"andrewpreece" wrote in message ...
"Neil Jones" wrote in message
"james" wrote in message

still hoping that there is someone here who can help me with some
current wisdom on the pros & cons of real stone vs. concrete imitation
paving...?!

We decided that the most appropriate concrete product was Marshall's
Chancery which comes in at an undiscounted price from BuilderCenter at
about £34 per sq m + installation (bedding etc.)

We then went along to a local stone merchant, where they have imported
sandstone for about £17 per sq m. You might argue that it's immoral to


I considered using imitation stone products, but I eventually went for
a 'nothing fake' philosophy and went for real stone. It's more expensive,
and more difficult to use, but it has the advantage that it will always look
good however much it wears, whereas I notice that concrete prodcts look at
first,
but any imitation 'stone' profiling will eventually wear smooth, also the
aggregate in the cement product ( which you can see if you look at the
bottom of any imitation stone product ) will appear as the cement isworn
away. Just my opinon, go for stone if you can,


I agree that concrete is a second rate substitute. I was surprised at
the £34 sqm figure, I just assumed if you needed to economise with
concrete youd use a mould and pour your own for closer to £1 sqm. If
economy isnt the issue then stone is going to be clearly the better
choice.

BTW will sandstone withstand saturation and repeated freezing? I
thought it was quite porous stuff, and one of the softest stones.

Youve looked at granolithic concrete too? I dont know what it costs
but saw it in one building and it looked lovely.


Regards, NT