When it comes to building a beautiful, long-lasting patio or garden walkway, sandstone continues to be one of the top choices for homeowners and landscapers across the UK. Its natural texture, timeless colours, and durability make it an ideal material for outdoor spaces. But once installed, it’s equally important to know how to care for it properly. If you’ve recently decided to buy sandstones online or are considering your options, this guide will help you understand how to protect your investment all year round.
At Nityastones, we offer some of the best sandstones in the UK, trusted by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. And with proper maintenance, your paving will look stunning season after season.
Why Sandstone Needs Maintenance
Sandstone is a natural stone formed over thousands of years. Its beautiful surface is also slightly porous, which means it can absorb water, dirt, and organic matter. In the UK’s damp and unpredictable climate, unsealed or neglected sandstone can suffer from:
- Algae and moss growth
- Discolouration
- Surface erosion
- Frost damage
Regular care ensures your sandstone remains vibrant, safe to walk on, and free from long-term damage.
Spring: A Fresh Start for Your Patio
As winter fades, spring is the perfect time to prepare your patio for use again.
1. Sweep and Rinse
Start by sweeping away leaves, mud, and winter debris using a stiff broom. Then, rinse the slabs with water using a garden hose.
2. Light Cleaning
Use warm water with a mild pH-neutral detergent to wash the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, as they may erode the stone.
3. Pressure Washing — With Caution
You can use a pressure washer, but make sure it’s on a low setting and keep the nozzle at least 30cm away from the stone. Excessive pressure can damage the slab surface or disturb jointing.
4. Inspect for Damage
Look for loose joints or cracked tiles. If you spot anything, it might be time to replace individual pieces — luckily, you can always find matching sandstones in the UK from trusted suppliers like Nityastones.
Summer: Protect and Seal
In summer, sandstone paving is exposed to more UV rays and foot traffic. This is the best time to apply protective measures.
1. Apply a Sandstone Sealant
Sealing helps repel water, prevent staining, and slow down weed or moss growth. Choose a breathable, impregnating sealant specifically designed for natural stone.
Apply with a roller or brush and allow it to soak into the slabs fully. Most sealants last for 2–5 years, depending on traffic and weather.
2. Remove Weeds and Moss
Keep an eye on joints between slabs. Weeds or moss can easily be removed by hand or with a patio weeding brush.
3. Style and Enjoy
With your stone protected, you can style your patio with garden furniture, pots, or lighting. Just remember to place protective pads under heavy furniture to avoid scratches.
Autumn: Routine Cleaning
Autumn brings falling leaves, rain, and decaying organic matter — which can stain your sandstone and cause slippery surfaces.
1. Regular Sweeping
Prevent leaves from decaying on your stone by sweeping weekly. This also reduces the risk of algae growth.
2. Quick Rinse
A hose-down once every two weeks is enough to wash away mud or debris before it settles.
3. Check Drainage
Ensure your patio has proper water runoff. Standing water can penetrate the stone and cause frost damage in winter.
Winter: Protect Against Frost
While sandstone paving is durable, freezing temperatures can cause water trapped in the stone to expand and crack the surface.
1. Avoid Salt and Grit
Don’t use de-icing salt or chemicals on sandstone. These can leave stains or erode the top layer.
Instead, use sand or sawdust for grip if needed.
2. Cover When Possible
If your patio sees little use in winter, consider covering high-traffic areas with breathable outdoor mats or tarpaulin.
3. Plan for Repairs
Use the downtime to plan any minor repairs or design upgrades for spring. If you need to match existing paving, Nityastones offers a wide variety of colours and finishes available to buy sandstones online with UK-wide delivery.
Why Choose Nityastones for Your Sandstone Needs?
If you’re wondering where to find the best sandstones in the UK, look no further than nityastones.co.uk.
Here’s why thousands of homeowners and landscapers trust us:
- ✅ Huge selection of premium-quality sandstone in various finishes and sizes
- ✅ Affordable prices with no compromise on quality
- ✅ Fast and reliable UK-wide delivery
- ✅ Simple online ordering process
- ✅ Helpful customer support
Whether you’re installing a new patio or replacing old slabs, Nityastones is your go-to source for sandstones in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Proper stone maintenance is essential to keep your garden patio looking stunning year after year. With just a few hours of care each season, your sandstone paving will stay beautiful, safe, and long-lasting.
Ready to upgrade your garden? You can buy sandstones online directly from our website and have them delivered to your door — it’s that easy.
👉 Explore our full sandstone collection now at nityastones.co.uk
