Sandstone Setts for Driveway Edging: Complete UK Buyer's Guide 2026
Right, let's talk driveway edging. Because there's a massive difference between a driveway that looks properly finished and one that just... stops. You know the ones—where the tarmac or gravel meets the lawn and it's all a bit vague and messy, grass creeping in, edges crumbling.
Sandstone setts sort this out properly. They create clean, defined edges that look intentional, handle British weather without falling apart, and genuinely improve how your whole property looks from the street. This guide tells you everything you need to know about choosing, buying, and using sandstone cobbles for driveway edging.
What Actually Are Sandstone Setts?
Let's clear up the terminology first because people use "cobbles" and "setts" interchangeably, which confuses things.
Setts are typically rectangular blocks—most commonly 200x100mm in the UK. They're cut to regular dimensions, which makes them easier to lay in straight lines. Perfect for driveway edging where you want clean, defined borders.
Cobbles are usually smaller and squarer—often 100x100mm. They work brilliantly for decorative features, curved edges, or traditional-looking driveways.
Both are made from natural Indian sandstone, which means you get gorgeous natural colour variation, proper durability, and that authentic stone character you can't replicate with concrete.
At Universal Paving UK, you'll find both sizes in Kandla Grey, Raj Green, and Fossil Mint—the three most popular sandstone colours for UK driveways.
Why Sandstone Setts Beat Other Edging Options
vs Concrete Edging Kerbs: Concrete's cheap, sure. But it looks cheap. That flat grey municipal vibe doesn't exactly add kerb appeal. Sandstone brings natural warmth and character that actually enhances your property value.
vs Block Paving Edging: Block paving as edging can work, but it often looks too matchy-matchy if your driveway's already block-paved. Sandstone creates contrast and definition. Plus, the natural stone texture provides better grip underfoot.
vs Brick Edging: Bricks fade, crack, and can look dated quickly. Sandstone cobbles develop a beautiful patina over time rather than deteriorating. They're also less prone to frost damage—crucial in the UK.
vs Nothing (Just Lawn): This is the worst option. Your driveway edges will constantly crumble, grass will invade, and you'll spend every summer re-cutting edges. Proper setts solve this permanently.
Choosing Your Sandstone Colour
Kandla Grey Sandstone Setts
Subtle blue-grey tones with hints of buff and brown. This is the contemporary choice—works brilliantly with modern houses, grey driveways, or if you want a sophisticated, understated look.
Pairs well with:
- Tarmac driveways (creates lovely contrast)
- Grey block paving or porcelain
- Modern architecture
- Dark grey or charcoal garage doors
Price at Universal Paving: £40/m² for 200x100mm handcut setts
Raj Green Sandstone Setts
The classic multi-tonal option—plum, rust, sage, and golden tones all mixed together. Every piece is different, which creates incredible visual interest along your driveway edge.
Pairs well with:
- Gravel driveways (especially golden or buff gravel)
- Traditional properties
- Buff or mixed-colour block paving
- Red brick houses
Price at Universal Paving: £42.77/m² for 200x100mm handcut setts
Fossil Mint Sandstone Setts
Gorgeous soft green-grey tones with occasional fossil markings. Less common than the other two, which means your driveway will stand out (in a good way).
Pairs well with:
- Light-coloured gravel
- Contemporary gardens with lots of greenery
- Cream or light-rendered houses
Price at Universal Paving: £42.75/m² for 200x100mm handcut setts
Handcut vs Tumbled Finish: Which Do You Need?
This matters more than you'd think.
Handcut Sandstone Setts:
- Crisp, clean edges
- More contemporary appearance
- Sharper definition between setts
- Slightly rougher top surface (good for grip)
- Best for: Modern driveways, straight edging, contemporary properties
Tumbled Sandstone Setts:
- Softer, weathered edges
- Traditional, aged appearance
- Looks like it's been there for years from day one
- Slightly smoother surface
- Best for: Period properties, rustic driveways, traditional aesthetics
Both are equally durable—this is purely aesthetic preference.
Size Matters: 200x100mm vs 100x100mm
200x100mm Setts (Most Popular for Driveway Edging):
This is the standard size for a reason. Lay them lengthways along your driveway edge and you get:
- Fewer pieces to lay (quicker installation)
- Clean, contemporary lines
- Less fussy appearance
- Easier to keep straight
For a typical 15-metre driveway length, you'd need roughly 75 setts (one row). That's about 1.5m² total.
100x100mm Cobbles (Best for Curves or Decorative Work):
These smaller squares work better for:
- Curved driveway edges
- Decorative patterns
- Victorian or period properties
- Creating borders around features
Same 15-metre length would need around 150 cobbles. More work to lay, but creates a more traditional look.
How Much Do You Actually Need?
