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Granite Paving – How to Install, Maintenance, Granite Pavers

Granite pavers are used to beautify both indoor and outdoor locations. They can be used on driveways, patios, pathways, and even indoor areas that need robust, long-lasting pavers to withstand heavy usage. Granite paving driveways can withstand heavy foot traffic and last a very long time, provided they are laid over a durable foundation.

Granite paving is exceptionally long-lasting. It is made from granite, a natural rock created by magma crystallization within the earth’s crust. Granite driveways are popular for their strength, hardness, and durability. At the same time, the beauty of granite will make your home more valuable and appealing.

Granite paving can be used anywhere from the internal and outside walkways, patios, courts, and the interiors of homes and businesses. It is guaranteed that they will last a lifetime with little upkeep. That’s why we created this article, to explain how to install your granite paving, ideas, and the proper maintenance to keep your driveway’s aesthetic appeal.

Is granite a good paving stone?

Granite paving is a natural stone that stands out amongst many others because of its composition and color. Granite pavers are natural paving slabs made from natural products. They have straight machine-cut edges and a textured surface that adds to their beauty. Also, it varies in composition and comes in different colors; black, rose, gray, and yellow are some standard colors you will find around.

Granite slabs are among the best paving materials for indoor or outdoor use. They can be polished to achieve a smoother appearance or flamed for a rustic touch. This paving material creates an exciting paving style when used at home or in business areas.

How to lay granite paving

When granite is probably installed, it can withstand heavy weight and traffic for an extended period. Here’s how to lay your granite driveway.

1. Choose The Depth

Before you start working on installing your granite pavers, you need to determine the area you want to pave. Determine the desired height for your pavers and continue by measuring the thickness of your paver and the thickness of the bedding mix. Your measurements will help you decide the excavation depth you need for your pavement. For driveways and walkways, your pavement depth must be thicker to withstand traffic and pressure.

2. Lay The Base For Your Slabs

For your pavement base, there are a few options you can consider. You can use gravel, stone, mortar, or crushed base to lay your slabs. Ensure your base is leveled evenly across the surface; take time to apply it layer by layer until it’s evenly compacted. Outline the areas with a garden hose and then mark the areas with spray paint before digging the ground.

3. Add a Sand Layer

Ensure everything you need is ready before you lay your natural granite slab. Fine sand, such as paver sand or play sand, is suitable for your layer. Add a sand layer and level with a plate compactor to set your base into place and ensure stability. To settle the sand after compacting, you can spray it with water.

4. Place an Edge Restraint on your stone Slab

To prevent your stone slabs from moving or scattering, use polyvinyl or lumbar for the edge restraint. Place your granite slab gently and close to each other: ensure that your granite slab stays within each other. If the sides of your slabs are unequal, you can use a masonry saw to trim off or cut the pavers into your desired size or shape so they can all fit in.

5. Fill The Gaps

You might find wide joints between the pavers when you place slabs. You can fill this joint with mortar or grout. Also, you should allow your new pavement to set in before driving in.

Granite pavers for patio and driveway

GRAVALOCK PERMEABLE PAVER: 22 in. x 22 in. x 1 in. Black Slim Grid Plastic Pavers (12-Pavers/40.5 sq. ft.).
These granite pavers are durable plastic of the highest caliber, suitable for your driveway. They can support the weight of light residential cars.

Buy On Home Depot

GRAVALOCK PERMEABLE PAVER: 22 in. x 22 in. x 1.5 in. Premium Grid Plastic (12 Pavers/40.50 sq. ft.).
These pavers are durable and can support loads carried by heavy commercial trucks. Granite can be used to fill the grids and ensure you achieve a porous surface.

Buy On Home Depot

Techno Earth: 19.7 in. x 19.7 in. x 1.9 in. Black Permeable Plastic Grass Pavers for Parking Lots, Driveways (4 Pieces/11 sq.ft.).
Techno Earth’s permeable pavers were built for granite parking lots and grassy roads. They help curb flooding and prevent water from getting near your front door.

