General External Stone Advice


Our external stone range currently comprises a large number of our limestones that are dense enough to be used externally as well as internally (or have 3cm thick dedicated outdoor formats). Whether you are searching for a traditional limestone to be used outside or you want to achieve that seemless flow inside to out where large bi-fold doors are specified, our external limestones offer beautiful finishes with great value for money.

Installation of our external stone depends on the colour and density of the stone.

1. Jaipur, Black External, Manor, Old Heritage, Raj Beige, Raj Black, Raj Grey & Windsor Light Grey:

All these limestones can be laid onto an MOT type 1 hardcore base with a wet sharp sand & mortar mix or onto a prepared concrete pad using an exterior grade, S1 flexible GREY tile adhesive. Whichever system is used a full bed or mortar/adhesive must be used - dot & dabbing will result in broken stone. SBR can be added into the MOT mortar mix to give added flexibility. For MOT installs, slurry prime the back of each paver immediately before laying. For adhesive installs apply a thin 'buttering' coat of the same adhesive to the rear of each paver. Be sure to slurry prime / butter right up to the edges of every paver.

2. Avignon, Avignon Sandblasted*, Castile, Clyde, Dijon, Hebron Cream, Mixed Seam, Provence, Regent, & London White:

All these limestones can be laid onto an MOT type 1 hardcore base with a wet sharp sand & mortar mix BUT white portland cement must be used or onto a prepared concrete pad using an exterior grade, S1 flexible WHITE tile adhesive. Whichever system is used a full bed or mortar/adhesive must be used - dot & dabbing will result in broken stone. SBR can be added into the MOT mortar mix to give added flexibility. For adhesive installs apply a thin 'buttering' coat of the same adhesive to the rear of each paver. Be sure to slurry prime / butter right up to the edges of every paver. *NB: Avignon sandblasted is 20mm thick and therefore should only be installed on a concrete base or cement screed - it is not recommended for MOT installs.

3. Sealing

For best results and performance of your outdoor natural stone, the whole patio should be sealed with a good quality external sealer pre & post grouting. We offer Rocatex Paving Stone Patio Sealer which provides a delicately enhanced natural finish and helps protect against staining. It strongly repels water, oil & grease, allows the surface to breathe and helps reduce efflorescence.