Indian Sandstone paving, Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Rippon Buff

What is Calibrated Indian Sandstone?

At Melton Stone, one of the most common questions we get from customers is about calibrated Indian sandstone—what it is, and why it’s a preferred choice for many landscaping projects. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this beautiful and practical paving option.

Understanding Calibrated Indian Sandstone

Calibrated Indian sandstone refers to natural paving slabs that have been machine-cut to a consistent thickness, typically around 22mm. This process ensures that each slab has a uniform depth, making them far easier to install—especially for professional landscapers or those seeking a more straightforward DIY experience.

Because sandstone is a natural material, its raw form tends to have irregular thicknesses. Without calibration, these variations can make the installation process more complex and time-consuming, requiring adjustments to the mortar bed for each individual slab.

Calibrated vs. Non-Calibrated Paving Slabs

The key difference between calibrated and non-calibrated paving lies in the installation process:

  • Calibrated Sandstone: The slabs are all one consistent thickness, so the mortar bed can be laid evenly. This significantly simplifies the installation process and ensures a more uniform finish.

  • Non-Calibrated Sandstone: The varying thickness means that each slab requires a custom mortar depth to achieve a level surface. This adds time, effort, and skill—something experienced landscapers can handle, but it may be more challenging for DIYers.

By choosing calibrated paving, you reduce installation time and make the job easier, particularly for less experienced installers.

How Is Indian Sandstone Calibrated?

Before packaging and shipping, sandstone slabs go through a calibration process. The stone is fed through a strip mill—a machine equipped with multiple saw blades set to a fixed height. These blades trim the underside of each slab to produce a consistent thickness across the entire batch.

Most calibrated Indian sandstone slabs are cut to approximately 22mm, which balances strength, durability, and ease of handling.

Available Colours

At Discount Porcelain Superstore, we stock all the most popular calibrated sandstone colours, including:

  • Kandla Grey

  • Raj Green

  • Rippon Buff

  • Autumn Brown
  • Fossil Mint

Each shade offers its own unique character, giving you plenty of options to match your garden style and personal taste.