Natural stone is a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscaping across the UK, valued for its durability and timeless beauty. Whether it’s used for a charming garden path, a stylish patio, or an impressive entrance, the type of stone you choose plays a crucial role in the overall design and functionality of your outdoor spaces. However, many homeowners and property managers are often concerned about how to maintain these stone surfaces and ensure they last.
A common question when it comes to natural stone is whether or not it needs sealing. Sealing can help protect the stone from weather damage, stains, and general wear and tear, potentially extending its lifespan and maintaining its appearance. But is sealing always necessary? And if it is, what are the best practices and products for the job?
This article is designed to give you a straightforward look at the different types of stone commonly used for patio paving and assess whether applying a sealer is genuinely worthwhile.
Popular Types of Natural Stone for paving in the UK
Sandstone: Sandstone is celebrated for its warm, earthy colours and durability, making it a popular choice for patios, pathways, and retaining walls.
Its natural porosity means it can absorb water and stains more easily, so sealing is often recommended to protect its surface and maintain its appearance. Indian sandstone is by far the most popular type of natural sandstone for paving in the UK.
Limestone: Known for its elegant look and smooth texture, limestone offers a lighter, neutral colour palette compared to sandstone. It’s a favourite for paving, steps, and decorative elements.
When it comes to cleaning limestone, it’s crucial to remember that you should absolutely avoid using any acid-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can actually dissolve the stone, leading to damage. This includes common DIY solutions like vinegar, which is acidic as well. Instead, stick to a mild soapy water solution for regular cleaning. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, it’s a good idea to call in the professionals. We have the right tools and expertise to handle it without causing harm to your limestone.
However, because it’s also porous, it benefits from sealing to keep it looking its best and to prevent damage.
Granite: If you’re looking for a stone that stands up to heavy use and harsh weather, granite is an excellent choice. It’s incredibly strong and resistant to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like patios and driveways. Plus, it’s beautiful colours and patterns add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Slate: Slate is known for its unique layered look and rich dark grey tones, offering a modern and stylish appearance. Its natural slip-resistance makes it a great option for pathways and patios, especially in wetter climates where extra grip is beneficial.
Porcelain Tiles for Patios
Porcelain tiles might be relatively new to the patio paving scene, but they’re definitely gaining traction as more people learn about their benefits. These tiles are a fantastic choice for patios because they’re non-porous, which makes them resistant to stains, water, frost, and fading. Not only are they durable and hard-wearing, but they also require minimal maintenance and look stunningly attractive.
When it comes to keeping porcelain tiles clean, pressure washing is usually the best approach. If you’re in Bournemouth or Christchurch and need professional help with cleaning your porcelain paving, MPowell Cleaning Service is here to assist. We offer specialised services to ensure your tiles remain in top condition and continue to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
Installing or replacing patios can be quite a costly endeavour, and naturally, homeowners want to keep their patios looking great for as long as possible while protecting them from stains. There’s a lot of debate out there about whether or not to use a natural stone sealer, and if so, which product is the best choice.
Types of Natural Stone Sealers
Let’s see the three main types of sealers you might consider for natural stone, and what kind of finish each one provides:
Gloss Sealer
Gloss sealers sometimes get mixed up with what’s known as the ‘wet look’, but they’re actually quite different. A gloss sealer, when applied correctly, is meant to give a high-shine finish. On the other hand, the wet look is more about mimicking the appearance of stone right after a rain shower, when it looks slightly darker and glossier.
One thing to note about gloss sealer is that they can become quite slippery when wet. Additionally, as the sealer wears off, it can cause the stone surface to crack and appear untidy. When this happens, the old sealer might need to be stripped away before applying a fresh coat to ensure it bonds properly.
From our experience using various gloss sealers—some from well-known premium brands—we’ve found that the high shine promised by the product often falls short. Even when following application instructions. Because of this, we don’t push any specific brand, as we’re not confident it will meet your expectations. We’ll discuss different options with you, but the final choice is always yours, and we’ll make sure to apply whatever you decide on.
Invisible / Clear Finish Sealer
This type of sealer does exactly what it says on the container—it’s invisible. Once applied, it doesn’t alter the appearance of the stone or leave any noticeable residue. This is the most popular choice and our top recommendation because it allows the natural beauty of the stone to shine through. It’s great for preserving those stunning, natural effects without changing the stone’s look.
Colour Enhancer
Colour enhancers are designed to boost the appearance and depth of the stone’s colour. However, some of these products have a tendency to darken the stone more than enhancing it. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend testing a sample first to ensure the final colour is what you’re hoping for.
At MPowell Cleaning Services, we specialise in professional driveway and patio cleaning and sealing throughout Bournemouth and Dorset. However, we always aim to provide honest advice and would never suggest unnecessary services or recommend a sealer if it’s not going to offer a real benefit. If we believe a sealer isn’t necessary, we’ll tell you.
We prefer to use products that we know well and have tested ourselves to ensure they offer both quality and value. Transparency is key for us—our customers know exactly what they’re paying for.
No matter the job, we’re here to help bring your exterior surfaces back to life with our top-notch cleaning services.
Call us today for a free quote!
