January 26th, 2012
birmingham . earlswood . earlswood garden & landscape centre . earlswood garden centre . earlswood landscapes . landscaping . Midlands . pavestone . paving
Pavestone Sandstone Paving Review
We’ve just come across this great review by Gary Cobb over at Landscape Juice Network.
Overview
I’ve used Pavestone’s Sandstone range extensively over the last few years and found it performs well, is easy to lay and is very reasonably priced.
One recent change in the range as I understand it is that the Raj Blend and Grey shades are to be hand selected to a thickness of 18 – 22mm, the rest of the range is to be calibrated to 22mm.
This makes the sandstone easier to lay and handle and with the stone tested to be twice the strength of concrete it makes it the equivalent of a 40mm concrete slab.
A full mortar bed is recommended when laying the stone and an application of SBR bonding agent to the back of the paving will help adhesion and prevent the mortar leaching through and staining the surface over time.
Personally I prefer the shades that more closely mimic paving tones traditionally used in our country such as the Raj Blend, Cotswold Mix and Old Black. Lighter shades do look good around a pool area but I would be careful using them under trees and next to hedgerows because they will “green up” more than the other shades
This particular review relates to the Sandstone range, Pavestone also supply a “worn” and polished version which are also well worth checking out.
A circle feature is also available in three sizes, ( 1.5m, 2.4m, & 3.3m ), together with corner sets if required. It does require some skill but I prefer to “drop” the circle into the paving pattern without the use of a “squaring off kit”.
I try to order project packs when ever possible and customise the paving layout to suit, this is both economical and allows the creation of a pleasing random pattern that particularly suits this sort of riven sandstone.
Specification
Click for view full range of Colours:
Paving Sizes: 600x900 600×600 600x290 290x290mm
Note – The Sahara comes in a project pack that includes different sizes to those above.
Circle Size: 1.5m, 2.4m and 3.3m diameter and squaring off kit.
Thickness: Callibrated to 22mm indicated in the picture (c) otherwise hand selected to 18 – 22mm
Joint Width: 8 – 14mm
Weathering: Lighter shades may be susceptible to “greening up” especially under trees, etc.
Lichen Growth: Lichen is possible but I would consider it part of the natural ageing / weathering.
Maintenance: Clean with warm soapy water and brush as required.
High pressure washers can damage surface and pointing so be careful !
Cutting: Recommend diamond cutting blade. If anything I find the sandstone easier to cut than concrete paving.
Size: There is a slight variation in size with all sandstone and you may need to “tweak” the pattern as you lay it to even out the joints.
Pointing Type: Semi-Dry Mortar Mix 3 part building sand 1 part cement or a “brush in” jointing product, ( which are widely available now ).
Ease of Laying: Easier to handle than some man made paving, you need to keep a close eye on the joints due to the slight variation in sizes, other than the sandstone is easy to lay.
Price Guide: Approximately £17 – £20 / sq. metre excluding VAT ( pricing February 2011 ).
Official Guide: Pavestone Sandstone
Summary
Pros: Easy to lay, cost effective and a wide range of shades and accessories.
Cons: Lighter colours especially can be susceptable to “greening up”. ( A problem not particular to this range ).
Photos
Review written by Gary Cobb – http://www.acerpaving.co.uk
Source of photos Pavestone and Acer Paving & Landscaping’s portfolio.
Further examples can be seen on the Acer Paving & Landscaping’ feature page on the Pavestone website.
This review is based upon personal opinion; the reviewer receives no financial gain from the supplier and/or manufacturer to write this review.
