Jura limestone for my patio

[charlieshawUK]

Hi all,
I was wondering if one of you fine chaps could help me out. I have found a stone for my patio and pathway that I really like which is called Jura Limestone.

When I told the builder that this was the stone I had chosen in 600x400x30mm with a textured finish. He told me that he had experience of this stone and in his opinion it wasn't frost resistent and would crumble if sat in damp conditions over the winter (which is hard to avoid in North London in November!?)

He also told me that if i was to choose this he would suggest i installed it on plastic platforms to allow the water to drain through the slab and stop it crumbling when frozen.

The supplier hasn't responded to my question as yet, so I thought i'd ask the experts. Their installation instructions say using a 6:1 mix of sand and cement for laying this product on.

Has anyone had experience of using this stone on a patio? Does it crumble and should i use it? If not, what would you recommend? I have a budget of £60 per sqm.

If so, how should he install it? As the supplier says or as my builder says?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[London Stone Paving]

Hello Charlie

I have heard about the frost issues with Jura limestone

CED stone withdrew Jura limestone from their product range a couple of years ago due to the product being prone to frost damage as you mentioned.

We have supplied this product for over 4 years and have never had any complaints about frost damage.

The Jura limestone that we source is quarried from the upper bed, which is obviously closer to the surface. Because its closer to the surface it has seen more exposure to the elements which make it more resistant to frost. Unlike stone thats been quarried from deeper down which has not been exposed to the elements as much.

So you should check with your supplier on where the stone has been quarried from

You dont need to lay it on plastic stands but it should be sealed with 2 coats of impregnating sealant prior to installation. From there on a full bed of 6/1 sharp sand cement will be absolutely fine

[charlieshawUK]

Hi,
Thanks for your response. I shall pass on your recommendations to my builder.

I think i'm going to go for it. Probably best to lay it exactly how the supplier says in case there are any issues.

Thanks for your help.

[London Stone Paving]

It's a great product. Will be a dream to install for your builder as its a well cut, high quality product. Gotta hand it to the germans