Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone Paving Slabs - Sawn & Honed - 900x600 - 20mm - Smooth Paving

Right, so we've been talking about porcelain for ages, but some people genuinely prefer natural stone - and that's fair enough. Kandla Grey sandstone is probably the most popular natural stone paving in the UK, and the sawn & honed finish is the posh version. Smoother, more refined than standard riven finishes, but still authentically stone with all the character that brings.

What Makes It Different

This is natural sandstone, not manufactured porcelain. That means genuine variation between slabs - different tones, natural markings, subtle shifts in texture. No two pieces are identical, which is either wonderful (character! uniqueness!) or annoying (inconsistency!) depending on your perspective.

The sawn & honed finish is where this version stands out. The edges are precisely cut (sawn), and the surface is smoothed down (honed) to create a more contemporary, refined look than standard riven kandla grey. Still textured enough for grip, just less rustic and more architectural.

The colour's that lovely soft grey with blue-grey undertones that Kandla's famous for. Neutral enough to work with anything, sophisticated enough to look expensive. Proper timeless stuff.

Natural Stone Reality Check

Natural stone behaves differently to porcelain. It's porous, which means it can absorb water, stains can happen, and it generally requires more care. Sealing is recommended (though not everyone bothers), and you need to be more careful with spills.

It also weathers and ages, which you need to make peace with. Over time, it'll develop patina, slight colour shifts, maybe some surface wear. Some people love this - the lived-in, natural aging. Others prefer materials that stay consistent forever (hello, porcelain).

Strength-wise, it's solid. Sandstone's been used for paving for centuries because it works. Handles UK weather, frost, general outdoor life. But it's not indestructible - really heavy impacts might chip or crack it more easily than porcelain would.

The Maintenance Truth

More involved than porcelain, let's be honest. You should seal it after installation and re-seal periodically (annually or every few years depending on use and sealant quality). This protects against staining and moisture absorption.

Regular cleaning is similar to porcelain - sweep regularly, wash when needed. But you need to be more careful with acidic cleaners or harsh chemicals that might damage natural stone.

Spills matter more. Red wine, oil, anything that stains - clean it promptly or it might leave marks. The honed surface is less porous than riven stone, which helps, but it's still natural stone with natural stone behaviour.

Some people embrace the low-intervention approach - minimal sealing, let it weather naturally, accept the patina. If that's your vibe, Kandla Grey ages beautifully. If you're a perfectionist who wants things looking pristine forever, porcelain might suit better.

Where Natural Stone Excels

Kandla Grey Sawn & Honed particularly suits:

• People who value authentic materials over manufactured ones
• Gardens wanting that genuine stone character
• Traditional or period properties where natural stone feels appropriate
• Landscapes where aging and patina are welcomed
• Projects where uniqueness matters more than perfect consistency