Advice on natrual stone paving please

[maf20]

I'm in the process of laying a natural stone patio. However, I'm having a bit of bother. The first lot of stone I ordered from B&Q (limestone) was well below the advertised depth (advertised 30mm, more like 15-20mm), so I asked them to change it. They said they couldn't provide what I wanted and that was it. I then looked at another stone product at B&Q which was sandstone (fossil buff colour). The ones on show looked really thick, so we went for that one. Here: -

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/n...efview=lister&ts=1205340210315&isSearch=false

However, it was delivered yesterday and the variance in colour is quite big. Some stones are like a dark rust colour, and some are as advertised. A few questions: -

1. Are my expectations too high and is this normal (even the colours are quite different)
2. Does anyone know of any other decent suppliers other than B&Q and Wickes etc..?

I've tried Jewsons, and I am a big believer in that you get what you pay for etc... But the ones at Jewsons are more than double the price?

Any help?

Many thanks

 

[Thermo]

unless you go for a cut stone slab you will get a variance in size (have a look at www.stonemarket.co.uk) but you pay for this. It doenst make a real difference anyway, just when you are laying them. As for variance in colour, well its a natural product. Most sandstones like fossil mint etc vary enormously in shade and colour.

You are better looking for a local paving merchant as they will be able to supply you with decent grade A stuff rather than the lower grade stuff that a lot of places buy up and offer. The last place i would go is ickes or b and q

 

[maf20]

Thanks

 

[WabbitPoo]

Thickness and colour variation is quite normal. Laying on a full mortar bed makes the former a minor niggle. The colour variation is what you are paying for (that's the "beauty" of a natural product!).