How to Point Indian Sandstone Paving: Process & Advanced Techniques

This is our guide on how to point Indian Sandstone paving for a stunning and durable finish. As a leading landscape supplier, we understand the critical role that pointing plays in not only improving the aesthetic look of your paving but also in ensuring its longevity. Proper pointing seals the gaps between the stones, preventing water ingress and weed growth, which can undermine the stability of your patio or garden path. We have prepared some point techniques and guidance on what materials to use so that you can achieve a great look for Indian Sandstone and protect it.

Overview of Indian Sandstone Paving

Indian Sandstone is a versatile paving choice for any outdoor space. This natural stone is formed from sedimentary rock, composed of quartz and other minerals, which gives it a unique blend of colours and patterns. Each piece of Indian Sandstone is distinct, with variations in hue ranging from soft beiges to rich browns and grays. Some of the most popular choices among our clients are:

• Rainbow Indian sandstone
• Storm grey Indian sandstone
• RAJ blend Indian sandstone

One of the most compelling benefits of choosing Indian Sandstone for your patio or garden is its durability. It’s capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, such as scorching summers to freezing winters. Indian Sandstone maintains its integrity over time, resisting cracking and wear. Additionally, its natural slip resistance makes it a safe choice for areas prone to wetness, ensuring a secure underfoot.

Aesthetically, Indian Sandstone adds a touch of elegance and timelessness to any outdoor setting. Whether you're aiming for a rustic charm or a sophisticated look, Indian Sandstone's natural beauty effortlessly complements various landscaping styles. Its versatility extends beyond aesthetics; it's also adaptable to various installation patterns, from traditional layouts to more intricate designs, offering endless creative possibilities.

Indian Sandstone paving offers a blend of durability, beauty, and sustainability, making it a superior choice for enhancing your patio or garden. Its natural elegance, combined with practical benefits, ensures that your outdoor space will not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.

Pre-Pointing Preparation for Indian Sandstone

The first thing that we recommend doing is to prepare your Indian Sandstone paving for the pointing. By doing this we can ensure that the paving will save its look for years. Here are the steps that should be taken:

Assessing Your Paving

Start by closely inspecting each paving stone and the spaces between them. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or loose stones. It's also important to check for wear and tear that may have occurred over time, especially in areas with high foot traffic. This check helps you understand the extent of repair work needed before pointing.

Pay special attention to the joints between the stones. If they're filled with old mortar or debris, note that these will need to be cleared out to ensure a strong bond with the new mortar. Identifying these issues early on will allow you to address them effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful pointing process.

Cleaning and Drying

Once you've assessed the paving, the next step is cleaning. Remove any dirt, moss, or weeds accumulated on the surface and within the joints. A pressure washer can be highly effective for this task, but be sure to use it at a suitable pressure setting to avoid damaging the stone. For tougher stains, consider using a dedicated paving cleaner, and applying it as directed to avoid discoloration. If you want more guidance on this, then check out our blog on cleaning Indian sandstone.

After cleaning, let the paving dry completely before proceeding with pointing. Moisture trapped in the joints can prevent the mortar from setting correctly, leading to weak joints that are prone to cracking and weed growth. Depending on the weather conditions, drying can take from 24 to 48 hours. It's a good idea to plan your pointing project during dry, warm weather to speed up this process.

Choosing the Right Mortar Mix

The next thing that we recommend taking care of is selecting the appropriate mortar mix for pointing Indian Sandstone. Let's explore what options you have.

Types of Mortar for Indian Sandstone

1. Sand and cement mix: The traditional sand and cement mix is a popular choice for pointing due to its strength and flexibility. Typically, a mix ratio of 4 parts sand to 1 part cement is used for outdoor paving. This mix can be adjusted slightly depending on the specific requirements of the project, such as the width of the joints and the expected foot traffic. The key advantage of this mix is the ability to control the consistency and drying time, making it suitable for a range of weather conditions.
2. Pre-mixed mortars: Pre-mixed mortars offer convenience and consistency, with the added benefit of being formulated specifically for outdoor paving. These mortars often include additives that improve their bonding strength, reduce the risk of cracking, and provide enhanced resistance to weather and wear. While pre-mixed mortars can be more expensive than mixing your own, they save time and ensure a reliable outcome, especially for those less experienced with mixing mortar. 

When choosing between a sand and cement mix or pre-mixed mortars, consider factors such as the project size, your experience level, and the specific needs of your paving area. Pre-mixed mortars are particularly useful for smaller projects or when consistency and ease of use are top priorities. Nowadays most contractors use pre-mixed mortar as it takes less time and is easier to use. Flowpoint jointing compound and Premjoint are the best alternatives to sand and cement mortar.

Colour Matching Tips

The colour of the mortar plays a significant role in the overall look of your paved area. Here are some tips for selecting the right colour to complement your Indian Sandstone:

• Sample comparison: Obtain samples of mortar colours and compare them against your paving in natural daylight. This comparison will give you the best indication of how the colours will look once the mortar is dry.
• Consider the dominant hue: Indian Sandstone varies widely in colour, so identify the dominant hue in your paving. Choose a mortar colour that either harmonizes with this hue for a cohesive look or contrasts with it for a more striking appearance.
• Natural look: For a natural and subtle finish, select a mortar colour that closely matches the general colour of your sandstone paving. This choice helps the joints blend in with the paving stones, creating a seamless look.
• Contrast for effect: Alternatively, choosing a mortar colour that contrasts with your paving can highlight the individual stones and create a more defined and dramatic effect. This approach is particularly effective in garden paths or patio areas where you want to draw attention to the paving pattern.