Buy On Home Depot

VEVOR: Gravel Grid 9 ft. x 17 ft. x 2 in. Geocell Ground Grid 153 sq. ft. Patio Ground Grid Paver for Slope Driveways.
Vevor’s Gravel Grid is made of HDPE – A sustainable material that is easy to cut and attach for DIY. It has enough tensile strength to support your granite driveway for ages.

Buy On Home Depot

VEVOR: Ground Grid 1885 lb. per sq. ft. Load Weed Barrier 2 in. Depth Patio Pavers 27 x 4 ft. Ground Stabilization Grid for DIY.
Vevor’s three-dimensional honeycomb granite pavers are made from high-density polyethylene. It is recyclable and has a structure that boosts carrying capacity.

Buy On Home Depot

Techno Earth: 9 ft. x 17 ft. x 2-inch Geocell Black Honeycomb Ground Grid HDPE Plastic Paver (160 sq. ft.). This black honeycomb granite paver supports strong driving loads, including landscaping, parking lots, and driveways.

Buy On Home Depot

How do you maintain granite paving?

Granite paving material is very durable and sustainable. It has many benefits, but it needs maintenance to avoid looking horrible. Cleaning granite pavers will help maintain your driveway or outdoor landscaping.

The cleaning frequency of driveways is affected by traffic volume, weather conditions, and dust. Cleaning of granite pavers in driveways that don’t experience so much traffic should be done once a month. While cleaning your driveway, refrain from using harsh chemicals or acid, and be careful when cleaning around the pavement joints.

Should you seal granite paving?

A penetrating seal gets absorbed into your pavement and protects it from damage, stains, and extreme weather conditions. Sealing also prevents the settling of dirt and other harsh substances. The sealant also helps restore your pavement’s color and protect your black granite. A sealed granite driveway will last longer and enhance the beauty of your driveway.

Further Reading — Stone Sealers – How They Work and Guide to the Best Products

Granite paving: cleaning and maintenance

How to clean granite pavers

Granite is a strong material and does not require much maintenance. Keep it on your pavement for a short time when cleaning with a cleaning solution. You can clean your driveway with a pressure washer or a garden hose.

For your granite, avoid using abrasive solutions because they will scratch the surface and disfigure the look.
Avoid acids and alkaline solutions not specifically formulated for natural granite pavers.
Bleach, vinegar, and ammonia are dangerous for your granite. Avoid using these substances and purchase proper cleaning solutions for your driveway.
For stains, spills, or harsh substances, clean immediately. Your granite pavement can easily absorb these spills if left for too long.

How to remove oil stains from granite paving

Various oils can leave unsightly stains on paved surfaces. A vehicle’s oil leak on a stone driveway is a common cause. However, paver patios near a grill or outdoor kitchen can have oil and grease deposits.

Garages and outdoor kitchens should have paper towels, rags, and oil-absorbent materials.
If oil or grease just got there, use a clean rag or paper towel to blot (don’t rub) the area lightly. Most oil stains on pavers can be taken off with dish soap or laundry detergent. Put the soap right on the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Then scrub it with a brush with nylon bristles and wash it with hot water. If you need to, do this step again.
If you want to get rid of oil stains on pavers that have dried and soaked in, soak up as much oil as you can. Gather up the stuff. Granular materials should be left in the area for about 6 hours. Follow the steps above for stains that just happened.

Granite paving ideas

The selection of granite pavers can be exhausting.

Black Granite Sett Paving Blocks: particularly beautiful for home or business driveways. These traditional stone setts are robust, durable, and withstand high traffic or heavyweight.

Granite Cobblestone: If you are trying to achieve a classy rustic look for your driveway, you won’t be wrong with this natural granite slab. They are available in various styles and shapes.

Silver Granite: this slab has a light grey tone and a spot of black around it.

Dark Grey Granite Paving: these dark grey granite slabs are perfect. They are solid and easy to maintain.

Beige Granite Pavers: Beige granite pavers are suitable for driveways, patios, walkways, gardens, and other outdoor paving.

