Stones buying guideLast updated October 2026

Sandstone

Naturally non-slip, warm-toned paving and walling.

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Price level
Budget
Best to buy
Oct–Mar
Top sources
India flagUK flagChina flag
Sandstone ashlar wall with warm cream and ochre banding

Photo: Reiner Knudsen, CC0

Overview

What is sandstone?

Sandstone is sand, mostly quartz grains, cemented together by silica, iron oxides or calcite. The cement decides the character: silica-cemented sandstones are tough and weatherproof, iron gives warm reds and yellows, and clay-rich stones are softer. Its naturally gritty surface makes it one of the most slip-resistant paving stones.

India's Rajasthan belt dominates world trade in sandstone paving, supplying riven (naturally split) and sawn, calibrated slabs at low cost. The UK's Yorkstone is the premium heritage benchmark.

Rock type
Sedimentary (quartz grains + natural cement)
Water absorption
Up to 8% (ASTM C616 Type I)
Slip resistance
Naturally high (riven and sawn)
Acid
Good (silica-cemented) to fair (calcareous)
Paving thickness
20 to 40 mm
Finishes
Riven, sawn, sandblasted, tumbled, honed

Applications

Best used for

  • Patios and garden pathsAffordable, grippy and warm-toned.
  • DrivewaysThicker, sawn slabs on a proper base.
  • Façade cladding and wallingSplit-face panels and ashlar blocks.
  • Pool surroundsStays grippy when wet.
  • Steps, copings and carved piecesWorks easily into shapes.

Think twice for

  • Shady, damp spots. Porous stone grows algae and green staining.
  • Near barbecues without sealing. Light sandstones absorb oil readily.

Know the names

Popular varieties

  • Kandla Grey

    India

    Cool grey, a UK patio favourite.

  • Raj Green

    India

    Green-grey with brown patterning.

  • Autumn Brown

    India

    Rust, beige and brown mix.

  • Dholpur Beige

    India

    Even buff tone, fine-grained.

  • Yorkstone

    UK

    Heritage buff-grey.

  • Wood-vein

    China

    Bold stripes like timber grain.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for sandstone, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.
  • India flag

    India Leading source

    The world's biggest sandstone paving exporter

    • Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Autumn Brown
    • Dholpur Beige, Agra Red
    • Kota, Bundi and Dholpur districts
    Vendors in India
  • UK flag

    UK

    Premium heritage paving

    • Yorkstone
    Vendors in UK
  • China flag

    China

    Sichuan sandstones in striking patterns

    • Wood-vein sandstone
    • Yellow and red sandstones
    Vendors in China

Timing

Best time of year to buy

Order Indian sandstone between October and March for spring and summer installs in Europe and North America. The monsoon (June to September) slows quarrying and wet stone is hard to grade.

  1. Jan: best time to buy
  2. Feb: best time to buy
  3. Mar: best time to buy
  4. Apr: normal
  5. May: normal
  6. Jun: slower or pricier
  7. Jul: slower or pricier
  8. Aug: slower or pricier
  9. Sep: slower or pricier
  10. Oct: best time to buy
  11. Nov: best time to buy
  12. Dec: best time to buy
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
  • Rajasthan quarries also slow in the extreme heat of May and June.
  • Northern-hemisphere garden demand peaks from March to June, so container space and popular colours tighten then.
  • Diwali (October or November) closes many yards for about a week.

Import costs

Tariffs and import duties

Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.

HS codes

  • 2516.20Blocks, crude or sawn
  • 6801Flagstones, setts and kerbs
  • 6802.99Worked sandstone

Base import duty (MFN)

  • United StatesFree to 6.5%Crude blocks free; sawn 3%; flagstones 2.8%; other worked sandstone 6.5%.
  • European Union0% to 1.7%Blocks and flagstones duty-free; simply sawn 1.7%.
  • United Kingdom0%

Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge

Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.

  • India flagIndia+10%Section 301 (2026) adds 10% on top of the MFN rate.
  • UK flagUK+10%Section 301 (2026) adds 10% on top of the MFN rate.
  • China flagChina+12.5% & 30112.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • Riven paving usually classifies as flagstones (6801); sawn or honed pieces may fall under 6802. Confirm the line with your broker, as the US duty differs.
  • Ethical sourcing: Indian sandstone has faced child-labour concerns. Ask for Ethical Trading Initiative membership or independent audits.
  • The United Kingdom also applies a 10% surcharge on certain stone goods from India following recent trade policy updates.

Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Ask for calibrated thickness (for example 22 mm ±3) if laying on a bed; riven stone varies.
  2. 2Look for iron spots and clay seams in samples.
  3. 3Request wet slip resistance (pendulum value) for public areas.
  4. 4Pre-seal light sandstones before grouting to stop staining.
  5. 5Check ethical-sourcing credentials.
  6. 6Order from one production batch: colours drift between quarry benches.

Price level: Indian sandstone is one of the most affordable natural paving materials; Yorkstone costs several times more.

Vendor Network

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