Natural Stone Paving Information

Introduction

• There will be more colour variation between pavers with natural stone and more so with sandstone. Also you may find brown markings on natural stone slabs. These are caused by oxidation of any iron which may naturally occur in the material and should blend in time. Natural stone may contain quartzite or random fossil markings which are naturally occurring mineral deposits and general imperfections can also be present which result from the manufacturing process or form part of the stone. Please note that the samples we send will indicate the colour and texture but is no assurance of the overall look of the laid.

See our FAQ's for some examples.

• Natural stone is uniquely formed, making each piece of stone characteristically subject to colour variations, veining, markings and occasional charming imperfections. As no two pieces are identical, natural stone products offer a truly unique paving solution.
• Tonal variations are evident in all natural stone products; we therefore recommend that colours are judged from actual materials. It is important to view a range of samples link to sample centre to acknowledge the authentic diversity in colours, texture and markings. Please see the following link for examples of our natural stone range laid by our customers to appreciate these variations.

• The colours depicted on this website are as accurate as modern technology allows.
• Product should be mixed from a number of packs prior to installation.
• The Silver Grey colour in all our natural stone products will vary with differing geological conditions. Such variations can lead to small particles of ironstone within the product creating a darkening of the surface with natural weathering. This is more apparent in Silver Grey due to its pale colouration.
• Always lay Natural stone on a full wet mortar bed.
• The use of slurry primer to the reverse of each paver is essential to the overall performance of Bradstone paving and for this we recommend Bradstone Bradbond. Applied to the underside using a stiff brush, it provides an exceptional bond between paver and the full wet bed underneath. Mixed to the manufacturer's instructions and applied with care it forms an immediate bond which prevents the pavers from lifting or potentially moving in the future when correctly laid.
• We recommend Natural Limestone and Smooth Natural Sandstone be sealed to assist with maintenance and care of your patio.
• Smooth Natural Sandstone needs to be handled very carefully when installing to minimise damage and staining. We would advise that the product be sealed prior to laying. However, if this is not possible, it should be covered up as it is installed and sealed as soon as it is laid.
• We also recommend the Bradbond Slurry Primer (link here) be applied to the underside of each slab prior to laying to improve adhesion.
• For further information please contact Simply Paving or the Bradstone customer care team. For information on specific sealants, please contact the manufacturer.
• We always recommend testing a sealant on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not have any adverse affects on your paved area.

Natural Slate Paving

Slate has many natural characteristics and therefore care should be taken when laying to aid/enhance the overall finished aesthetic appearance. In most cases this paving has more than one usable face and we strongly recommend the following checks be made:

• Select the best finished top surface to work with ensuring it is free from calcite mineral deposits (circular white marks).
• Dry lay the paving prior to final installation/fixing to ensure the desired shade variation is achieved throughout the patio area.
• A slurry primer such as Bradstone Bradbond should be applied to the underside of the Slate paving prior to laying to improve adhesion.
• Do not use acid based products during or after installation.
• Natural Slate is not suitable for steps and coping.

Natural Granite Paving

• A slurry primer such as Bradstone Bradbond should be applied to the underside of the granite paving prior to laying to improve adhesion.
• Do not use a resin based jointing compound with granite.

Natural Limestone

• Indian Blue Black Limestone is UV sensitive and over time will lighten in colour.
• We do recommend sealing limestone prior to laying, or as soon after, when practically possible.
• Combined colour enhancers and sealers are available that will keep the look for longer.
• Never use acid based products during or after installation.
• Natural limestone paving may exhibit natural veining. This is part of the nature and overall appeal of the product.