Conclusion

Granite pavers add character to your homes and business space. This paving option is safe and stylish. It’s durable and appears vibrant because of different tones and colors. It’s easy to maintain and has proven to be a worthy investment.

December 16, 2022/by admin

Tips

Paving With Sandstone Slabs – The Ultimate Guide

With such a wide variety of paving options on the market today, you’re probably wondering whether or not sandstone slabs are right for you.

With versatility, durability, and a massive range of colors, sandstone slabs are one of the best paving options on the market today, used for a wide range of projects, including patios, gardens, and outdoor spaces.

If you want to know how to use sandstone for your next paving project, continue reading to learn all you need to know!

How Much Do Sandstone Slabs Cost?

Sandstone is one of the best mid-range paving options, which is one of the reasons why so many people use it for their outdoor projects. On average, you’ll end up spending around $30 to $50 per linear foot on the slab.

For stone steps in an average-sized backyard, this price per linear foot equates to about $1,700 to $4,500.

Not sure if sandstone is the right stone for your needs?

Check out our guide:

Sandstone vs. Limestone – An In-Depth Comparison Guide

Can You Seal Sandstone Slabs?

While you can seal your sandstone slabs, you don’t necessarily have to.

Think about it like this:

Natural stone has survived for thousands of years without the need for any chemical sealants. Even if you don’t give it a layer of sealant, it won’t wither away. However, with that said, there are benefits to sealing your sandstone slabs.

For starters, sandstone is a very porous material, meaning it will absorb water quicker than other stones, and stains can be nearly impossible to remove over time. So, if you have your sandstone paving in an area that gets wet really often and you want to maintain a pristine look, you may choose to seal your sandstone.

Of course, some people like the natural look of sandstone without sealant. The way that it ages over time is like a fine wine, so it’s truly up to how “perfect” you want it to look many years down the line.

Can You Paint Sandstone Slabs?

Yes, you can paint sandstone, though it can be a very difficult process that requires a lot of care.

You need to begin by cleaning your sandstone thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris that may be on its surface. To get rid of this dirt and debris, you can use a cloth. You don’t want to use sandpaper, which is a material often used when cleaning other stones, as it can be damaging.

After your sandstone is clean, you can apply your primer. Make sure it is neutral in color. To apply your primer, follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. We recommend using a spray gun, as it will allow you to get an even coat over the entire stone.

After you’ve applied your primer, you can start applying a coat of latex paint. The color you choose is up to you. We recommend using a spray gun for this portion of the process again, as it can make sure the entire job is evenly done.

Lastly, we recommend applying a clear sealant to ensure the paint is protected against any damage, especially if your stones are outside and exposed to the elements.

We highly recommend looking at rainbow sandstone if you want sandstone with a unique color.

Check it out in our guide:

Rainbow Sandstone – What Is It And When To Use It

How To Lay Sandstone Patio Slabs

Let’s look at a step-by-step of how to lay sandstone patio slabs.

Choose Your Area: The first thing you’ll need to do is decide where you want to lay your sandstone pavers. This area should be level, firm, and have good drainage. We recommend marking the area using some spray paint.

Start Digging: Using a small shovel or your hands, start digging until your sandstone area is 125mm deep + the depth of the pavers. When finished, your area should be about 150mm deeper than the surrounding area.

Level It Out: Create a level plane using a rake and string line. Once you have a level space, you can compact the area using a tamper or garden roller.

Fill In The Sub-Base: You’ll want to provide some sub-base beneath the stones for better hold and drainage. We recommend using a mixture of crushed stone and dust, filling and compacting at least 50mm.

Wash Your Stones: Remove any dust or dirt from your stones with some water.

Prime Your Stones: Using fine mortar slurry or a proprietary priming product of your choice, prime the backs of your stones.

Mix Up Your Mortar: To create your mortar mix, you’ll use one part water and cement and four parts sand. To make sure you can work with it, your mortar mix should be a “wet” consistency.

Spread It: Take your mortar mixture and spread it evenly across the area that you just dug out, and use a roller t level it off. This should fill out another 30mm of your bed.

