Yorkstone
Quarried in West Yorkshire, Yorkstone is a hard, durable sandstone in buffs, greys and soft browns. Sawn Yorkstone has crisp edges and a smooth finish; riven or reclaimed-style flags have a natural, uneven surface with real character. It's a premium material, and it looks best on a period terrace or formal garden.
Indian and other sandstones
Indian sandstone is widely used and comes in riven and sawn finishes in many colours. Buff, grey and mint-toned stones sit comfortably against Harrogate's gritstone. Each batch varies, so we lay out slabs to blend the tones before bedding them.
How it's laid
Every flag goes onto a full bed of mortar over a compacted sub-base. Patchy bedding leaves voids where water collects and freezes, cracking slabs or loosening them. Joints are filled with mortar or a jointing compound, and the whole patio falls away from the house.
Living with stone
Natural stone weathers and mellows over time. In shady spots, riven stone can attract algae; a sawn finish is easier to keep clean.