What is York stone?
York stone is a type of Sandstone (natural stone) that comes from Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. Like all other sandstone, York stone is sedimentary. Known for its buff colours and durability, it is very popular with homeowners in their gardens. However, can also be found in many historic buildings.
Reclaimed York stone
Due to its strength, durability and natural beauty, York stone was extremely popular during Victorian times. Used in churches, castles and even museums. By the late 1800’s, York stone production had increased, large-scale operations were common with miners using dynamite and ruck crushers to extract the stone from deep pits.
Nowadays, York stone is much scarcer, and prices have increased significantly. There are a few companies that sell reclaimed York stone for around £100-£200 a square metre. One company is the “York Stone Dealer” in Preston, Lancashire.
Is there a cheaper option than laying York stone?
There is always a cheaper option. Most contractors would prefer not to have to lay York stone due to the size of the slabs. These slabs can be up to 1 metre long and weigh anything from 30kg – 50kg! The average depth is around 1.5 inches, ranging up to 3 inches.
Indian sandstone, the cheaper alternative to York stone
In the last 15-20 years, Indian sandstone has become very popular with homeowners. A low-cost natural paving slab that’s much easier to lay than York Stone. It looks like York stone but is much cheaper to buy and have laid. There is a huge range of colours from buff to modern greys. Including several different slab sizes and finishes, including sawn or riven. Indian Sandstone can be purchased for roughly £25-40 per square metre. However, expect to pay well over £100 per square metre to have it laid.
How to clean sandstone?
From time to time, we do hear from customers who have invested in a York stone patio and are looking to have it cleaned. However, most of the York stone we come across is tens of years old. We have experience treating York stone that is 150 years old at a client’s property in Guildford, Surrey.
As part of this service, the colour was fully restored and all organic staining removed. This is a much better option than paying for new stone to be laid. Not only is it cheaper, but better for the environment.
Best way to clean York stone
If you’re not looking for a company to clean your patio for you, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Limited offers professional patio cleaning and pressure washing services to Surrey and surrounding areas for all types of natural stone and concrete paving. However, there is a DIY option.
Included within our range is a deep cleaning patio cleaner that can be used on York stone and all types of sandstone to revive the natural colours and remove all stubborn staining.
The best way to clean and maintain York stone?
Once the York stone has been cleaned with our patio cleaner. We recommend an annual application of a maintenance product. This will stop organic staining and remove green algae within a few days without the stone needing to be washed down.
If you have any questions about patio cleaning or the services we offer, contact us on 0800 500 3032 or email info@pbsr.co.uk