Lay Your Stones Down: Lay your sandstone units down. You’ll want to make sure that they are around 8-10mm apart from one another. To make sure they are firmly locked in the bed of mortar, you can use a rubber mallet to tap on the stones lightly.

Fill The Joints: Next, you will want to take your mortar mix and fill in the joints using a trowel. Again, make sure that your mortar is “wet” in consistency so that you can work with it. You can then use your pointing tool to compress the mortar mix.

Allow It To Sit: Before walking on your sandstone, allow it to set for around 24 hours at least. If you live in a wet climate, you can allow it to sit for a bit longer.

If you want a better visual for laying your sandstone pavers down, you can check out this video:

How Do You Clean Sandstone Patio Slabs?

Keeping your sandstone pavers clean is actually quite simple. If you only need to give your sandstone a gentle cleaning, you can use a mixture of soap and water. However, if you’re dealing with tougher stains, you can use heavier cleaners, such as bleach.

Bleach works great when you have heavy algae or moss stains.

To make a bleach mixture for your sandstone, you can combine an equal mixture of water and bleach and pour it onto your slabs. You can then leave the mixture sitting on your stones for around 30 minutes before washing it off with a hose or power washer.

Make sure that you’ve washed off all the bleach, as you do not want it sitting on your stone.

How To Get Paint Off Of Sandstone Slabs

If you’ve recently found paint on your sandstone slabs and you want to get rid of it, there are a couple of methods you can try. We always recommend starting with the least aggressive method first before moving on to heavy-duty methods.

The least aggressive method is to let your stones weather. This means letting the paint deteriorate naturally with the weather.

If that doesn’t work, you can move on to water washing, including scrubbing or gentle sponging. We recommend using a soft bristle brush if you can’t get it off with a cloth or sponge alone. If that doesn’t work, you can move on to steam stripping. To do this, you can use a low-pressure, superheated steam stripper. This method is great for emulsions or other water-thinned paints. It’s an excellent way to clean paint from stone without stripping the stone’s surface.

If all else fails, you can use a solvent or non-caustic chemical removers. These are reasonably aggressive, though not as aggressive as alkaline or caustic chemical removes like potash or caustic soda, which can damage the stone. Non-caustic chemicals are great for latex-based paints.

If you have another kind of paint on your sandstone slabs, we recommend getting in touch with a professional cleaner.

How To Remove Cement Stains From Sandstone Slabs

If you have cement stains on your sandstone, don’t fret. There are methods for removal.

One of the best methods is to clean it with muriatic acid, otherwise known as hydrochloride acid. You can simply dilute this solution with water to remove the cement from your sandstone. However, this needs to be done with caution, as acidic cleaners can break down dolomitic cement or calcite, which holds many types of sandstone together.

It’s a good idea to test out a small portion of your stone before moving on to the rest. You can dilute four parts of water and one part of muriatic acid to test out your stone. If the diluted acidic mixture doesn’t fizz when it hits the surface of your sandstone, you’re probably good.

Final Thoughts

There you have it; all you need to know about paving with sandstone slabs. If you have any other questions regarding paving with sandstone, or you just want to get more advice on paving in general, make sure to head on over to our blogs.
Here at Paving Finder, we’re always looking to help people find the right paving services for their needs. See how joining our pro network can help you seek out the best professionals.

August 11, 2022/by admin

Parking Lots

Pavement Striping – A Guide To Professional Services

There are several reasons why pavement striping is crucial for any road or parking lot project.

Pavement striping ensures the safety of pedestrians and drivers within your premises, controls the way in which traffic flows to help prevent accidents, maximizes parking space, and improves curb appeal.

Of course, there are many considerations to make if you are planning on hiring someone to stripe your asphalt, pavement, or parking lot. Continue reading to learn more.

What Is Pavement Striping?

In its simplest terms, pavement striping is the process of painting lines on the pavement, such as a road, parking lot, or another surface. We pavement stripe to let people know where to go and set boundaries on otherwise wide-open spaces.

