Cost of limestone and sandstone paving

Whether you’re laying a new patio or just adding a few slabs to your front garden, you want paving materials that don’t cost the earth – but are good quality at the same time.

Thankfully, both limestone and sandstone pavers offer the double whammy of affordability and durability. However, if you were to compare pricing alone, sandstone would just edge it, costing around £10 cheaper per m².

It’s worth bearing in mind though, this is without accounting for factors such as cut, thickness and quality of your chosen paving stones. In which case, it’s always a good idea to browse before you buy.

Convenience

There’s a reason Limestone and Sandstone are often pitted against one another for the ‘best natural paver’ title - it’s because they’re so similar. However, while they might share a lot of the same properties, they are not identical, especially in terms of porosity.

That’s why, if you want to know which paver absorbs water better, then limestone is your winner. In fact, chemical sedimentary rocks like limestone are often called ‘evaporites’ because of their quick-wicking (and slip-free) properties. (It’s also the main reason limestone is used indoors, in kitchens and bathrooms.)

An additional factor to consider is: how does porosity affect your stones in the long-run? Well, you might be surprised to learn that light-coloured sandstone pavers are more porous than darker colours. This means they absorb – and retain - more water during downpours, so may require more sealing (although it’s not essential).

All limestone, however, will require sealing, so you’ll want to bear this in mind when deciding between the two. In either case, we advise speaking to an expert on sealants in advance as some can permanently affect the finish.

TOP TIP: If you’re on the hunt for a sealant but come across a cheaper coating option, don’t be swayed by the price. Coatings rub off over time, leaving an unattractive patchy look to your paving stones.

Appeal

Until now, the differences between limestone and sandstone have been relatively minor. A few extra quid here, a little extra sealant there – nothing you’re going to lose sleep over.

But that’s because the main difference between limestone and sandstone isn’t practical – it’s aesthetic.

For instance, limestone pavers tend to be smooth and flat with a texture like orange peel, while sandstone pavers are more rippled and ridged (also known as ‘riven’), sometimes with chiselled edges. As such, limestone is best for uniform, contemporary gardens, while sandstone pavers suit a more rustic, organic outdoor space.

Summary

Below is a quick overview to summarise the differences when comparing limestone vs sandstone for your paving.

Appearance & Aesthetic Appeal

Limestone:
Smooth, refined finish
Typically available in consistent tones (e.g., black, grey, blue)
Ideal for contemporary designs

Sandstone:
Natural, riven texture
Wide colour variety: buff, beige, brown, and multicolour tones
Suits traditional or cottage-style gardens
 
Durability & Performance

Limestone:
Dense structure makes it less prone to wear
More resistant to fading under UV light
May become slippery when wet if not textured or sealed

Sandstone:
Extremely durable and weather-resistant
Porous surface can absorb moisture
May show wear faster in high-traffic areas without proper maintenance
 
Maintenance & Cleaning

Limestone:
Benefits from sealing to retain colour and prevent staining
Easier to clean due to smoother texture
Typically less maintenance over time

Sandstone:
Requires sealing, especially in damp or shaded areas
Rough texture may collect more dirt and algae
Occasional pressure washing recommended

Get in touch

Still not sure which paver is best for your patio? Well, both sandstone and limestone are equally patio-worthy. Just remember that the ridges make sandstone slightly more slip-resistant than limestone – a key factor for patios or garden paths with high footfall.

Elsewhere, sandstone offers a broader range of colour and styling options, when compared with limestone. With everything from light sand dune tones to rugged burnt umbers, and even colour blend packs, you’ll love the unique hues of sandstone pavers.

Think you’re ready to select your natural stone paving, or still want to browse your options? You can view our full range of limestone and sandstone paving slabs on the Bradstone website, or you can contact us for more information on 01335372222.