Choose porcelain if you want a crisp, consistent look that resists staining and needs very little cleaning. Choose Indian sandstone if you prefer natural variation and a traditional feel that suits older homes and cottage gardens, and you are happy to clean it now and then and possibly seal it. Both last for many years when laid on a proper base. Porcelain needs a specialist laying method with a bonding primer, while sandstone is more forgiving to lay but varies in thickness.
Appearance and how each suits your home
Porcelain paving is manufactured, so every slab in a range looks much the same. Colours run from pale greys and creams to charcoal, and many styles imitate stone, concrete or timber. The effect is clean and contemporary, which works well with modern houses, large glazed doors and minimal planting.
Indian sandstone is quarried, so no two slabs are identical. Riven sandstone has a textured, layered surface, while sawn sandstone is smoother with crisp edges. Warm buffs, greys and multi-coloured mixes blend naturally with brick, older stonework and informal planting. On a period property or in a garden with established borders, sandstone often looks as if it has always been there.
Slip and wet weather
Riven sandstone has a naturally textured face that gives good grip when wet. Sawn or honed sandstone is smoother, so the finish you pick matters. Porcelain for outdoor use is made with a textured surface and is usually given a slip rating, so look for a product intended for external paving rather than an indoor tile.
Whichever you choose, shade and moss affect grip more than the material itself. North-facing patios and areas under trees stay damp longer, and any paving becomes slippery if algae builds up. Good falls and regular sweeping help more than anything.
Staining, cleaning and sealing
Porcelain has very low water absorption, so spilled wine, barbecue fat and leaves sit on the surface and can usually be wiped or washed away. It does not need sealing. Sandstone is porous, which means it can absorb stains and is more prone to green or black growth in shaded spots. Some homeowners choose to seal it to make cleaning easier, while others prefer to let it weather naturally.
Sealing is optional rather than essential, but if you do seal sandstone, the slabs need to be clean and dry first, and the sealer will need renewing over time. Avoid harsh acid cleaners on natural stone, as they can damage the surface.
Laying differences
Both materials should be laid on a compacted sub-base with a full mortar bed rather than a few dabs. The differences are in the detail. Porcelain absorbs so little water that ordinary mortar does not grip it well, so the back of each slab is coated with a primer or bonding slurry immediately before it is bedded. It is also very hard, so cutting needs proper diamond blades and takes longer.
Indian sandstone, especially riven, varies in thickness from slab to slab. The bed has to be adjusted for each piece to keep the surface level. It cuts more easily than porcelain. Jointing differs too: porcelain usually has narrow, consistent joints filled with a suitable compound, while sandstone joints are often wider and filled with mortar or jointing compound.
Side-by-side comparison
This summary covers the general characteristics. Individual products vary, so check the specification of the range you like.
| Porcelain | Indian sandstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Consistent, modern, many styles | Natural variation, traditional |
| Suits | Modern homes and minimal gardens | Period homes and informal gardens |
| Grip when wet | Choose an external, textured grade | Riven gives good grip; sawn is smoother |
| Staining | Highly resistant | Porous, can absorb stains |
| Sealing | Not needed | Optional |
| Laying | Primer slurry, hard to cut | Variable thickness, easier to cut |
What affects the price
Prices overlap widely between ranges, so neither material is automatically cheaper. The installed cost depends on the slab itself, the area, the amount of cutting, the groundwork and levels, and extras such as steps and walls. Porcelain's cutting and bonding add labour, while sandstone's variable thickness can slow laying. Our patio cost guide explains each price driver in more detail.
Superior Build & Landscape lays new patios in porcelain and natural stone such as sandstone, either on their own or as part of a garden renovation. George can talk through samples and how each would look against your house.
Frequently asked questions
Is porcelain more slippery than sandstone?
External porcelain is made with a textured surface for grip. Riven sandstone is naturally textured, while sawn sandstone is smoother. Shade and algae affect grip more than the material.
Does Indian sandstone need sealing?
No, sealing is optional. It can make cleaning easier and reduce staining, but many people leave sandstone unsealed to weather naturally.
Which lasts longer?
Both can last for many years when laid on a proper sub-base with a full mortar bed. Porcelain keeps its original look with less change over time, while sandstone weathers.
Can porcelain be laid on sand?
It is not recommended. Porcelain should be laid on a compacted sub-base with a full mortar bed and a bonding primer on the back of each slab.
Which is easier to keep clean?
Porcelain, because it absorbs very little water and resists stains. Sandstone needs occasional cleaning, especially in shaded spots.