Asphalt and Concrete Striping

There are many reasons why parking lot managers or road builders make a point of the importance of asphalt and concrete striping.

Let’s look at a few reasons why a good striping job is so important.

A Good Pavement Striping Job Can Eliminate Confusion

A Good Striping Job Can Eliminate Confusion

Try, if you can, to imagine a large parking lot without any lines.

It would be an incredibly difficult parking lot to navigate.

If you’ve ever experienced a parking lot that was really difficult to navigate due to the fact that it wasn’t well-marked, then you already know how handy a well-thought-out striping solution can be. These kinds of marks can eliminate confusion and solve any navigation problems.

A Good Striping Job Can Increase Efficiency

Trying to navigate a very busy parking lot can be stressful, especially when there are tons of other vehicles. A good striping job can be an essential part of a well-planned lot.

It’s important that drifters and pedestrians can enter your parking lot, easily navigate it, and exit without getting into any accidents.

It also saves people from meandering around a parking lot when it’s crowded, wondering if they are even going the correct way, to begin with. If you own a parking lot attached to your establishment, the last thing you want is a bunch of confused customers who are feeling stressed before they even walk through your doors!

A Good Striping Job Follows Regulations

There are unique rules in each state, ensuring businesses are accessible to all people. Businesses have to follow strict parking lot guidelines so as to not discriminate against any customers.

Business owners have to comply with these rules and regulations unless they want to face fines. With a striping job from a professional service, you can bet that your parking lot will be up to code. Ensuring the accessibility of your business is not only an issue of compliance, but it is also great business.

The importance of following regulations when painting lines

How Do You Paint Lines On The Pavement?

While you certainly could paint lines on the pavement by hand, many striping companies will use new technology like striping machines to do a professional job. These machines are far more accurate than painting by hand.

Here are a few technologies that companies will often use for concrete striping.

Spray Shields

If you’re painting in an area with a lot of wind, spray shields can be helpful. Even high-end striping machines are vulnerable to wind. All it takes is a gust of wind for the paint exiting the machine to change its stream and leave uneven marks all over the surface.

Spray shields are there to protect the paint from the wind to make sure that the stream is uninterrupted with each spray.

Reflective Bead Dispensers

One of the best additions to parking lot stripes is reflective beads. They work to increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers at night. You can attach a reflective bead dispenser to a striping machine, eliminating the need to perform this method manually, which can improve your results and save you tons of time.

Laser Guides

To create a high-quality, professional-looking parking lot, you’ll need to replace faded or dull lines. Of course, without the right tools, this process can be quite difficult. To ensure the best result each time, we recommend utilizing laser guides.

Laser guides work by outlining the location of each new line with a laser beam to make sure things are even and straight.

The different kinds of paints used on pavement

What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Pavement?

The longevity of your striping job has a lot to do with the kind of paint that you are using on the job.

There are a few different kinds of paint that you can use to paint on pavement. These include:

Oil or Solvent-Based Paint

Oil or solvent-based paint uses oil rather than water. This type of paint is one of the most popular for this application, as it offers supreme durability for how much it costs. Plus, unlike some other types of paints, such as water-based paint, it won’t even freeze in extremely cold weather conditions.

Water-Based Paint

Water-based paint is mostly made of water. It is the least expensive paint that you can find and the most environmentally friendly. If you’re on a tight budget, water-based paint is one of the best choices. It’s also one of the fastest-drying types of paint out there.

However, it’s worth noting that it is not very durable.

Thermoplastic Paint

Thermoplastic paint is one of the most durable paint options out there, thanks to the fact that it contains plastics. It is very expensive, however.

Canned Aerosol Line Striping Paint

You can use aerosol line striping paint with a line striping machine to paint your parking lot with ease. With these kinds of canisters, it’s easy to get professional results. If you’re someone who is looking to maintain their parking lot after the initial job is done, having these tools is a great choice.

How Long Does Pavement Paint Last?

In an ideal situation, striping paint can last for several decades. Of course, this depends on a number of factors, such as the quality of the paint, the volume of traffic, the weather, etc. If durability and longevity are what you’re after, we recommend starting with a higher-quality paint, such as thermoplastic paint.

