Tradepricestoneltd

[maccado]

Hi all

I am new here, I am about to embark on building a patio in my garden aprroximately 40 square metres. I have read a lot of great info on this site.
I am looking to buy some brazilian slate paving and have seen some very good prices on a website called tradepricestoneltd. I would like to know if anyone has used them and has any experience good or bad.
I would also like to here any other recomended suppliers.
Thanks
Stuart

[Carberry]

Not used them before, need to be careful when buying slate though as a lot of places sell crappy chinese slate and try pass it off as much more expensive Brazilian.

Try London Stone

[rab1]

As Cadburry said but ask them for a sample and even better if you can view the stone your thinking of buying in person before parting with your hard earned.

[London Stone Paving]

Thanks for the reccomendation Carberry.
Stuart, I have just had a look on this company website. The price they are asking for Brazilian Slate is very cheap. This is not too say that there is anything wrong with it but I would advise caution. Its worth asking if you can go and view there stock.

Brazilian slate is not widely used outside in the UK due to the high cost, so the fact that this stuff is SO cheap is a little bit of a flag. The thickness is listed as 20-30mm which is ok for outside, so no worries on that score.

Also the company says it specialises in Brazilian slate, which could be why the prices are so low.

Do as much dilligence as you can prior to purchase

All the best
Steve

[maccado]

Thanks for the replies everyone
I am having second thoughts as I am guessing at 20-30 mm thick these won't be calibrated which will mean it will be more difficult for me to lay.
Does anyone have any recommendations for dark coloured paving.
I have read to many bad stories about black limestone and the Chinese slate I have seen looks to have a to uneven surface.
I like the look of basalt paving but it seems very expensive.
Maybe using basalt but mixing it with grey granite will be a way to make more affordable.
Does anyone have any thoughts ?

[London Stone Paving]

I wouldnt be too scared off by the thickness variation. If you are laying a patio for the first time, it will be a challenge anyway. The options for dark paving are as follows

Black limestone
Black slate
Black sandstone
Basalt
Grey granite

I may have missed one or two but the above are readily available across uk. I'm assuming you are looking for a contemporary finish, which rules out the black sandstone (its hevaily riven)

Grey granite might be the best way forward. Its sawn & calibrated and also is good value for money IMO