Simple calculation for straight driveway edging:
For 200x100mm setts (most common):
- Measure your driveway length in metres
- Add both sides if edging both edges
- Add 10% for cuts and wastage
- Example: 15m driveway, both sides = 30m + 10% = 33m linear
- Each sett covers 0.2m length = you need 165 setts
- That's approximately 3.3m² (165 setts ÷ 50 setts per m²)
For 100x100mm cobbles:
- Same length measurement
- Multiply by 2 (they're half the size)
- Add 10% wastage
- Example: Same 15m driveway = 330 cobbles needed
- That's approximately 3.3m² (330 cobbles ÷ 100 cobbles per m²)
Top tip: Always order extra. You'll thank yourself when you need to replace one in five years and can grab an exact match from your shed rather than trying to source the same batch.
Installation Reality: DIY or Pro?
Can you DIY sandstone setts for edging?
Yes, absolutely. It's one of the more achievable DIY paving projects if you're reasonably handy.
You'll need:
- Sandstone setts (obviously)
- Concrete or mortar mix
- Spirit level
- String line
- Rubber mallet
- Bricklayer's trowel
- Spade for excavation
Basic process:
- Mark your edge line with string
- Excavate a trench (100mm deep, 150mm wide)
- Lay 50mm concrete base
- Bed setts on mortar (25-40mm)
- Check level constantly
- Leave 24 hours to cure
Time estimate: A competent DIYer can lay 5-8 linear metres per day working solo.
When to hire a professional:
- Curved driveways (trickier to get smooth curves)
- Large areas (20m+ gets tedious)
- Time pressure (pros work much faster)
- If your driveway base needs work
Professional installation for driveway edging typically costs £15-25 per linear metre on top of materials.
Durability: Will They Actually Last?
Short answer: yes, decades.
Sandstone setts are incredibly durable when properly installed:
- Frost resistant: The dense sandstone structure handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
- Weather-proof: Rain, snow, sun—doesn't matter. Sandstone's been handling British weather for centuries
- Traffic-ready: Heavy enough to stay put, even with cars mounting the edge occasionally
- Low maintenance: No sealing required, occasional pressure wash keeps them looking good
We're talking 30-50+ years lifespan here. You'll probably replace your driveway surface before you need to touch the sandstone edging.
Maintenance (Spoiler: There Isn't Much)
Yearly:
- Pressure wash to remove dirt, moss, algae
- Check for any movement (rare, but catch it early if it happens)
- Pull weeds from joints if they appear
Every few years:
- Re-point joints if mortar's degraded (mainly in high-traffic areas)
That's genuinely it. Buy sandstone cobbles and you're buying something that basically looks after itself.
Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay
Let's work through a real example—15m driveway, edging both sides.
Materials (200x100mm Kandla Grey setts from Universal Paving):
- 3.3m² needed (with wastage) × £40/m² = £132
- Concrete base: £30
- Mortar: £25
- Total materials: roughly £187
Professional Installation (if hiring):
- 30 linear metres × £20/m average = £600
Total project cost:
- DIY: £187
- Professional: £787
Compare that to concrete edging (£150-250 DIY, £450-600 professional) and you're getting massively better aesthetics for a modest price difference.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Job
Skipping the concrete base: Bedding setts directly on soil or sand? They'll move, sink, and look terrible within months. Always use a proper concrete foundation.
Inconsistent mortar depth: Creates uneven tops that look amateurish. Use string lines and check levels obsessively.
Forgetting expansion gaps: Sandstone expands/contracts slightly. Leave 3-5mm joints and fill with mortar—don't butt them tight together.
Using the wrong mortar mix: Too weak and it crumbles; too strong and it doesn't flex with the stone. A 4:1 sand-cement mix works perfectly.
Rushing the base cure time: Let that concrete base cure for 24 hours minimum before laying setts. Impatience here costs you later.
Why Buy From Universal Paving UK?
Direct import pricing: We bring sandstone cobbles and setts directly from our own quarries in India. No middlemen marking things up. That's why our pricing sits at £40-43/m² when competitors charge £50-60/m².
Actual UK stock: Order today, ships within 48 hours. We're not waiting on containers from abroad.
Consistent quality: Every batch meets the same standards—proper thickness (40-50mm), genuine slip resistance, and natural colour consistency within ranges.
Free delivery: Most UK postcodes get free delivery. No surprise charges.
Real support: Need help calculating quantities? Unsure which colour suits your property? Call 0115 646 3218 and talk to people who actually know sandstone, not a call centre reading scripts.
Ready to Sort Your Driveway Edges Properly?
Stop living with tatty driveway edges that make your whole property look unfinished.
Browse our sandstone cobbles and setts collection online—Kandla Grey, Raj Green, and Fossil Mint in both 100x100mm and 200x100mm sizes.
Order free samples first if you're torn between colours. See them in your actual driveway light before committing.
Buy sandstone setts UK from Universal Paving and you're getting:
- Premium Indian sandstone at £40-43/m² inc. VAT
- Free UK delivery on most orders
- Handcut or tumbled finishes
- Stock ready for immediate dispatch
- Expert advice when you need it
Your driveway deserves proper edges. Let's get it sorted.
