Understanding the Different Types of Sandstone and Why Cleaning and Restoration Matters

Understanding the Different Types of Sandstone & Why Cleaning and Restoration Matters

At The Jet Wash Fella, we don’t just clean sandstone — we understand it. Sandstone is a natural stone. It is porous and relatively soft. It is used in patios, pathways, pool surrounds, and garden features across West Sussex and Surrey. Each type of sandstone has its own colour, texture, and level of durability. This means it requires a specialist approach to cleaning and restoration.

By recognising the different varieties of sandstone, we can ensure your outdoor spaces are restored to their true natural beauty. This process avoids damage.

Swimming Pool Surround Cleaning Sandstone Patio Clean 5 — Gently restoring natural sandstone round a swimming pool

Swimming Pool Surround Cleaning Sandstone Patio Clean 6 — Gently restoring natural sandstone round a swimming pool

Common Types of Sandstone Used in Patios, Pathways & Outdoor Spaces

1. Indian Sandstone

Indian sandstone is one of the most popular choices in the UK for patios and pathways. It comes in a wide range of colours, including Raj Green, Autumn Brown, Kandla Grey, and Modak.

Benefits: Affordable, attractive, available in various finishes.
Cleaning Challenges: Prone to black spot, lichen, and algae because of its porous nature.
Restoration Tip: Requires low-pressure cleaning and specialist treatments to lift stains and restore natural vibrancy.

2. Yorkstone

Yorkstone is a traditional British sandstone known for its durability and rich colour. Often used in heritage properties, pathways, and garden features.

Benefits: Extremely hard-wearing, long lifespan, classic look.
Cleaning Challenges: Can weather unevenly and collect moss, making surfaces slippery.
Restoration Tip: Careful cleaning enhances its natural golden tones while maintaining historic value.

3. Kandla Grey Sandstone

Kandla Grey is a modern favourite. Its subtle silver-grey tones give patios and pool surrounds a sleek look. This creates a contemporary appearance.

Benefits: Stylish, versatile, complements modern architecture.
Cleaning Challenges: Grey tones make black spots, algae, and rust stains more visible.
Restoration Tip: Professional cleaning restores colour and prevents the stone from looking dull.

4. Raj Green Sandstone

Raj Green is one of the most widely used Indian sandstone types, with green, brown, and grey hues. It blends well with traditional and countryside settings.

Benefits: Warm, natural colour mix, rustic charm.
Cleaning Challenges: Organic growth like lichen and algae often dulls its natural tones.
Restoration Tip: Specialist soft washing brings back the stone’s earthy character.

5. Fossil Mint Sandstone

Fossil Mint sandstone is a unique type that features fossilised imprints and warm yellow-gold tones.

Benefits: Distinctive appearance, natural beauty.
Cleaning Challenges: Lighter shades show dirt, grime, and rust staining more easily.
Restoration Tip: Regular cleaning keeps the stone’s decorative fossil markings clear and sharp.

6. Modak Sandstone

Known for its vibrant pink, red, and golden tones, Modak sandstone adds a warm, decorative feel to patios and pathways.

Benefits: Striking colours, ideal for decorative outdoor areas.
Cleaning Challenges: Bright tones can fade if not properly maintained, and algae growth dulls the surface.
Restoration Tip: Careful restoration brings back its vivid colour palette.

7. Rippon Buff Sandstone

Rippon Buff is a multi-coloured sandstone with shades of brown, gold, orange, and grey.

Benefits: Natural variation makes every patio unique.
Cleaning Challenges: Variation in porosity can lead to uneven weathering and staining.
Restoration Tip: Regular cleaning keeps colours vibrant and prevents patchy wear.

The Benefits of Professional Sandstone Cleaning & Restoration

Preserve Natural Beauty

Sandstone’s appeal lies in its natural tones and unique patterns. Over time, dirt, lichen, black spots, and algae cover its surface. Professional cleaning restores sandstone to its original vibrancy.

Protect the Stone’s Integrity

Because sandstone is porous and soft, using high-pressure washing can cause erosion, pitting, and long-term damage. Our gentle soft-wash restoration protects your investment.

Improve Safety

Slippery algae and moss build-up make sandstone pathways, patios, and pool surrounds unsafe. Cleaning eliminates these hazards, keeping outdoor spaces safe for your family and visitors.

