How often have you seen a dull paved area at the back of a house? It doesn't have to be like that. We look at easy ways to add interest to Indian sandstone patios.

Mint sandstone patio laid stack bond along back of large house with classical portico. Swimming pool to right.
Mint sandstone gives this wide patio pletny of interest with the varied colours and markings, while toning well with the house architecture in this design by The Garden Builders.

Colour it in

There are lots of reasons why Indian sandstone is so popular for patio paving. Apart from the huge range of colours, there's also the bonus of tonal variation, with some, like Raj Green, containing multiple tones. In the design above, the choice of Mint sandstone has given this wide expanse of paving real character. The high degree of variation in the different slabs slows the gaze, as does the stack bond paving pattern, which supports the classical feel.

Sandstone with colour variation is ideal for more traditional settings, for when you want to add interest, and can be especially useful when designing large patios.

Add an edge

Kandla Grey Indian sandstone patio with straight timber sleeper edge, outside french doors of brick house.
The chunky wooden sleeper edging adds a detail that gives a satisfying finish to this Kandla Grey patio design by Silvatree.

Colour variation isn't for everyone, though, especially for modern designs, where a consistent colour is often desirable. In this situation, it's well thought-out detail that can make a design. For the patio above, the sleeper edging makes a feature of the straight edge, tones with the brick architecture. It's an amazingly simple solution to creating a well designed finish.

Cut a curve

Half moon-shaped Mint Indian sandstone patio idea, edged with setts, next to lawn.
Adding a curve gives you more room without overwhelming the garden, as in this design by Kiwi Landscapes, using Mint Indian sandstone and matching setts.

A curved edge is a subtle way to increase the available space on a patio, while minimising its impact on the rest of the garden. Here, the patio edge echoes the line of the path, while the complementary outline of the grass helps emphasise the shape.

Go round in circles

Furniture and parasol sit on circular Mint sandstone patios which intersect each other.
This raised patio by Landart has been made interesting with the intersection of 2 circles of Mint sandstone, outlined with contrasting setts.

Circles are a step on from curves. These are ideal for creating a focal point. The design above has used two intersecting circles to create planting pockets that will help increase the sense of seclusion to the seating area, before patio steps descend to the lawn below.

The paving above has been cut to sit within the curved outline. Make a circle an even stronger design element with a sunken level for seating within a patio.

An alternative to the circles above is to use ready-cut Indian sandstone paving circles. These may be used as a stand-alone, focal point or integrated into the design of the paved area. The centre stone makes the perfect position for a bistro set, sculpture, or even a water feature.

Sett it up

Furniture under louvred pergola on patio of tumbled mint sandstone setts. Design by Barnes Walker
In this design by Barnes Walker, tumbled mint sandstone setts give an intimate feel to this patio.

In combination with paving, setts create plenty of design opportunities. They can provide a neat matching edge or highlight shape with contrasting colour. Here the entire patio has been paved with Mint sandstone setts, creating an intimate feel.

Find a corner

2 steps up to triangular Mint Indian sandstone patio in fenced corner. Fig tree on left.
A shady corner makes a cool patio in Mint Indian sandstone, where clients will enjoy hot weather. Steve Hooper made the most of the space available with an unusual triangular design.

A patio doesn't have to be right next to the house. Here, the designer has opened up a spot that receives sun and shade, depending on the time of day. The triangular shape is economical on space, and raising it slightly above the lawn will give a different perspective on borders and planting.

See double

2 Mint Indian sandstone patios at either end of small narrow garden, separated by artificial grass.
Two patios give the opportunity to enjoy different activities in the sun at different times of day, as in this design by Aye Gardening.

If the size of your garden makes the dimensions of the patio you need a bit overwhelming, then consider dividing the paving into areas dedicated to different activities. The design above uses Mint sandstone and artificial lawn in eye-pleasing thirds. Splitting your patio also allows you to make the most of the sun in different parts of the garden at different times of day.

For more patio ideas, check out our Indian sandstone paving. We've supplied Indian sandstone for many years and can help you with all the advice you might need. Contact us or drop into one of our showrooms around the country for sandstone installation advice and product information.

Post updated: August 2023