Pavement Striping Services

Finding vetted, high-quality striping services can be tough, especially if you’ve never performed a job like this before. Luckily, here at Paving Finder, we have a list of paving companies that you can search through, each of which has been carefully selected.

Make sure to check out these pavement striping companies on our companies page.

Benefits Of Using Line Striping and Pavement Marking Services

Beyond eliminating confusion, increasing efficiency, and making navigation more manageable, one of the main benefits of using professional line striping and pavement marking services that we want to accentuate is safety.

The last thing you want is to be liable for an accident because you cut corners when designing your parking lot.

Parking lot accidents might seem few and far between, though they can still cost people tons of time and money, not to mention the stress of getting into an accident in the first place.

With clearly marked and professional parking lot striping, you can prevent some of these accidents from happening, keeping your customers and employees safe. Of course, the adjacent benefit is that you save yourself from potential litigation in the case of an accident. If you have a parking lot that is marked clearly, then you can ensure any accidents that take place are not your fault.

It’s also important to note that a professional line striping job can increase curb appeal.

Parking lots that have crisp and clear pavement striping look great!

It’s important to be aware of how much first impressions matter in a business. Even before customers walk in through the front door of your establishment, they’ll judge you based on your parking lot. If they see tons of chipping and faded lines, they’ll think about how unprofessional and unattractive your business is before they even get a chance to see it.

THe importance of good pavement striping for your business

Final Thoughts – Keeping Your Parking Lot In Line

As you can see, pavement striping is crucial for making sure people have a positive experience in your business. Hiring a professional paving service can ensure that people continue coming back again and again.

It’s worth noting that pavement striping is not an easy job by any means. A good pavement striper knows about the design and layout of parking lots, ADA requirements, different types of paint, and much more.

Hiring a competent striper who can provide reliable equipment and professional layout plans is crucial to getting a job done correctly. It’s worth hiring a reputable service if you want to have a positive experience.
If you have any further questions regarding striping or paving, make sure to get in touch with us here at Paving Finder. You can also check out our long list of blogs for expert paving advice!

June 20, 2022/by admin

Tips

Rainbow Sandstone – What Is It and When To Use It

People often wonder if rainbow sandstone is as magical as it sounds.

Rainbow sandstone has a smooth finish and unique rainbow pattern. This popular characteristic makes it the perfect choice for those who want to add a semblance of luxury to their interior and exterior spaces.

Of course, having a decent understanding of a type of stone before making a purchase for your paving project is crucial.

Come dive in as we explore everything there is to know about rainbow sandstone.

What Is Rainbow Sandstone?

Rainbow sandstone is a popular type of sandstone that is found in quarries in Rajasthan’s Nagaur District. Some people also refer to it as Khatu Rainbow Sandstone or Indian Sandstone. One of the unique characteristics that set Rainbow Sandstone apart from other types of sandstone is the thin lines or stripes of color that run across its surface. This includes shades of red, violet, and brown.

With these veins running in parallel with each other, the stone ends up having a rainbow look.

Beyond its rainbow-like aesthetic, it also has a smooth finish, making it wonderful for both interior and exterior projects, especially for those who want an added luxurious feel.

When adding premium-grade sandstone to your home, you can bring a warm and charming natural quality that catches the eye. Every stone offers a unique pattern with varying swirls of color. On the surface, it’s pretty easy to see why this has become such a popular stone.

Characteristics of Rainbow Sandstone

Made In – Slabs, Tiles, and Countertops.
Uses – Flooring, Wall Tiles, and Countertops.
Finishing – Flamed, Gangsaw, and Polish.
Primary Colors – Brown.
Country – India.

How Do You Lay Rainbow Sandstone?

While every paving project is different, there are some basic rules to follow when laying Rainbow Sandstone (or any type of sandstone, for that matter).

Let’s go over the basics in step-by-step order:

1.Find The Area

First, you’ll want to determine where you’re going to lay your sandstone. You’ll want to make sure the area is level, firm, and well-drained. If you can, mark the area out with spray paint so you can get a visual of exactly where you’ll lay your stone.

