Premium vs Standard Indian Sandstone: Key Differences
Why Quality Matters More Than You Think
If you've been shopping for paving stones lately, you've probably noticed a pretty big price gap between premium and standard Indian sandstone. And honestly? It can feel confusing. Both look beautiful in the showroom, both come from the same country, and both promise to transform your outdoor space.
So what's the real difference, and more importantly, which one should you actually buy Indian sandstone paving that lasts?
Let me break it down in plain terms—and show you where to find the best value without compromising on quality.
Where Quality Starts: The Quarry Selection
Premium Indian sandstone typically comes from specific quarries known for producing denser, more consistent stone. These quarries often sit at depths where the sandstone has been compressed under greater pressure over millions of years, creating a tighter grain structure.
Standard grade sandstone, meanwhile, often comes from upper quarry layers or less regulated sources. It's still genuine sandstone, but the mineral composition and density can vary quite a bit from slab to slab.
This matters because density directly affects how well your patio handles British weather. And let's be honest, that's a lot of rain, frost, and temperature swings.
At Universal Paving, all sandstone is carefully sourced from trusted quarries and members of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative), ensuring you receive consistent quality with every order.
Thickness and Calibration: The Hidden Game-Changer
Here's something that catches a lot of people off guard.
Premium sandstone paving slabs are usually calibrated, meaning they've been machine-cut to a uniform thickness—typically around 20-22mm. This makes laying them significantly easier and reduces how much mortar you need to compensate for uneven backs.
Standard sandstone often comes hand-cut with natural variations in thickness. Some slabs might be 18mm while others run closer to 30mm. For a professional landscaper, this isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. But if you're tackling a DIY patio installation, calibrated slabs can save you hours of frustration.
Universal Paving offers fully calibrated sandstone paving in both 18mm and 22mm thicknesses, giving you options whether you prefer the traditional riven finish or the contemporary sawn and honed smooth look. Their Kandla Grey Sandstone 900x600 Riven slabs come calibrated at just £20.10/m² including VAT—with free UK delivery.
Porosity and Weather Resistance
This is where the gap really shows up over time.
Premium grade sandstone tends to have lower porosity, meaning it absorbs less water. When autumn leaves sit on your patio or winter frost sets in, denser stone handles the moisture without flaking, cracking, or developing that patchy discolouration.
Standard sandstone absorbs water more readily. In mild climates, this might not be a major issue. But in areas with hard frosts, water seeping into the stone expands as it freezes, gradually breaking down the surface. Within a few years, you might notice spalling or surface erosion that simply doesn't happen with better quality stone.
If you're investing in a long-lasting patio, frost-resistant sandstone paving is worth prioritising.
Universal Paving's premium sandstone range is specifically selected for durability in the UK climate, with each slab naturally robust and weather-resistant for year-round outdoor use.
Colour Consistency: What You See Should Be What You Get
Walk into any stone yard and you'll see the full spectrum of Indian sandstone colours: warm Raj Greens, earthy Autumn Browns, creamy Fossil Mints, and rich Kandla Greys.
Premium packs are hand-selected for colour consistency. You'll get natural variation—which is part of the charm—but nothing jarring. No sudden pink slab in the middle of your grey patio.
Standard packs typically include more colour variation and occasionally off-tone pieces that don't quite match the sample you fell in love with. Some people embrace this randomness. Others find it frustrating when the finished result looks different from what they envisioned.
Universal Paving stocks an impressive range of consistent colours:
- Kandla Grey Sandstone – Timeless silver-grey tones
- Raj Green Sandstone – Beautiful mix of green, brown, and plum undertones
- Rippon Buff Sandstone – Warm creamy hues
- Autumn Brown Sandstone – Rich earthy brown and plum tones
- Fossil Mint Sandstone – Off-white with subtle desert tones
Surface Finish and Workmanship
Run your hand across a premium sandstone slab and you'll usually feel a smoother, more refined surface. The edges are cleaner, the faces more consistent.
Standard slabs often have rougher surfaces, chipped edges, and occasional tool marks. Again, some homeowners prefer this more rustic character. But if you're after a sleek contemporary patio or precise geometric patterns, premium paving stones deliver that polished finish more reliably.
Universal Paving offers both finishes to suit your style:
- Riven finish – Traditional hand-dressed edges with natural texture (from £20.10/m²)
- Sawn & Honed smooth finish – Modern, polished appearance with clean lines (from £26.79/m²)
Their Kandla Grey Sawn & Honed 900x600 slabs are currently on sale at £325 per pack (down from £369), covering 12.14 sqm with free delivery.