Extend the Life of Sandstone

Routine cleaning and restoration prolongs the life of your sandstone, delaying costly replacements and maintaining property value.

Enhance Your Outdoor Lifestyle

A clean sandstone patio transforms your outdoor space. It makes it more enjoyable for entertaining, relaxing, or simply admiring your garden.

Areas We Cover for Sandstone Cleaning & Restoration

We provide sandstone cleaning and restoration across West Sussex. This includes Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Chichester, Arundel, East Grinstead, and surrounding villages. We also cover Surrey, including Guildford, Reigate, Redhill, Dorking, Woking, Epsom, Leatherhead, Farnham, Caterham, Camberley, and beyond.

Why Choose The Jet Wash Fella?

Specialist in gentle, stone-safe sandstone cleaning
Experienced in restoring all types of sandstone
Use of professional, eco-friendly products
Serving homes across West Sussex and Surrey
Free surveys and no-obligation quotes

Call Today for Sandstone Cleaning & Restoration in Sussex & Surrey

Whether you have Indian sandstone patios in Crawley, Yorkstone steps in Horsham, or Kandla Grey pool surrounds in Guildford, The Jet Wash Fella will restore them to their original beauty. Whether you have Indian sandstone patios in Crawley, Yorkstone steps in Horsham, or Kandla Grey pool surrounds in Guildford. The Jet Wash Fella will restore them to their original beauty. They can also restore Raj Green pathways in Reigate to their original beauty.

📞 Call us today or request your free no-obligation survey to discover how we can restore your sandstone safely, effectively, and beautifully.

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✅ 10 FAQs for Sandstone Cleaning & Restoration

1. How do I know what type of sandstone I have?
Sandstone comes in many varieties such as Indian sandstone, Yorkstone, Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Fossil Mint, Modak, and Rippon Buff. The easiest way to identify your sandstone is by its colour, texture, and natural markings. If you’re unsure, our experts at The Jet Wash Fella can assess your stone during a free survey.

2. Can sandstone be restored instead of replaced?
Yes — in most cases sandstone does not need to be replaced. Professional cleaning and restoration can remove black spots, algae, moss, lichen, and stains. This process restores its natural beauty. It does so without the cost of replacement.

3. Why is my sandstone patio covered in black spots and lichen?
Black spots and lichen grow on porous stones like sandstone because moisture gets trapped in the surface. These marks are very hard to remove with DIY methods. However, we use specialist treatments and soft washing techniques to eliminate them safely.

4. Is pressure washing safe for sandstone?
No. Sandstone is a soft, porous stone, and high-pressure washing can cause erosion, pitting, and long-term damage. We use low-pressure soft washing combined with stone-safe products to clean and restore your sandstone safely.

5. How often should sandstone be cleaned or restored?
For most patios and pool surrounds, every 1–2 years is recommended. If your sandstone is heavily shaded or damp, you may need more frequent cleaning. This is also true if it is near trees, to control moss and algae growth.

6. Can sandstone lose its natural colour over time?
Yes. Sun exposure, weathering, and organic growth like algae and lichen can dull the natural colour of sandstone. Professional restoration brings back the stone’s original tones and vibrancy.

7. Should I seal my sandstone after cleaning?
Sealing is optional but recommended. A breathable sandstone sealer helps reduce future staining, prevents algae and lichen regrowth, and makes ongoing maintenance easier.

8. What is the difference between Indian sandstone and Yorkstone?
Indian sandstone is typically imported and comes in colours like Raj Green, Kandla Grey, and Modak. Yorkstone is a traditional British sandstone, known for its durability and classic golden tones. Both are beautiful but require specialist care when cleaning.

9. Can you remove rust, oil, or BBQ stains from sandstone?
Yes — we offer targeted stain removal as part of our restoration service. Using specialist stone-safe products, we can remove rust marks, oil stains, food and drink spills, and other stubborn blemishes.

10. How much does sandstone restoration cost compared to replacement?
Restoration is far more affordable than replacement. Cleaning your sandstone can give it a like-new appearance. Restoring often saves thousands compared to lifting and replacing the stone. We provide free quotes so you know exactly what to expect.