YORK STONE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you’ve visited a cathedral or walked down an old English high street, chances are you will have come across York Stone in some shape or form. A legendary stone quarried from the Yorkshire countryside, York stone is one of the UK’s most popular types of paving even though a great deal of people don’t know exactly what it is.
The trick’s in the name – York stone has become something of a marketing term rather than a definition. With no mention of the type of stone, colour or shape, it can be difficult to know who’s talking about what!
WHAT IS YORK STONE?
York stone is a type of natural sandstone which comes from Yorkshire mills and quarries that have been worked since the Middle Ages. It’s made up of quartz, feldspar, mica, quartz and iron oxides. It’s a sedimentary rock with a tightly packed, fine grain and is well known for its strength, versatility and exceptional durability as well as its high quality and slip resistance – it’s actually one of the most prestigious paving options on the market.
Not only that, but it looks stunning into the bargain. And its natural, weathered beauty simply cannot be faked, while the older this stone is, the more character it has. York stone can potentially add significantly to the value of any property. It also blends in seamlessly whatever its surroundings and, as a natural product, is highly environmentally friendly.
York stone’s adaptability and timeless appeal mean it can be used in modern and historic settings, as well as in larger-scale projects such as high streets, where it can withstand heavy traffic, plus private homes. It can be used inside as well as outdoors, in anything from memorial stones to steps, house signs and garden landscaping. Other options include driveways, garden features and even paving. If you use it in flooring, it’s a natural heat conductor and so works well with underfloor heating.
WHAT ABOUT NEW YORK STONE?
York stone doesn’t just mean the reclaimed stuff. New York Stone is exactly that – new, quarried stone ready to be laid. Like most other new flagstones it is calibrated and comes in more regular sizing, though York stone is considerably more expensive than its imported cousins.
Why? Simply due to the fact that supply is much lower and the costs of extraction in the UK are much higher. Just like imported stone, New York stone can come in a variety of dressings and finishes.
HOW TO CLEAN YORK STONE PAVING
The good news is that York stone paving does not require a great deal in the way of ongoing maintenance, apart from regular sweeping with a stiff brush. Equally, cleaning is more a cosmetic affair, or to stop the stone from becoming slippery, since natural weathering doesn’t affect its well-known durability. (Equally, clean York stone is slip-resistant.)
Exact location and weather, among other factors, will determine the extent of algae growth, which occurs due to the stone’s porous nature and makes it look very dull. In the majority of cases, a weak bleach solution can handle superficial stains and algae but we would highly recommend using our Mould stain remover for the best results.
If you want to improve grip in icy conditions, use sand rather than salt, which can damage your stone.
A hot pressure washer helps to remove organic growth such as lichen, moss and fungi, so can be highly effective. You can also use specialist cleaning products like our Patio Blaster the kill off these organics to achieve the best ongoing results. Always test these in a discreet, unobtrusive area first.
Finally, a professional York stone cleaning company will invariably yield the safest and most effective results.
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM YORK STONE
As with any surfacing material, York stone isn’t immune to staining. As mentioned, a diluted bleach solution will shift most superficial stains.
For more stubborn marks, you could try a acidic cleaner such as Efferazer and is equally as good at helping clear cement or grout hazing. You will however need to ensure that there are no limestone products in the area that will be affected by this process as this will cause irreversible damaged to those stones.
With oil staining, you can use a specialist stone floor cleaner product neat and allow it to soak in. (These marks can be especially difficult to shift.) The same goes for removing paint, for which you can also use a scraper and a stiff hand brush.. As with any product, test a discreet spot first.
For the most results a professional York stone cleaning company will be best placed to advise on stain removal from York stone.
WHAT COLOUR IS YORK STONE?
The colour of York stone will be determined by the minerals in the particular piece of stone, as well as the specific location it’s been sourced from, plus the age of the material. (It becomes darker with weathering.)
The mix of natural minerals present in York stone give it its colours, varying from grey with hints of blue and silver to a deep yellow-brown sandy hue. Sometimes there can also be a red-brown shade on the outside of the stone.
Types of York Stone
Reclaimed Yorkstone
Full of character and history, reclaimed Yorkstone has already stood the test of time. Each piece carries its own unique markings and weathered patina, perfect for creating traditional, period, or rustic settings.
Sawn Yorkstone
For a cleaner, more contemporary look, sawn Yorkstone offers smooth edges and a refined finish while retaining the stone’s natural variation and strength. Ideal for modern patios, terraces, and formal garden designs.
New Riven Yorkstone
This freshly quarried Yorkstone features the classic riven texture that has made the material so enduringly popular. It combines timeless appeal with reliable durability, giving any outdoor space a traditional, natural look.
Crazy Paving
Made from irregular Yorkstone pieces, crazy paving delivers a relaxed and informal style. Its unique layout adds texture and charm, making it perfect for winding garden paths, courtyards, or cottage-style spaces.
One-of-a-kind Show Gardens
Experience the Latest in Porcelain and Natural Stone paving
Explore our dedicated show gardens featuring the latest in porcelain and natural stone. Each garden showcases our newest products, offering you a firsthand look at their beauty and versatility. Discover inspiring design ideas and see how our materials can transform your outdoor space.