Price Comparison: Is Premium Sandstone Worth It?
Let's talk numbers.
Standard Indian sandstone paving typically costs between £15 and £25 per square metre for the materials alone. Premium sandstone runs closer to £25 to £35 per square metre, sometimes higher for rarer colours or larger format slabs.
That's a meaningful difference on a 30 or 40 square metre patio project.
But here's the thing: labour costs the same regardless of which stone you choose. If you're paying a landscaper £1,500 to £3,000 for installation, spending an extra few hundred pounds on better materials represents a small percentage of the total project cost. And that upgraded stone will likely outlast cheaper alternatives by a decade or more.
Universal Paving Price Guide (All prices include VAT & Free UK Delivery):
| Product | Size | Price | Per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandla Grey Riven | 900x600 (19.35 sqm pack) | £389 | £20.10/m² |
| Kandla Grey Sawn & Honed | 900x600 (12.14 sqm pack) | £325 | £26.79/m² |
| Kandla Grey Anti-Slip Textured | 900x600 (18.25 sqm pack) | From £499 | £27.33/m² |
| Raj Green Porcelain | 900x600 | From £209 | £19.99/m² |
| Kandla Grey Porcelain | 900x600 | From £205 | £19.50/m² |
Currently, Universal Paving is running a Winter Sale across all products, making now an excellent time to order for your spring garden project.
When Standard Sandstone Makes Sense
I'm not here to tell you premium is always the right choice. There are plenty of situations where standard Indian sandstone works perfectly well.
If you're paving a side return you rarely use, creating a temporary garden path, or working within a tight budget on a rental property, standard grade sandstone delivers genuine natural stone at an affordable price.
It's also worth considering if you genuinely prefer a more varied, characterful look. Some of the most beautiful patios feature standard packs specifically because of their unpredictable colour play.
Universal Paving's Eco Range Sandstone offers excellent value for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing the beauty of natural stone.
What to Ask Your Supplier
Whether you're leaning toward premium or standard, a few questions can help you avoid disappointment:
✓ Is this sandstone calibrated or hand-cut? Calibrated slabs are easier for DIY projects and reduce installation time.
✓ What's the porosity rating? Lower is better for wet UK climates.
✓ Can I see a full pallet rather than just a sample? Samples rarely capture the full colour range.
✓ Is this stone suitable for driveways or just patios? If you need driveway-grade sandstone, you'll want thicker, denser slabs rated for vehicle weight.
✓ Is delivery included? Many suppliers charge extra—Universal Paving offers FREE standard delivery to mainland UK addresses.
Why Choose Universal Paving for Your Project?
When you're ready to order sandstone paving online, choosing the right supplier matters as much as choosing the right stone.
Universal Paving has built its reputation as one of the UK's most trusted natural stone suppliers by focusing on:
- Premium Quality Guarantee – Every slab meets rigorous standards
- Competitive Pricing – Direct importing means no expensive middlemen
- Free UK Delivery – No hidden charges to mainland addresses
- Trade Discounts Available – Special rates for landscapers and contractors
- Ethical Sourcing – All products from ETI-certified suppliers
- Extensive Range – Porcelain, sandstone, limestone, granite, and slate
- Samples – Order up to 3 samples to compare at home before committing
With over 4.5-star customer ratings and reviews praising their quality, communication, and delivery service, Universal Paving makes buying natural stone straightforward and stress-free.
Making Your Decision
At the end of the day, choosing between premium and standard Indian sandstone comes down to three things: your budget, your climate, and how long you want your patio to last.
If you're creating a space you'll use for decades—hosting summer barbecues and morning coffees for years to come—investing in high-quality natural stone paving pays off. The colours stay truer, the surface stays smoother, and you won't find yourself replacing slabs five years down the line.
But if budget is tight or the project is temporary, standard sandstone still offers genuine natural beauty at a fraction of the price.
Either way, you're choosing real stone over concrete imitations—and that's already a step toward a garden that ages gracefully.
Ready to Order?
Order paving samples from Universal Paving to compare colours, textures, and finishes in your own garden light before committing. Samples are delivered within 5-7 working days.
Or browse their full range of Indian Sandstone Paving Slabs to find the perfect match for your outdoor project.
Contact Universal Paving:
- Phone: 0115 646 3218 (Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-3pm)
- Website: universalpaving.co.uk
VAT included on all prices. Free standard delivery to mainland UK.
