# Natural Stone Block Paving FAQ ### What is meant by natural stone block paving? Natural stone block paving is formed from small paving units cut, cropped or tumbled from genuine stone, including granite setts, sandstone cobbles and limestone cobbles. It is used for driveways, paths, borders, edging and landscape details. Unlike concrete blocks, the colour, texture and edge profile vary naturally, which is why the finished surface has a more individual and premium appearance. ### How do setts, cobbles and block paving differ? In UK landscaping, setts normally refers to small square or rectangular stone blocks, often made from granite, sandstone or limestone. Cobbles is a looser term usually applied to rustic or rounded small-format stone pieces. Block paving describes the completed paving system. In practice, customers often use all three terms for similar driveway and pathway products. ### Which stones are commonly used for natural block paving? Granite, sandstone and limestone are the main choices. Granite offers the greatest hardness and is usually preferred for demanding driveways. Sandstone provides warmer colour variation and a more traditional garden character. Limestone gives a quieter, more refined finish. Selection should be based on load, design, maintenance expectations and budget. ### Are granite setts suitable for a driveway? Yes. Granite setts are among the strongest natural stone options for vehicle areas because the material is dense and highly wear resistant. For a domestic driveway, 50 mm setts are commonly used where there is a properly compacted MOT Type 1 base, full mortar bedding, strong edge restraint and suitable jointing. ### What is the practical difference between sawn and cropped granite setts? Sawn granite setts have machine-cut sides and a more regular shape, making them suitable for straight lines, tighter joints and modern layouts. Cropped setts are split to produce a rougher edge and a more traditional appearance. Both can perform well, but they create different visual effects and require different laying tolerances. ### What are tumbled granite setts? Tumbled granite setts have been mechanically processed to soften sharp corners and give the blocks an aged look. They retain the strength of granite but appear less newly cut, making them particularly suitable for cottage-style driveways, courtyards, traditional gardens and decorative edging. ### Can sandstone cobbles be used for driveways? They can be used on domestic driveways when the stone is appropriate, sufficiently thick and installed correctly. Sandstone is generally less dense than granite, so the quality of the sub-base, bedding, jointing and drainage becomes especially important. For heavier or more frequent vehicle traffic, granite is usually the more dependable long-term option. ### What are Kandla Grey sandstone cobbles? Kandla Grey cobbles are small Indian sandstone paving units with cool grey and blue-grey tones, sometimes with warmer natural markings. They are commonly used for paths, patio details, edging and traditional driveways. Because the colour varies naturally, units should be mixed from different crate layers before laying. ### What character do Raj Green sandstone cobbles have? Raj Green cobbles combine olive, brown, grey, buff and greenish tones rather than presenting as one flat green colour. Their mixed appearance suits older properties, cottage gardens, rustic paths and warmer driveway designs where natural variation is part of the intended finish. ### What are tumbled sandstone cobbles? Tumbled sandstone cobbles have rounded edges and a softened face created by mechanical tumbling. This removes the harshness of freshly cut stone and gives the paving a more established appearance from the outset. They are often used in heritage-style paths, courtyards, borders and traditional garden schemes. ### Are limestone cobbles suitable for residential driveways? Good-quality limestone cobbles can be suitable for domestic vehicle use when the construction is designed correctly. Limestone is often denser and more consistent than sandstone, although granite remains stronger overall. Adequate thickness, full bedding, secure edges, sound jointing and a well-compacted foundation are all required. ### What are Black Limestone cobbles? Black Limestone cobbles are dark natural stone setts used on paths, patios, driveways and border details. Their deep tone creates strong contrast in both traditional and contemporary schemes. As with most dark natural stone, the colour can gradually soften outside through weathering and repeated cleaning. ### What are Tandur Grey limestone cobbles? Tandur Grey cobbles are natural limestone setts with restrained grey colouring and a relatively calm appearance. They work well on driveways, courtyards, paths and edging, particularly where the paving needs to coordinate with brickwork, render, planting or natural stone walling. ### What are Tandur Yellow limestone cobbles? Tandur Yellow cobbles contain warm yellow, beige and earthy tones. They are commonly selected for rural, rustic and traditional garden designs. They may also be used for suitable driveway applications where the thickness and complete construction are appropriate for the expected load. ### Which is better for block paving: granite, sandstone or limestone? There is no single best material for every project. Granite is normally the strongest choice for demanding driveways. Sandstone is preferred where warm colour variation and a traditional appearance matter most. Limestone provides a refined middle ground with good durability for many domestic settings. The correct choice depends on load, appearance, upkeep and budget. ### What sizes are commonly used for natural stone setts and cobbles? Typical formats include 100 x 100 mm and 