A Stand-Out Black Indian Sandstone Paving Area Brings a Fresh New Look…

08/11/2017 ALDA in Action

Where:
Farley Hill, Reading

When:
October 2017

What:
ALDA Landscapes installed a black tumbled Sandstone paving known as ‘Sagar’. It was laid over a large area incorporating the area directly leading off the back of the house and extending out to the side towards the garage.

Our client had originally intended to use a grey coloured Sandstone to compliment their attractive white cottage with its black roof, window frames and door. However when they visited Nigel Belcher’s show room in Hermitage they decided the grey would not give the contrast in colour they were looking for and opted instead for the black Sandstone.

Challenges along the way

After a downpour of rain which deepened and enriched the black tones in the Sandstone, our client asked if there was a way to achieve this effect on a permanent basis.

This photo shows the black Sandstone paving prior to the sealant being applied where it appears more grey than black in colour.

The ‘Dry-Treat Intensifia’ sealant has been applied to the new black Sandstone paving enriching the black tones in the stone and creating a long lasting wet look finish.

The solution:
We recommended the use of the product ‘Dry-Treat Intensifia’ which is a combination of an enhancer and sealer. As can be seen in the photos this sealant intensifies the colours in the natural stone and creates a lasting wet look finish.

More about the product:
‘Dry-Treat Intensifia’ sealant provides water and oil based stain protection and comes with a 5 year guarantee.

The finer details

We also laid brick pavers in ‘rose cottage’ along the edge of some of the paving and installed small brick squares made up from the pavers randomly amongst the black paving slabs – see photo. The rose coloured bricks provide more contrast in the paving and fit well with the age of the property.

The newly sealed paving extends beyond the back of the house to the side where the garage is located. Here ‘rose cottage’ brick pavers have been used to line the edges of the paving and small brick squares made up from the pavers are dotted randomly amongst the black Sandstone paving slabs.

A before photo showing the ground at the back of the house being prepared ready for its transforming new paving area to be laid.

The outcome

Our client is happy with the finish of their new paving. Darker coloured paving is often used in gardens with a contemporary feel but at Farley Hill the tumbled effect of the Sandstone goes perfectly with the cottage style of the house.

If you are interested in creating a similar effect in your garden it is also worth considering other paving products such as slate, black limestone or porcelain as possible options.

(For more information on different styles and options of paving available please refer to previous blogs).

Like what you see?

From planning a new border to a complete garden remodel, we pride ourselves on transforming ideas into beautiful reality, with minimum disruption. If you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today. We do get pretty booked up, particularly during the Spring, so plan ahead if possible!