2. Start Digging

You’ll then want to dig the spray-painted area at least 125mm deep + the depth of your paving materials. Remove all of the topsoil and vegetation from the area as well. When finished digging, you should have a minimum of 150mm.

3. Ensure The Area Is Level

Using measure falls and string lines, you’ll need to ensure that the area you are laying your stones is level. Once these tools are in place, compact the area using a tamper or garden roller.

4. Leave Space For Your Base

Using any sub-base material from dust to crushed stone, you’ll want to fill in a 50mm layer and compact it to lay your stone on top. Once filled and compacted, repeat the process one more time until you have 100mm of overall sub-base.

PRO TIP – Make sure that your area has a place for water to run off, so it does not pool.

5. Wash Your Stone

Remove any dirt or dust from your stones by giving them a good wash. You can use a sponge to wipe your stones down before putting them into place.

6. Prime Your Stone

Using fine mortar slurry or a proprietary priming product, prime the back of your stones.

7. Mix Up Your Mortar

Using four parts sand to one part water, create your mortar mix. You’ll want to make sure that the consistency of the mortar mix is “wet” so that it is easy to work with.

8. Spread Your Mortar Mix

Start with a small area of your layout and spread your mortar mix so that it is level. You’ll want it to be somewhere around 30mm in thickness.

How to lay your rainbow sandstone paving

9. Lay Your Stone

Start laying your sandstone units in your bed of mortar one stone at a time. Each stone should be anywhere from 8 to 10mm apart. To ensure your stones fit firmly into place, you can tap down on them with a rubber mallet.

10. Case the Joints

Create more mortar mix using four parts sand to one part water. Make sure that the consistency of this mortar mix is “wet” like before. Take this mortar mix and fill your joints using a trowel. To compress the mortar mix into the joints between your stones, you can use a pointing tool.

11. Let It Settle

Allow your Rainbow Sandstone paving to dry before you walk on it. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours. However, if you live in a wet or humid environment, we recommend waiting longer.

What Is The Best Sandstone?

There is no single type of sandstone that is better than another. However, there are certainly different grades or tiers of sandstone that you can purchase. For example, if you want to purchase Indian Sandstone for your garden paving project, you’ll want to make sure that the sandstone has a uniform texture and a fine grain.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer, as they’ll be able to provide you with details about the exact type of sandstone you’re purchasing and how to take care of it.

How Long Does Rainbow Sandstone Last?

If installed and maintained with proper care, Rainbow Sandstone can last for a very long time. On the other hand, if you install it on the cheap, don’t provide it with care, or use low-quality materials, you might only be able to expect anywhere from 2-10 years out of it.

With the right materials, a solid base, and proper care (ex. Repointing every couple of years), you can get anywhere from 30 to 50 years out of your sandstone.

There are many Rainbow Sandstone paths that have been down for more than 100 years without moving very much.

Does Indian Sandstone Keep Its Color?

Some people note that they have issues with their Indian Sandstone changing colors after a certain period. Depending on the type of sandstone you have and the conditions it is in, it can often turn yellow over time.

One of the best ways to get sandstone to return to its original color is by treating it with an acidic solution. Some people will even go as far as staining their sandstone if it is not sealed, which can give it an entirely different color altogether. However, the susceptibility of sandstone staining depends a lot on the density of the stone in question.

Some sandstone is much more porous than other types.

What Is The Best Indian Sandstone Color?

While there are many different colors of Indian Sandstone to choose from, one of the most popular on the current market (and for a good reason) is Raj Green. This color of Indian Sandstone offers a unique mix of earthy browns and greens that are very complementary when put alongside natural landscapes with grass and foliage.

Beyond that, Raj Green is one of the most versatile types of Indian Sandstone around, allowing you to use it for a number of unique projects.

Of course, there are many other colors to choose from as well, including grey, light grey, mint, and brown. Modac is a very popular color due to the fact that it changes color when wet. When dry, it looks like a blend of orange, plum, and pink. However, when wet, it looks more earthy.

