Dark grey sandstone patio and side access, Shepperton
Dark grey sandstoneStretcher bondSide access
A dark grey sandstone patio in Shepperton, laid in stretcher bond around the lawn and seating area. The long rectangular slabs run in straight, offset rows, which gives the garden a clean, modern line and makes the space feel wider. The paving turns the corner of the house and carries on into the side access, so the patio, path and gate all read as one finish. Dark grey sandstone has a natural texture and subtle colour changes from slab to slab, so it looks like real stone up close while still feeling contemporary.
The junctions are an important part of this job. A grated drainage channel runs beside the house, and another sits across the transition from the slabs to the block-paved section near the gate. We cut the slabs around the building corner and finished the fence side with a gravel margin. The two views show how those different surfaces meet.
About this kind of project
Stretcher bond is the simplest way to make a patio look modern. Every row of slabs is offset by half a length, so the joints never line up across the patio and the eye follows the long edge instead. In a dark grey sandstone it gives a smart, contemporary finish that still has the depth of natural stone. Sandstone needs a properly prepared, well-drained base and a full mortar bed so each slab is supported and sits level. Well-pointed joints keep it easy to clean, and the dark tone is forgiving with garden furniture, pots and everyday family use.
