Natural stone is one of the most rewarding choices you can make for a garden patio — but with dozens of stone types, finishes and formats available, where do you start? This guide walks you through every decision step by step.
Step 1: Choose Your Stone Type
The three most popular natural stone types for UK patios are:
- Sandstone — warm tones, natural riven surface, excellent grip, very popular in UK
- Limestone — smooth, contemporary look, grey or buff tones
- Porcelain — ultra-low maintenance, modern aesthetic, frost-resistant
Step 2: Pick the Right Colour
Your stone should complement your home’s exterior and garden planting. Consider:
- Grey tones (Kandla Grey, Black Limestone) — suit modern builds, white render, grey grout
- Buff/warm tones (Autumn Brown, Fossil Buff, Raveena) — suit traditional brick, cottage gardens
- Green tones (Raj Green) — suit country settings, lots of planting
Step 3: Select the Right Finish
The finish determines both the look and grip level of your patio:
- Natural Riven — textured, excellent grip, traditional look
- Honed — smooth, contemporary, slightly less grip when wet
- Tumbled & Aged — rustic, antiqued edges, traditional character
- Sawn & Honed — precision cut, very contemporary
Step 4: Consider Size and Laying Pattern
Most natural stone comes in random or calibrated sizes. Popular laying patterns include:
- Patio Pack (random calibrated) — classic British garden look
- Single size (600×600, 900×600) — contemporary grid
- Circle Kit — stunning feature centrepiece
Step 5: Budget
As a direct manufacturer and exporter, DNS Stones offers trade pricing on all stone types. Contact us for a quote — we supply from factory to your project with no middlemen.
Ready to source natural stone direct from the manufacturer? DNS Stones supply trade buyers across the UK with premium stone at factory prices.
Request a Quote