Patio slabs - Materials

[Patio novice]

What is the recommended thickness of stone slabs for laying as a patio? What is the difference between limestone and sandstone [black]? Apologies if these are obvious questions - all this is new to me - just trying to find stuff out to help family who are buying materials for their patio.

[rab1]

reading the main site would be my first port of call...

[lutonlagerlout]

for stone =/> 25mm
for concrete =/>38mm
limestone,sand stone,yorkstone, granite,gritstone,quartz,slate

are all different types of paving material

the choice is yours

the mass market right now is for indian sandstone

its where its at

LLL

[lana]

I would also check the practical things like - does this family need particular features from their patio, like, low maintenance, easy wash, antislippery, etc. If the patio fully sun exposed might also affect the choice of the stone - some would fade more than the others.

[London Stone Paving]

There is a lot to cover. Black sandstone and black limestone are two completely different products.

Black sandstone is not really black, its more of a charcoal grey and its also very heavily riven

Black limestone is black when it goes down bit it will fade to a milky colour. The fading can be prevented by sealing but if you cock up the sealing then you are opened up to a world of s**t. Black limestone does have quite a flat surface though.

You need to star from the beginning and ask the following questions:

1. What colour stone do I want?
2. What style of garden am I building (traditional or contemporary)?
3. Do I want to use single or mixed sizes?
4. Are there many trees and vegetation in the garden?
5. How much usage will the patio get?

Answering those questions will narrow it right down

Steve

[Patio novice]

Thanks for taking the time to give all the info - much appreciated