Remember, the right mortar colour can enhance the natural beauty of your Indian Sandstone paving. We recommend taking some time to select a colour that fits your aesthetic preferences and complements the exterior of the home.

The Pointing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mixing Your Mortar

1. Measure your ingredients: For a sand and cement mix, use a 4:1 ratio of sand to cement. For pre-mixed mortars, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Add water gradually: Begin by adding a small amount of water to your mix. The goal is to achieve a consistency that is firm and workable, but not too wet. The mortar should hold its shape without crumbling or slumping.
3. Consistency check: A good test for consistency is to grab a handful of mortar and squeeze it. It should form a ball without releasing excess water or falling apart.
4. Let it rest: Once mixed, let your mortar sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the water to fully saturate the cement particles, leading to a stronger bond.
5. Final stir: Give the mortar one last stir to ensure any remaining dry pockets are mixed in. Your mortar is now ready to apply.

Applying the Mortar

1. Prepare the joints: Ensure the joints between your paving stones are clean and free from debris. Use a hand brush to clear out any loose material.
2. Loading the mortar: Using a pointing trowel, pick up a manageable amount of mortar.
3. Filling the joints: Start at one end of a joint and press the mortar firmly into the gap, moving along the joint until it is fully filled. Ensure the mortar is compacted into the joint to avoid air pockets.
4. Excess removal: Use the edge of the trowel to scrape away excess mortar, ensuring it's level with the surface of the paving.
5. Work in small sections: Avoid the temptation to spread mortar over large areas. Work in small sections to ensure the mortar doesn't begin to set before it's properly compacted into the joints.

Finishing Touches

1. Smoothing the joints: Once the joints are filled, use a pointing tool or the rounded handle of a tool to smooth and compress the mortar further. This step also shapes the mortar to a slight concave profile, which helps shed water more effectively.
2. Cleaning up: After the mortar has begun to set but is not fully hard (usually after an hour or so, depending on weather conditions), gently brush off any excess mortar from the surface of the paving stones with a soft brush. Be careful not to disturb the newly filled joints.
3. Curing time: Allow the mortar to cure slowly, avoiding any rapid drying techniques. If possible, cover the area with a plastic sheet to protect it from rain and to slow down the drying process for the first 24 hours.
4. Final inspection: After the mortar has fully cured, inspect your work. If any joints are lower than desired or if there are any imperfections, you can apply a small amount of mortar to correct these areas.

Advanced Pointing Techniques

We have covered the basics of pointing the paving. With this knowledge, you can try doing it on your own. However, we would like to share some additional tips and hacks for advanced pointing techniques, so will make you fully prepared for this job.

How to avoid staining

Staining can mar the natural beauty of Indian Sandstone, but with careful preparation and application, you can minimize this risk.

• Use a mortar board: Instead of mixing your mortar directly on the paving, use a mortar board or mixing tray to prevent spills and stains.
• Protective tape or sheets: Consider laying down protective tape or sheets around the area where you're working. This barrier can catch any spills or splashes, especially when mixing or movingmortar.
• Consistent Cleaning: As you work, regularly clean off any mortar that accidentally gets on the surface of the paving stones. A damp sponge or cloth can wipe away fresh mortar without smearing it into the stone.
• Dry brush technique: Once the mortar starts to set (but before it hardens completely), gently brush over the surface with a soft, dry brush. This action can remove any mortar dust or residue without pushing it into the pores of the stone.
• Sealing the stone: Consider sealing the sandstone before pointing. A sealant can provide a protective layer that makes it harder for mortar to stain the surface. Ensure the sealant is compatible with your type of sandstone and the mortar you're using.

Working with different weather conditions

The weather plays a significant role in the pointing process, as it affects everything from the mortar's drying time to the risk of staining. Here are our recommendations for different weather conditions:

• Dry conditions: In dry, hot weather, the mortar can dry too quickly, leading to poor bonding and potential cracking. To counteract this, lightly dampen the joints before applying mortar. This moisture can also help reduce the risk of staining by preventing the mortar from adhering to the dry surface of the stones.
• Wet conditions: Avoid pointing during rainy weather or when rain is forecasted within 24 hours. If unexpected rain occurs, cover the area with a waterproof sheet to protect the fresh mortar. Wet conditions can dilute the mortar, weaken the bond, and increase the staining risk.
• Cold conditions: Mortar should not be applied in temperatures below 5°C (41°F) as it can hinder the curing process, leading to weak joints. If you must work in cooler weather, use a mortar additive designed to work in lower temperatures and protect the area from frost.
• Wind: Strong winds can cause rapid drying or can blow dust and debris into wet mortar. Shield your working area with temporary barriers if necessary to protect against wind.

By applying these advanced techniques, you can ensure a high-quality finish that stands the test of time, regardless of the challenges posed by staining risks and variable weather conditions.