Indian sandstone

[Bootsy]

Have recently received a quote to pave 110sqm patio with natural Indian sandstone and also to turf approx 60sqm.

All quotes are from Marshalls approved contractors and the lowest quote is for £8.5k but this is using Bradstone sunset buff. When we went to have a look at this stone we felt the colour didn’t suit the house exterior as too dark and reddy and the stone was ‘rougher’ than the Marshalls fairstone riven paving we had looked at before.

To use the Marshalls stone would cost an extra £4,200 onto the quote.
Is this reasonable as when I look on the internet at prices, I can’t see how it would be this high?

Are there any other products that would be cheaper?

In addition, we were advised against fitting floor lights into the patio as they are prone to problems with water getting in so are looking at lighting that will fit on one side on a wall and the other onto a fence. Any advice of where to look for this type of lighting and any problems to look out for?

Many thanks – a great site that I have been reading for the last month or so.

[GB_Groundworks]

We've never had problems with exterior lighting set in paving when done properly by a good sparky you won't have any problems as the lights are designed pretty much to be submerged almost as long as he does his gland unions right itll be fine can see some marshals stone carrying a 50% price premium but hard to say without sitting down and working it out.

No harm in getting some more quotes with paving you like, plenty of good contractors not on Marshall register which requires you to pay to be on. Get recommendations from friends family jobs youve seen that you like etc.

[London Stone Paving]

Are you sure you have got your figures right. Based on your figures I'm reading that you are paying an additional £32 + VAT per m2 above and beyond what you would be paying for Bradstone.

£32 + VAT per m2 on its own is too expensive for natural Indian sandstone, let alone it being on top of what you would be paying for Bradstone.

Someones either made a mistake somewhere or your getting a raw deal.

What have you been actually quoted for the fairstone and who has quoted it?

[haggistini]

im currently working on a very simular size job using bradstone tumbled sunset with tumbled edge course setts the customer picked fairstone sawn but had to comprimise as the slabs alone were 10K i will be installing lights to a raised patio area and in the floor as uplighters, quality lights fitted should'nt be a problem with water. if you think you can save a few quid look about its your money,but seek advise about the product from your installer and here.

[Mikey_C]

exactly where in bonny Scotland are you bootsy?

[Bootsy]

Thanks for your replies.

Based in Falkirk.

Yes figures correct - it was an extra £4.2k for using Marshalls that I was quoted on top of the £8.5k and that is why I wanted to check here as I thought it was too much. I know the sawn tiles are more expensive but this was the riven we asked about.
I don't know how much has been quoted for stone and what for labour as all quotes came with no splitting out of materials and labour etc.

The lights were not part of the quote and we would have to get an electrician separately. When we were looking at the Marshalls display site it was the guy there that said all the lights that they had installed now didn't work as rain had entered them.

Don't really know anyone that has had their patio done that I can ask but again the guy I was speaking to at the Marshalls display site knew the people I had contracted and thought they were 'good guys'. I dont think I'll have an issue with the quality -- it's just making sure I get a stone like at the correct price.

[rab1]

same as me, where about in falkirk are you.

lighting or any electrical item has an ip (ingress protection) rating and anything over ip 65 should suit or if 68 if your a little worried (ip 68).

[Bootsy]

Grangemouth

[London Stone Paving]

Gordon at Stone Cellar uses this site and he is based in scotland. Why not give him a shout and see if he can do you a better deal.

No point in paying well over the odds if you dont need to

[Suggers]

I agree about the uplighter question - nothing but probs 2 yrs later - ripping out at home now, and going for the side light solution. :;):

[lutonlagerlout]

we have fitted them and they work but the additional cost IMHO isnt worth it
side lights give a better light
that sounds an awful lot more for different stone
I would get more quotes,a quote with just a figure can spwell danger,the job should be clearly explained and itemised
i.e.
to supply and lay 110 M of bla bla bla £xxx
etc etc
LLL

[Gordon@stone-cellar (UK)]

Hi Bootsy,

Yes please feel free to contact us on 01355 225511. We can offer you a wide range of colours at a better price. 01355 225511.

[Bootsy]

Hi Gordon, I tried to give you a call but no answer - will try later.

With regard to lighting on walls -is there any issue with putting lights on a fence? Also any pointers of where to look for types of lights?

Thanks

[Gordon@stone-cellar (UK)]

Bootsy - sorry I missed you you can call on 01355 225511 - It is diverted to Alastair if you want to call later.

[rab1]

you can put a light wherever you want as long as it has the correct ip rating. :p