The most crucial decision to make when installing your patio is the material.

With so many advantages and disadvantages of various paving materials, making a final decision might be challenging.

Fortunately, we’re here to assist you in deciding between the top two paving materials — limestone and sandstone.

Appearance

Both sandstone and limestone pavement have a lot of advantages.

Both stones complement your garden and outdoor space beautifully because they occur naturally in caverns, seabeds, and mountains.

In contrast to non-natural pavers, limestone or sandstone can appear at home in any garden and can complement any aesthetic.

Limestone pavers make it simple to personalise your yard.

While there aren’t as many colour selections as sandstone or slate, there are still plenty of lovely limestone options and hues.

Whether you choose a soft grey, tan, or cream, you may discover the ideal colour for your home.

It looks just as amazing inside as it does outside, making it suitable for any decorative needs.

Sandstone is also available in a wide range of colours and styles, all having a delightfully delicate combination of colours flowing through them.

As a result, no two sandstone paving slabs are alike, giving your patio or indoor pavement a sleek and traditional appearance.

One of the primary distinctions is that sandstone is somewhat more porous than limestone, allowing it to absorb slightly more water.

With this in mind, as well as the inconsistency of British weather, you should consider how your paving will seem when wet.

It may rain more days than not in the UK, and this can cause your sandstone pavement to seem slightly different, so it’s worth verifying what stones will look like in the rain before purchase.

Durability and malleability

Because limestone and sandstone are both highly flexible, they may be shaped to fit whatever size or form of patio you need.

Both materials are acquired in a more environmentally friendly manner than conventional pavers, so you can be assured that your new paving will not increase your carbon footprint.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about your paving becoming obsolete in a few years.

Both materials are known for their durability, so they can survive any weather.

While sandstone absorbs slightly more water than limestone, both are reasonably water-resistant, so other than the difference in looks, you shouldn’t have to worry about rain.

Lime may be a preferable choice in terms of endurance and upkeep, since somewhat lighter hues of sandstone may necessitate additional treatment or sealant application.

While the difference is minor, it may be a deciding factor, particularly if you are immobile or have difficulty with accessibility.

Versatility

Because both materials are pliable, they can be used in a variety of ways around your house and garden.

Sandstone is ideal for use on patios and garden walkways, whether you want a modern or vintage aesthetic.

However, if you want a sleek, clean design, sandstone may not be the best choice.

With no two stones appearing alike, you’ll get a classic, natural style that’s ideal for patios and driveways.

Limestone, on the other hand, is ideal if you want a versatile material for both the interior and exterior of your home.

Limestone can be used for stepping stones, indoor flooring, paths, and roads.

You may obtain a uniform, classic aesthetic by using a dark black limestone paver instead of worrying about lining each stone neatly beside one another.

Maintenance

Finally, one of the most significant advantages of limestone and sandstone is their low maintenance requirements.

Needless to say, regardless of how little maintenance the paving is, you must maintain it if you want it to last.

To get the most out of your paving, conduct your research before putting it.

Never, ever use salt to defrost your limestone patio.

You should use sand to protect your road from pitting.

Aside from that, if you want the most readily maintained alternative, limestone is the way to go.

Limestone is the best paving stone for both internal and exterior use when you need something quick and easy to maintain.

Because sandstone is softer than limestone and other types of rock, it may be more prone to scratching or denting.

Avoid this for internal use to keep your flooring in good condition for longer.

You should also avoid highly polished sandstone if you have elderly or toddlers in your home.

Although this appears to be aesthetically beautiful and classic, it can become slippery in damp circumstances.

The Decision: Limestone or Sandstone

So, now that we’ve considered all of the important criteria, it’s time to make a decision…

Which material is better for you: limestone or sandstone?

We believe that, depending on their intended use, both are viable options.

Limestone is the greatest paver for interior flooring and as a material that can be utilised in and around the home.

Sandstone, on the other hand, has the most colour and style options for patios and driveways.

Sandstones are unrivalled for a classic look due to their wide range of hues, tones, and textures.