Rainbow Sandstone Paving Ideas

Outdoor Patio

Rainbow Sandstone has an earthy look that works well with outdoor spaces. Thanks to the shades of green in many types of sandstone, it works naturally when set in next to grassy areas or gardens with plenty of foliage.

Take a look at this simple Rainbow Sandstone patio with a brick outline sitting next to a large grassy lawn.

Pool Area

Rainbow Sandstone works great next to pools for several reasons.

For starters, it has a slight texture on the surface that keeps it from getting too slick when wet, which can keep those hanging out around the pool safe at all times.

Secondly, many types of Rainbow Sandstone will have a slight change in color when wet, which results in a unique multicolor aesthetic that you can’t get from many other types of stones.

Check out some of the ways people have incorporated Rainbow Sandstone into their pool areas.

Pros of Rainbow Sandstone Paving

Durability

While Rainbow Sandstone isn’t as durable as slate or granite, it is more than durable enough to last for many years if properly taken care of. Once installed, Rainbow Sandstone can last for many decades, even in environments that receive inclement weather often.

Beauty

There is an undeniable and ineffable quality that you get with Rainbow Sandstone that is difficult to find elsewhere. You get a natural beauty from Rainbow Sandstone that complements many spaces and designs.

One of the great things about Rainbow Sandstone is that you can choose from a wide variety of colors, from green to white to brown and beyond. The stretch of hues is so versatile, making Rainbow Sandstone great for several projects.

Beyond that, you get an earthy texture that you won’t find in any imitations.

Easy To Replace

Because you install sandstone flooring using individual pieces and tiles, you can easily remove and replace tiles if they crack or break. We always recommend saving some tiles from your initial installation in case anything happens. It can be difficult to source the exact color of Rainbow Sandstone tile years down the line, if not impossible. This is why many quarries will stop producing certain varieties for a number of reasons.

Uniqueness

Sandstone pavers are all-natural. This means that every color, pattern, or hue found in these pavers is totally unique. When these massive slabs of stone are mined from the Earthy, they are cut into smaller pieces.

A builder can then rearrange these pieces at random to turn them into a masterful piece of architecture.

Cons of Rainbow Sandstone Paving

Of course, there are also many drawbacks to using Rainbow Sandstone as well, which are worth noting if you’re planning on making a big investment for a paving project.

Can Scratch

Rainbow Sandstone is a natural rock. Compared to many types of natural stone, however, it is very soft. This means that it is susceptible to dents and scratches over time. Dropping some heavy can easily crack a tile, or stepping the wrong way in a high heel can leave nasty scratches.

High Water Absorption

Most Rainbow Sandstone is very porous. In fact, the absorption rate of most types of sandstone is 6%, meaning it is more vulnerable to damage than other types of stone. If you live in extreme conditions, your Rainbow Sandstone could suffer from warping, liquid stains, molds, and micro-bacteria if not properly sealed and cared for.

If you are planning to install Rainbow Sandstone in a kitchen, bathroom, or pool area, spending time sealing it is extremely important.

Cost

Rainbow Sandstone can get very expensive very fast. People often ask us how much it costs for certain projects, such as paving a driveway. While Rainbow Sandstone can certainly look a lot nicer than concrete, it will also cost a lot more.

Rainbow (and/or Indian) Sandstone Paving Problems

Two of the biggest problems with Indian Sandstone is that it can become soft and brittle over time and can become less vibrant under certain conditions.

For these reasons, it is important to source high-quality sandstone and seal it so that you can protect your paved area from deteriorating over the years.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re paving a driveway, creating a garden patio, or putting in some new steps next to the pool, Rainbow Sandstone is a great paving choice. It is certainly a higher-priced paving slab compared to many others, though it can provide a blend of earthiness and luxury that you won’t find in many other types of stone.

We highly recommend it for any kind of outdoor project!
For more information on paving projects, head over to our blog, where we share our expert advice on paving with all types of materials!

June 14, 2022/by admin