Indian Sandstone Patios in Sevenoaks, Kent

One of the best things about Indian Sandstone is the incredible palette of colours nature has provided. If you're going for a sleek, modern vibe, Kandla Grey is a winner—its cool, consistent tones look stunning against contemporary brickwork. Want something more traditional that mimics the old Yorkstone you see around historic Sevenoaks? Raj Green is your best bet, offering those classic earthy tones. For gardens that need a bit of warmth, our Autumn Blend or Multi-brown slabs bring a cosy, sun-kissed feel even on a grey Tuesday. We even see Mint and Fossil varieties that feature tiny natural imprints from millions of years ago. It’s a real talking point when you've got friends over for a cuppa.

You might have heard horror stories about patios sinking or slabs coming loose after just one winter. Usually, that’s because someone used the 'dot and dab' method—basically just sticking corners down with blobs of mortar. We don't do that. At Prestige Home Improvements, we believe the stuff you don't see is just as important as the stone on top. We start with a rock-solid MOT Type 1 sub-base, which is a thick layer of crushed stone that prevents any shifting. Then, we lay every single slab on a full wet mortar bed. This ensures there are no hollow gaps underneath for water to collect or for pesky ants to build nests. It's the difference between a patio that lasts five years and one that lasts a lifetime.

If you live in Sevenoaks or out towards Hextable and Wilmington, you'll know all about the local clay soil. It’s notorious for holding onto water, which can be a nightmare for drainage. There's nothing worse than a beautiful new patio turning into a shallow pond every time it rains. That’s why we take drainage seriously. We plan in subtle falls to lead water away from your house and install professional ACO drains or soakaways where they're needed. We also use high-quality polymeric pointing between the stones. This stuff stays flexible, so it won't crack during a frost, and it's tough enough to stop weeds from poking through and ruining the look.

A question we often get asked is, "Will it be slippery when it rains?" It's a fair point, considering our weather. Most of the Indian Sandstone we install has a 'riven' surface. This means it has a natural, slightly rugged texture that provides excellent grip underfoot. If you prefer a flatter, more contemporary look, we can use 'honed' or 'sawn' stone, which is machine-cut for a smooth finish. To keep things looking tip-top, we recommend a professional seal after installation. This helps the stone resist oil stains from the grill and makes it much easier to wash down. Usually, a quick blast with a hose or a light power wash once a year is all it takes to keep those colours popping.