occasional buff tones. This colour range is ideal for creating a both a traditional and a contemporary and modern look in your garden and works well with all styles of home, from red brick to white rendered. Kandla Grey sandstone is a popular choice often when a more consistent colour palette is desirable. When wet, the colour becomes a slightly darker mid-grey colour.
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Autumn Brown | Brown Multi |
Autumn Brown Indian sandstone is a mix of flat brown and grey shades with occasional maroon colours. This colour range is perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your garden, especially where a slightly darker shade is required. When wet, Autumn Brown paving exhibits rich chocolatey brown tones with occasional charcoal colours. Autumn Brown sandstone works well with plants that have yellow or orange hues, creating a beautiful contrast.
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Modak | Modak Rose | Heather | Buff Pink |
Modak Indian sandstone has warm apricot, tan and dusky pink tones. This colour selection is one of the most vibrant and intense of all the colour ranges of sandstone and the warmest colour palette and makes perfect sense when you are looking for a statement patio of strong rich colours. When wet, Modak sandstone exhibits deep terracotta, plum, gold and maroon tones. This paving works well where a 'baked earth' appearance is desirable such as a mediterranean or desert garden.
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Sagar Black | Graphite | Monsoon | Raven |
Sagar Black Indian sandstone includes graphite, charcoal and grey shades blended with warm buff colours. This colour combination creates a classic look that works well in both older style properties and newer homes where a neutral colour combination is required. When dry, the colours appear lighter and more matte in appearance and when wet, the dark charcoal and rich golden buff shades appear more dominant. This sandstone works well where a darker stone colour palette is desirable.
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Raveena | Ravina | Rufina |
Raveena sandstone has a combination of shades ranging from pink, lilac and plum, through to gold, grey and tan. This is a more unusual sandstone with a constrasing colour palette and often, bands of colour throughout the stone. When dry, it appears as a light pastel coloured stone, when when wet, the strong colours come into their own, with rich plum and maroon, contrasting grey and golden buff hues. Make a statement with this colourful stone and combine with decorative aggragate such as plum slate to blend with the theme.
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Indian York | Yorkshire Blend | Glendale | Old York |
Indian York sandstone has a contrasting colour palette of light dove grey and golden buff. The colours tend to be mixed across each individual paving slabs and are the closest alternative to British Yorkstone, but at a fraction of the price. Traditional British Yorkstone is used in ancient buildings such as churches and stately homes, so if you are looking to create this classic look, then Indian Yorkstone is a good choice of paving for you.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Indian sandstone paving comes in a range of colours, from muted beiges and browns to vibrant pinks and oranges, each with its unique appeal. The colour you choose will depend on your personal taste and the style of your garden. With its durability, natural beauty, diversite, excellent range of products, styles and finishes in addition to its remarkable affordability, Indian sandstone is an excellent choice for any garden design.
Whether you're looking to create a modern or rustic aesthetic, Indian sandstone can help you achieve the look you want and is definitely one of the best options when it comes to creating beautiful patios or pathways outside your home.
