Granite Setts UK — Buy Direct From £55/m²
Granite setts are one of the hardest-wearing paving materials you can lay outdoors. Denser than sandstone, stronger than limestone, and built to handle vehicle traffic, frost cycles, and decades of British weather without cracking or fading. At Universal Paving, we stock granite setts and cobbles in our Nottingham warehouse for fast UK delivery — alongside sandstone setts, porcelain setts, and matching edgings so you can complete your project from a single supplier.
Our Granite Setts & Cobbles Range
We stock granite setts and cobbles in silver grey and black — the two most popular colours for UK driveways and driveway edging. Our silver grey granite features a flamed surface finish: a heat treatment that opens the stone's natural texture and creates excellent slip resistance in wet conditions. Our black granite cobbles are handcut for a traditional, textured appearance. All setts are CE-marked and comply with BS EN 1342 for natural stone setts used in external paving.
Silver Grey Granite Setts
Silver Grey Granite Cobbles
Black Granite Cobbles
Looking for natural stone setts in other materials? We also stock Indian sandstone setts from £43.22/m² in Kandla Grey and Raj Green, and porcelain setts in anthracite black for a contemporary look.
Granite Setts Pricing — What You'll Actually Pay
Granite setts in the UK typically cost between £35 and £65 per square metre for supply only, depending on colour, finish, and supplier. Our pricing sits at the competitive end of the market because we import directly without intermediary markups.
| Product | Size | Price per m² (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Grey Granite Cobbles (Flamed) | 100x100x50mm | £55.45 |
| Silver Grey Granite Setts (Flamed) | 200x100x50mm | £57.66 |
| Black Granite Cobbles (Handcut) | 100x100x50mm | £61.00 |
| Kandla Grey Sandstone Setts (Handcut) | 200x100x40-50mm | £43.22 |
| Raj Green Sandstone Setts (Handcut) | 200x100x40-50mm | £43.22 |
| Anthracite Black Porcelain Setts | 100x100x20mm | £0.64/piece (~£53/m²) |
All prices include VAT. Free delivery on full pallet orders across UK mainland. For trade pricing, contact our team or apply for a trade account.
What Are Granite Setts Used For?
Granite setts are one of the few natural stone paving products genuinely rated for vehicle traffic, which makes them the go-to choice for driveways — but they're used for far more than that.
Driveways — granite setts can handle repeated vehicle loading without cracking or shifting. The 200x100mm format is the most popular for driveways, laid in herringbone or stretcher bond patterns. For heavy vehicle areas, 100mm-thick setts are recommended; 50mm is sufficient for standard cars.
Driveway edging and borders — setts are commonly used as a border around block paving, resin-bound, or tarmac driveways to create a clean, defined edge. A two- or three-course granite border adds visual contrast and prevents edge creep.
Patio edging — using setts to frame a patio creates a professional transition between the paved area and lawn or planting. Match your sett colour to your main paving for a cohesive look, or use a contrasting colour for deliberate definition.
Pathways and garden paths — the 100x100mm cobble format works well for curved paths and cottage-style gardens. The smaller unit size follows curves naturally without excessive cutting.
Courtyards and entrance aprons — granite setts create a premium first impression at the front of a property, especially in traditional or period settings.
Steps and level changes — setts laid across the front edge of steps provide clear visual markers and excellent grip.
Granite Setts vs Sandstone Setts — Which Should You Choose?
Quick comparison
| Feature | Granite Setts | Sandstone Setts |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 6–7 on Mohs scale — extremely hard | 6–7 on Mohs scale (varies by type) |
| Driveway use | Excellent — handles heavy vehicles | Suitable for standard cars only |
| Colour range | Silver grey, black, pink, yellow (limited natural palette) | Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Fossil Mint, Autumn Brown (wider range) |
| Maintenance | Very low — highly stain resistant | Low — may develop patina over time |
| Price (supply only, inc VAT) | From £55.45/m² (silver grey) to £61/m² (black) | From £43.22/m² |
| Best for | Driveways, heavy-traffic areas, modern/urban projects | Garden paths, patio edging, period properties, cottage gardens |
Read the full comparison: Granite vs Sandstone Setts — Which Is Better for Your Project?
Granite Setts Finishes Explained
The finish on a granite sett affects its look, grip, and price. Here's what each finish means in practice:
Flamed (our range) — the stone surface is heat-treated with a high-temperature torch, which causes the mineral crystals to pop and create a naturally rough, textured surface. Flamed granite is the best all-round finish for UK outdoor use: excellent slip resistance in wet weather, a clean contemporary look, and good colour consistency. This is the finish we stock.
Natural split / cropped — the sett is split along natural fracture lines, leaving a rough, irregular surface. This is the most traditional finish and the most affordable. The surface varies more between pieces, giving a rustic, cobbled appearance. Most Portuguese-sourced granite setts sold in the UK are natural split.
Bush-hammered — the surface is mechanically hammered to create a uniform dimpled texture. Good slip resistance, more consistent than natural split, but more expensive due to the additional processing.
