When planning a new patio in 2026, having a clear and realistic understanding of costs is essential. Indian sandstone paving continues to be one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a genuine natural stone finish in UK gardens. Its continued popularity is driven not only by appearance, but by consistent availability and dependable long-term value.
That said, the phrase “cost per square metre” is often misunderstood. There is a clear distinction between the price of paving slabs supplied on their own and the full cost of a properly constructed patio. This guide sets out realistic 2026 material prices, typical installation costs, and the key factors that influence the overall budget.
1. Indian Sandstone Material Prices in 2026
In 2026, supply-only prices for Indian sandstone remain competitive when compared with other paving materials. Depending on colour, finish, and format, homeowners can generally expect to pay between £20 and £27 per square metre (including VAT) for Indian sandstone paving.
Standard Riven Indian Sandstone
Riven sandstone remains the most widely specified option for UK patios. Its naturally split surface provides good slip resistance and a traditional appearance that suits most garden styles.
Well-established colours such as Raj Green and Autumn Brown typically sit within the £22–£24 per m² range when bought in volume. Purchasing as Indian sandstone patio packs is often the most economical approach, as packs are designed to minimise cutting waste and simplify laying patterns.
Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone
Kandla grey Indian sandstone remains one of the most in-demand colours in the UK market. Its relatively dense structure and consistent blue-grey tone make it suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings.
Despite its popularity, pricing remains competitive, with typical material costs ranging from £21 to £27 per m² in 2026, depending on quarry selection and finish.
Single-Size and Large Format Slabs
For homeowners seeking a cleaner, more uniform layout, single-size paving is often preferred over mixed packs. Indian sandstone 900 x 600 continues to be a long-established working size in the UK, offering a practical balance between coverage efficiency and manageable handling weight.
Single-size slabs are often priced slightly more consistently than patio packs, typically falling within £20–£25 per m², depending on colour and processing.
Sawn and Honed Sandstone
Sawn and honed sandstone represents a more refined finish, with machine-cut edges and a smoother surface. This style is often chosen for modern patio designs where clean lines are a priority.
Due to the additional processing involved, sawn sandstone typically falls within the £21–£27 per m² range in 2026, placing it closer to the upper end of standard sandstone pricing rather than a separate premium category.
2. Installation Costs: The True Cost of a Patio
The cost of natural stone paving does not stop at the price of the slabs. Proper installation is critical to performance and longevity, and labour remains the largest cost component of most patio projects.
- Labour rates: Professional landscapers typically charge between £150 and £250 per person per day, with most patios requiring a minimum of two installers.
- Project duration: A standard patio generally takes between 3 and 5 days, depending on size, access, and ground conditions.
- Sub-base and materials: MOT Type 1, sharp sand, cement, slurry primer, and jointing compounds usually add £20–£40 per m².
When all elements are combined, a professionally installed Indian sandstone patio in 2026 typically costs between £100 and £150 per square metre.
3. Key Factors That Affect Overall Cost
No two projects are identical, and several practical factors can influence the final price.
Calibration and Thickness
Modern Indian sandstone is usually calibrated to a consistent thickness, most commonly around 22 mm. While calibration may add a small amount to the material cost, it reduces labour time and helps achieve accurate finished levels, often lowering overall installation costs.
Site Access
Restricted access increases labour time. Gardens with narrow side passages or access only through the house will typically incur higher installation costs.
Waste Removal
Removing excavated soil or old paving adds to the budget. In 2026, skip hire generally ranges from £250 to £450 per skip, depending on size and region.
Geographical Location
Labour costs vary across the UK. Projects in London and the South East often cost 20–30% more than comparable work in northern regions or Wales, largely due to higher labour and disposal costs.
4. How Indian Sandstone Compares to Other Paving Options
To put Indian sandstone pricing into context, the following are typical material-only price ranges per square metre:
- Basic concrete slabs: £15 – £25
- Standard Indian sandstone: £20 – £27
- Kandla grey Indian sandstone: £21 – £23
- Grey porcelain paving: £19.5 – £21
- Premium sawn sandstone: £25 – £27
While porcelain offers lower porosity and reduced maintenance, Indian sandstone continues to provide one of the most balanced combinations of cost, appearance, and traditional character.
5. Getting the Best Value from Your Budget
For most homeowners, Indian sandstone patio packs offer the most efficient use of budget. Packs are designed to cover set areas with minimal waste while delivering a classic, well-proportioned layout.
Allowing an additional £5–£8 per m² for quality jointing compounds and a breathable stone sealer is usually money well spent, as it reduces long-term maintenance and helps protect the stone from staining.
Conclusion
In 2026, Indian sandstone remains one of the most sensible and transparent choices for UK patios. Material pricing is competitive, supply is stable, and the finished result offers a level of authenticity that manufactured paving struggles to replicate.
While the slabs themselves are relatively affordable, proper budgeting for installation is essential. With correct groundwork, professional laying, and modest ongoing care, an Indian sandstone patio continues to deliver strong long-term value.
Whether you choose the clean layout of Indian sandstone 900 x 600 or a traditional multi-size pattern, understanding the true costs from the outset allows you to plan confidently and avoid unexpected surprises.
