Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Kandla Grey Sandstone
submitted 1 week ago by Pave_Direct to pics, updated 1 week ago
Upgrade your outdoor space with Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone the UK’s top choice for elegant, durable patios. Learn how to buy, install, and maintain it.
Why Choose Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone?
Kandla Grey has become a top choice for UK homeowners and landscapers because:
- Consistent, elegant tones: Silvery-grey with subtle buff or blue undertones, offering a clean neutral backdrop.
- Durability under UK weather: With proper installation, it resists frost, rain, and wear over time.
- Texture versatility: Available in riven, sawn / honed, and tumbled finishes to suit different aesthetics.
- Broad supplier availability & competitive pricing: It’s among the more popular Indian sandstones, making it easier to source and compare offers.
- Timeless appeal: Blends with both traditional homes (brick, stone) and modern builds (glazing, aluminium).
These qualities make Kandla Grey a “safe bet” for anyone wanting a premium natural stone look without extreme uncertainty.
Sizes & Finishes to Expect
- Standard sizes: 900×600 mm, 600×600 mm, 600×300 mm, 300×300 mm in mixed “project packs.”
- Uniform-size packs: All slabs same are also offered, especially for more structured layouts.
- Standard thickness: 22 mm calibrated is most common. Some suppliers also offer 18–25 mm variants.
- Driveway or heavy load use: Suppliers may recommend 25–35 mm thickness variants.
Finish Options
- Riven surface: Natural cleft texture, ideal for blending with garden surfaces and better slip resistance.
- Sawn / Honed: Smoother surface for modern layouts; less texture.
- Tumbled / antique: Aged edges, softer look for traditional ‘worn in’ feel.
- Edge styles: Hand-cut, sawn edges, chiseled edges.
When comparing supplier offers, always check both the finish and thickness; these dramatically influence cost and performance.
How to Buy: Steps & Considerations
Before you buy, it’s worth exploring the wider Indian Sandstone paving collection to compare tone and finish options.
Measurement & Allowance
- Measure your area in square metres (length × width).
- Add 10% to 15% extra for waste, cuts, mistakes, and potential breakages.
- If your area is irregular or includes curves, add a bit more buffer.
Check Supplier Credentials & Warranties
- Ask for CE / UKCA certification (if applicable) or documentation of standards compliance (e.g. BS EN 1341).
- Check for delivery logistics, crate splitting, damage insurance, and return policies.
Plan Delivery & Handling
- Slabs arrive in crates/pallets; handling by fork, crane, or manual labor.
- Confirm access to site, overhead clearance, and ground stability.
- Check for lead time and warehouse location many suppliers import direct and hold stock near UK ports.
- Request split crate delivery if you do not need full pallet volumes.
Ordering
- Confirm your exact slab mix (if mixed pack), finish, thickness, and expected delivery date.
- Ensure the supplier provides a laid plan or slab distribution to help disburse variation uniformly.
- Ask for the product data sheet with physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.
By following these steps, you reduce surprises once the slabs arrive.
Installation & Best Practices
Need step-by-step guidance? Read our detailed paving installation guide
Sub-base & Bedding
- Use a well-compacted type 1 / crushed stone sub-base (minimum 100–150 mm, depending on soil / load).
- Lay a bedding mortar screed (e.g. 25 mm cement:sand = 1:4 with a bit of lime) to bed the stone.
Jointing
- Use polymeric sand or paving mortar suited for natural stone.
- Joint widths of 5–10 mm often provide balance (narrow for tight layouts, wider if drainage is priority).
- After jointing, brush and lightly mist to firm up the joint fill without overflow.
Slab Placement & Variance
- Mix slabs from multiple crates as you lay to moderate colour variation.
- Use a rubber mallet to level; avoid direct hammer blows.
- Keep height levels consistent and calibrate as needed; the 22 mm calibrated thickness helps.
Edge Restraints
- Anchor the perimeter using concrete haunching or curb edging to prevent movement over time.
Curing & Sealing
- Allow mortar to cure for at least 48 hours before light foot traffic.
- After 7–14 days (once fully dry), seal the stone (if desired) to enhance appearance and stain resistance.
Special Considerations for UK Weather
- If installing in colder months, use non-chloride accelerating admixtures (if used).
- Avoid working in freezing, saturated, or very hot conditions.
- Protect newly laid areas from frost for the first week (e.g. cover with breathable sheets).
A well-laid installation ensures your investment endures decades, not just years.