Sawn and tumbled — setts are cut to precise dimensions then tumbled in a drum to soften the edges and create an aged appearance. Popular for heritage restorations and period properties.
How to Lay Granite Setts
Granite setts require a properly prepared base — they're heavy and dense, and the installation needs to match. Here's a summary of what's involved:
Sub-base: Excavate to 200–250mm depth. Lay and compact MOT Type 1 aggregate to a minimum 150mm depth. This is non-negotiable — a poor sub-base will cause movement within a few winters.
Mortar bed: Lay setts on a full mortar bed (4:1 sharp sand to cement). For driveways, use a minimum 30mm bed thickness. Tap each sett into position with a rubber mallet, maintaining consistent joint widths of 10–15mm.
Jointing: Fill joints with a brush-in resin mortar (such as GftK or Romex) for the most durable, weed-resistant finish. Traditional sand-cement pointing also works but requires more maintenance. Avoid kiln-dried sand on its own — it washes out.
Drainage: Maintain a minimum fall of 1:60 away from buildings. Granite is virtually non-porous, so surface water needs somewhere to go — plan drainage channels or permeable edges.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, read our full article: How to Lay Granite Setts — Complete UK Installation Guide.
Why Buy Granite Setts From Universal Paving?
We're not a granite-only specialist — and that's actually an advantage. Most granite setts projects also need matching edging, patio paving, or complementary materials. Because we stock porcelain, sandstone, limestone, granite, and slate, you can source everything for your project from one supplier with one delivery.
We import directly from manufacturers in India, cutting out intermediary costs. Our granite setts are stocked in our Nottingham warehouse year-round, with orders dispatching within 2–3 working days. Free UK mainland delivery on full pallet orders. Trade accounts available for landscapers and contractors who need consistent supply and pricing.
Every product is quality-checked before dispatch. All setts are CE-marked and compliant with BS EN 1342. If you're not sure which size, material, or quantity you need, our team can help — call us on 01618 434 095 or email hello@universalpaving.co.uk.
Need Granite Setts for Your Project?
Browse our range, check pricing, or get in touch for trade rates.
Shop Granite SettsFrequently Asked Questions
How much do granite setts cost per m² in the UK?
Granite setts in the UK typically cost between £35 and £65 per square metre for supply only. At Universal Paving, our silver grey flamed granite cobbles start from £55.45/m² and setts from £57.66/m² (inc VAT). Black granite cobbles are £61/m². The price varies depending on finish (natural split is cheapest, bush-hammered is most expensive), size, and colour. Installation costs add a further £50–£120/m² depending on project complexity and your location.
Are granite setts suitable for driveways?
Yes — granite is one of the best natural stone materials for driveways. It handles heavy vehicle loading without cracking, resists oil and fuel staining better than sandstone, and lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance. For standard car driveways, 50mm-thick setts are sufficient. For heavier vehicles or commercial use, 100mm thickness is recommended. Proper sub-base preparation is essential for driveway installations.
What size granite setts should I use?
For driveways and straight pathways, 200x100mm setts are the most popular — they lay faster, create clean lines, and work well in herringbone or stretcher bond patterns. For curved paths, circular features, and decorative work, 100x100mm cobbles are better suited because the smaller format follows curves without excessive cutting. For driveway edging around block paving or tarmac, two or three courses of 100x100mm setts create a clean, durable border.
What's the difference between granite setts and granite cobbles?
In practice, "setts" and "cobbles" are often used interchangeably. Historically, cobbles referred to naturally rounded river stones while setts were quarried and cut to shape. In the modern paving trade, cobbles typically refers to the smaller 100x100mm format and setts to the larger 200x100mm format. Both come from the same granite and perform identically — the only difference is size and the design effect.
How do granite setts compare to block paving?
Granite setts are natural stone; block paving is manufactured concrete. Granite is significantly harder, longer-lasting (50+ years vs 15–25 years for block paving), and doesn't fade or lose colour over time. Block paving is cheaper upfront but requires more maintenance and may need replacing sooner. Granite setts also add more value to a property and look substantially better as they age.
Do granite setts need sealing?
No. Granite has very low porosity (water absorption below 0.4%) and doesn't need sealing for performance. Some homeowners choose to apply a sealant for a wet-look finish or to darken the colour slightly, but it's purely aesthetic — not a maintenance requirement. Unsealed granite setts will perform just as well as sealed ones.
Do you deliver granite setts across the UK?
Yes. We deliver granite setts UK-wide from our Nottingham warehouse. Most orders dispatch within 2–3 working days. Delivery is free on full pallet orders across UK mainland. Trade customers can also collect directly from our yard. For specific delivery timeframes to your area, contact our team.
Can I order samples before buying?
Yes — order samples here to check the colour, texture, and finish before committing to a full order. We always recommend seeing granite setts in person, as photographs don't fully capture the mineral flecks and surface texture.