200 x 100 mm. The smaller size creates a classic cobbled look and follows curves more easily, while the 200 x 100 mm format gives a more structured block-paving appearance and can be quicker to install in straight runs. ### Is 50 mm thickness enough for a domestic driveway? For many correctly constructed residential driveways, 50 mm natural stone setts are suitable. However, thickness must not be considered in isolation: the sub-base, mortar bed, jointing and edge support are equally important. Heavier traffic, weak ground or commercial use may require 80 mm or 100 mm setts. ### Can 30 mm setts be used under vehicles? Thirty-millimetre setts are generally more appropriate for pedestrian areas, borders, decorative bands and edging. They should not normally be treated as the standard choice for a vehicle driveway unless a specifically engineered installation system confirms their suitability. For most domestic driveways, 50 mm or thicker is more sensible. ### What sub-base is required beneath natural stone block paving? A compacted MOT Type 1 foundation is commonly used. Paths may need a lighter build-up, but vehicle areas require a stronger base. Many domestic driveways use approximately 150 mm or more of properly compacted material, although the final depth should reflect soil conditions and expected traffic. ### Should natural stone setts be laid on a full mortar bed? Yes. Full mortar support is normally recommended for setts and cobbles. Spot bedding leaves unsupported voids that can lead to rocking, movement, trapped water and freeze-thaw damage. A continuous bed distributes load more evenly and gives the paving greater long-term stability. ### Do granite setts need slurry primer? Sawn granite setts often benefit significantly from slurry primer because granite is dense and absorbs little moisture. Priming improves adhesion between the stone and mortar. Cropped or rough-backed setts may offer more mechanical key, but primer is still a sensible precaution where maximum bond strength is required. ### What joint width should be used between setts? The appropriate width depends on how regular the units are. Sawn setts can usually be laid with more consistent and narrower joints, while cropped or tumbled stone needs extra tolerance for natural size variation. Many installations use joints of roughly 8 to 15 mm, but the actual product and laying pattern should determine the final spacing. ### Which jointing material is suitable for natural stone block paving? Options include traditional wet mortar, suitable exterior jointing compounds and resin-based systems. Driveways require a strong product capable of resisting vehicle loads because the joints help lock the paving together. Weak, shallow or loose jointing allows movement, water ingress and premature maintenance problems. ### Why are edge restraints essential? Small paving units can spread sideways under load if the perimeter is not fixed securely. This is particularly important on driveways, turning areas and paths with open edges. Depending on the design, restraint can be provided by kerbs, fixed edging units or concrete haunching. ### Does natural stone block paving require drainage? Yes. The paving should be constructed with controlled falls so water does not remain on the surface or collect beneath the units. Poor drainage encourages algae, staining, frost damage, movement and joint failure. Front driveways must also take account of current UK drainage and SuDS requirements. ### Do granite, sandstone and limestone setts need sealing? Granite normally performs without sealing because it is dense and relatively low maintenance. Sandstone may benefit from a breathable sealer in shaded locations, beneath trees or near cooking areas. Limestone is not always sealed, but treatment may be chosen to improve stain resistance or deepen the colour. Any product used should be suitable for exterior natural stone. ### How should natural stone block paving be cleaned? Regular sweeping is the most important first step because leaves, soil and organic debris can stain if left to break down. For deeper cleaning, use water and a cleaner confirmed as safe for the specific stone. Strong acids, harsh bleach and aggressive pressure washing should be avoided, particularly on sandstone and limestone. ### Will natural stone block paving change appearance over time? Yes. Sandstone often mellows and shows a stronger contrast between wet and dry conditions. Limestone can soften in tone and develop a natural patina. Granite is more colour stable but still darkens when wet. These changes are normal weathering characteristics, not automatically defects. ### How long can natural stone block paving last? Correctly installed natural stone paving can remain serviceable for decades. Granite setts may last 50 years or longer, while good sandstone and limestone cobbles can also provide 30 to 50 years of domestic service. Actual lifespan depends on stone quality, construction, drainage, joint maintenance and traffic. ### Does natural stone block paving suit both modern and traditional properties? Yes. Sawn granite works particularly well with contemporary architecture and clean driveway layouts. Cropped and tumbled granite are better suited to period and heritage settings. Sandstone complements warmer, rustic gardens, while limestone offers a restrained finish that can work with either classic or modern designs. ### Explore our full range of [natural stone block paving](/collections/stone-block-paving "Natural Stone Block Paving, Setts and Cobbles") , including granite setts, sandstone cobbles and limestone cobbles for driveways, paths, edging, courtyards and garden landscaping. --- > Source: [Paving Slabs Direct](https://www.pavingslabsdirect.co.uk/pages/stone-block-paving-frequently-asked-questions)