indian sandstone patio

Creating an Elegant Small Patio with Indian Sandstone: A Step-by-Step Guide

A small patio made from Indian sandstone can add natural beauty and timeless elegance to your outdoor living space. Indian sandstone is renowned for its durability, stunning color variations, and the ability to create a sophisticated ambiance. In this guide, we will walk you through the best way to build a small patio using Indian sandstone. Our removals man from local-removals.co.uk is a big fan of Indian Sandstone patios and often recommends people have one built when they move into their new home.


Step 1: Planning Your Patio Design
Before you start digging and laying stones, take the time to plan your patio’s design. Consider the following factors:
1. Purpose: What will be the primary function of your patio? Will it be a space for dining, relaxation, or both?
2. Location: Choose the best spot for your patio, considering factors like sunlight, shade, and proximity to the house.
3. Size and shape: Determine the dimensions and shape of your patio to maximize your available space while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing layout.
4. Materials: Indian sandstone comes in various colors and finishes. Select the type that complements your home’s exterior and your personal style.

Step 2: Prepare the Site
Now, it’s time to prepare the site for your patio:
1. Mark the area: Use stakes and string lines to outline the shape and size of your patio.
2. Excavation: Remove the top layer of soil to a depth of approximately 4-6 inches, ensuring the ground is level. This will allow for a solid foundation and proper drainage.
3. Install edging: Place patio edging or border stones around the perimeter to keep the Indian sandstone in place and prevent it from shifting over time.


Step 3: Create a Solid Foundation
To ensure a durable and long-lasting patio, you’ll need to establish a solid foundation:
1. Lay a base: Spread a layer of compacted Type 1 MOT (a type of crushed stone) or a similar hardcore material to create a stable base.
2. Add a layer of mortar: To further stabilize the base, spread a layer of mortar and level it carefully.


Step 4: Lay the Indian Sandstone
Now comes the exciting part of laying the Indian sandstone:
1. Start from one corner: Begin in a corner of the patio and work your way out, laying the sandstone slabs while maintaining even gaps between them.
2. Spacing and pattern: Use spacers to maintain consistent gaps, typically around 5-10mm. You can lay the slabs in a random pattern or create a more structured design, such as a herringbone or stretcher bond pattern.
3. Cutting: You may need to cut some sandstone slabs to fit the edges or irregular shapes. A stone saw or an angle grinder equipped with a diamond blade can be used for this purpose.


Step 5: Secure the Sandstone

After laying the sandstone, you’ll need to ensure it remains securely in place:
1. Fill the gaps: Mix a sand and cement mortar to fill the gaps between the slabs. Make sure the mortar is evenly spread and flush with the top of the slabs.
2. Compact and level: Use a piece of wood or a rubber mallet to gently tap the slabs, ensuring they are level and securely embedded in the mortar.
3. Clean the surface: Remove any excess mortar from the surface of the sandstone using a brush and a damp sponge. Be careful not to wash away the mortar from the joints.
Step 6: Seal and Maintain
To enhance the longevity and appearance of your Indian sandstone patio:
1. Apply a sealer: Once the mortar has dried, apply a high-quality sealer to protect the sandstone from staining, weathering, and the growth of moss or algae.
2. Regular maintenance: Keep your patio looking its best by sweeping away debris and dirt regularly. You may need to reapply sealer every year or two, depending on the climate and wear and tear.


Building a small patio with Indian sandstone can be a rewarding project that adds charm and functionality to your outdoor space. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and enduring patio that becomes a focal point for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, and enjoyment for years to come. Enjoy the timeless beauty and durability of Indian sandstone in your own backyard retreat.…

9 Home Services Tips About Quick Plumbing At Home

Home plumbing is an essential part of home maintenance, and it can often be difficult to know how to fix common plumbing issues. It’s important to have the right tools, knowledge, and understanding of the various components that make up a plumbing system in order to ensure that your plumbing needs are taken care of properly. The following tips will help you tackle quick plumbing at home and keep your home running smoothly.

1. Know Your System: One of the most important things you can do when it comes to fixing quick plumbing issues is to get familiar with your system. Understand what type of pipes are used in your home and what types of repairs are needed for different problems. This will help you avoid costly mistakes or misuse of equipment when trying to solve a problem on your own.

2. Use the Right Tools: Having the correct tools is essential when it comes to repairing any kind of plumbing issue at home. You’ll need wrenches, pliers, and other types of tools specifically designed for use with pipes or other components in a plumbing system. Make sure you have all necessary items before beginning any repair job so that you don’t end up having to leave half-way through because something wasn’t working correctly or didn’t fit together properly.

3. Understand Pipe Sizes: There are different sizes of pipe used in a home’s plumbing system, so it’s important to understand which size needs to be used for specific tasks. For example, larger pipes are typically used for drainage while smaller ones may be best suited for hot water lines or sewer connections. Failing to use the right size pipe could result in water not draining properly or an inefficient flow throughout the house due to incorrect pressure in certain areas.

4: Know When To Call A Professional: While some minor fixes can be done by homeowners themselves, more serious issues should always be left up to experienced professionals with expert knowledge about complicated plumbing systems and specialized tools at their disposal. This can save time, money, and frustration when dealing with potentially dangerous scenarios like gas leaks or major pipe blockages that require professional attention from qualified personnel such as plumbers or heating engineers .

5: Test Water Pressure Regularly : Low water pressure can lead to weakened performance from showers, faucets and other appliances that rely on water pressure for functioning properly . It’s therefore important regularly check your water pressure by using a dedicated device called a manometer , which allows for precise readings . If there appears to be low pressure , then checking individual fixtures may be necessary in order identify where exactly the issue lies before attempting any repairs .

6: Insulate Piping & Valves: Insulating piping and valves against extreme temperatures can help prevent issues such as frozen pipes during particularly cold seasons , as well as avoiding sudden bursts due too high temperature fluctuations . Good insulation also allows hot water systems work more efficiently since less energy is lost during heated transfers , thereby helping homeowners cut down on utility bills over time .

7: Check Fixtures For Leaks : Leaks are one of most common problems faced by homeowners when it comes basic repair jobs around the house . Therefore , it’s essential inspect fixtures like sink faucets , shower heads , toilets , bathtubs etc regularly for any signs of leakage . Identifying such problems early on helps reduce the chances damage being caused due too prolonged exposure water seeping into walls or cabinets etc .

8 : Use Approved Manhole Covers : Manhole covers must always consist materials approved local planning authorities order guarantee safety for those who enter them carry out maintenance work below ground level . Using unauthorized covers could pose potential health risks members public if they come into contact hazardous substances present within sewers drainage systems etc .

9 : Clean Gutters Periodically : Clogged gutters often lead blockages along part house’s drainage network due build-up dirt debris over time causing slow drainage levels throughout property if left unchecked permanently fixed problem might arise if not managed correctly so periodic cleaning goes way preventing costly repairs down line .