Maintenance, Sealing & Longevity
Routine Cleaning
- Use a soft broom or leaf blower to clear debris.
- Wash with pH-neutral detergent (diluted) and rinse with low-pressure water.
- Avoid harsh acids, strong alkalis, or high-pressure washers (they may damage joints or surface texture).
Sealing (Optional but Recommended)
- Use a breathable stone sealer (penetrating or penetrating + surface enhancing).
- Reapply every 3–5 years or as needed (depending on wear, exposure).
- Test sealing on a sample slab before full application to verify effect.
Dealing with Moss, Algae & Stains
- Use gentle biocidal cleaners where required (approved for natural stone).
- For oil stains or food spills, treat immediately with stone-safe degreaser.
- Avoid sealing areas if ongoing staining sources are not resolved (e.g. leaking plants, pond overspray).
Repairing Chips, Cracks & Edge Damage
- Keep spare slabs (the extra you ordered) for matching replacements.
- For small chips, use epoxy stone filler matched to colour.
- For cracked pieces, carefully remove and replace with spare slab, re-bed and re-joint.
With minimal regular care, a quality Kandla Grey installation can last 20–30+ years.
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Flaking or Surface Spall:
This usually occurs due to natural clefting, repeated damp cycles, or low-quality slabs. To prevent it, always purchase from a reputable supplier and allow the paving to dry thoroughly before sealing.
Colour Mismatch Between Crates:
Because sandstone is a natural material, colour variations are normal. To achieve a consistent look, mix slabs from multiple crates during installation and request a randomising plan from your supplier if possible.
Uneven Levels or Lippage:
This issue often results from poor bedding or using non-calibrated slabs. The best prevention is to choose calibrated 22 mm slabs and ensure the base is properly levelled with a consistent screed layer.
Joint Washout or Shifting:
Heavy rainfall or poor-quality jointing materials can cause joints to wash out or move. Use a high-quality polymeric jointing compound, compact the joints well, and avoid foot traffic until fully set.
Staining from Grime or Leaves:
When organic matter is left on the surface too long, stains can develop. Regular cleaning, occasional sealing, and ensuring water doesn’t pool on the surface will help maintain the stone’s natural beauty.
Being aware of these common pitfalls and planning ahead protects both the aesthetics and the long-term value of your Kandla Grey Sandstone paving.
Comparisons & Design Ideas
Kandla Grey vs Raj Green vs Autumn Brown
- Kandla Grey: consistent neutral grey, good for modern homes and backdrop.
- Raj Green: green-grey warmer tones, more variation better for rustic or cottage styles.
- Autumn Brown: warm browns and earth tones, more dramatic contrast in gardens.
Consider combining Kandla Grey with lighter porcelain or decking for contrast or delineation zones (e.g. seating area vs path). Use matching Kandla Grey sets / edging to unify the design (many suppliers offer matching sets).
Pattern & Layout Ideas
- Running bond (stretcher bond): Good for rectangular slabs, elongating the space.
- Random mix: More organic feel with mixed sizes from project packs.
- Border banding: Use narrower sets or contrasting stone as border trim.
- Feature inlays: Insert decorative stone circles or contrasting shapes.
Conclusion
Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone offers a compelling blend of elegance, durability, and design flexibility making it the go-to choice for UK patios, paths, and garden flooring. By following the steps in this guide from accurate measurement to thoughtful installation and maintenance you’ll create a stunning, long-lasting outdoor space.
Imagine your garden finished in the soft, timeless tones of Kandla Grey explore our Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone paving slabs and bring that vision to life today.
FAQs
Do I need to seal Kandla Grey sandstone?
It isn’t strictly mandatory, but sealing helps protect against stains, enhances colour depth, and eases cleaning. A breathable, penetrating stone sealer is recommended.
How much area does one crate cover?
Typically ~ 15 m² per full crate in a mixed-size pack (varies by supplier) confirm with the supplier. E.g., Melton lists 15.3 m² per pack.
Can I use Kandla Grey on a driveway?
Use thicker slabs (25–35 mm) and ensure strong sub-base and edge restraints. Some suppliers offer driveway-suitable options.
How soon can I walk on the patio after laying?
After initial curing (~48 hours). Avoid heavy loads for 7 days; re-seal after 7–14 days when fully dry.
Will the colour fade over time?
Natural stone can lighten slightly with weathering, but a good sealer and maintenance will preserve its appearance for many years.