- Natural stone paving uses quarried stone such as sandstone, slate, granite and travertine, cut into tiles, slabs or setts.
- It suits patios, pool surrounds, entrances and paths where appearance matters.
- Describe the job once and compare quotes from independent paving contractors.
Send the area, where it is and the stone you have in mind.
Compare Paving QuotesNatural Stone Options
| Stone | Look | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Sandstone | Warm, textured | Porous; stains without sealing |
| Slate | Dark, riven | Poor grades can flake |
| Granite | Very hard, even | Polished granite is slippery outdoors |
| Travertine | Pale, tumbled or honed | Stays cooler; acid etches it |
| Limestone | Pale, smooth | Porous; acid etches it |
Choosing a Finish
| Finish | Grip outdoors |
|---|---|
| Riven (natural split) | Good |
| Flamed or bush-hammered | Good |
| Tumbled | Good |
| Sawn or honed | Moderate |
| Polished | Poor when wet; avoid outdoors |
How Natural Stone Is Installed
- Rigid. Thinner stone bedded in adhesive or mortar on a concrete slab, then grouted.
- Flexible. Thicker slabs or setts on a compacted base and sand bed.
- Movement joints in larger areas and against buildings.
Maintenance
- pH-neutral cleaners only. Acid damages limestone, travertine and marble.
- A penetrating sealer on porous stone near braais and pools.
- Low-pressure cleaning on soft stone.
Where Natural Stone Works
- Patios and courtyards.
- Pool surrounds, with a textured finish.
- Paths and entrances.
Common Problems With Natural Stone
- Staining on unsealed porous stone.
- Flaking or spalling on poor-quality or salt-exposed stone.
- Hollow or cracked tiles over a weak slab.
- Slippery polished finishes.
How a Natural Stone Job Works
- Selection. Choose stone and finish from samples.
- Base. Prepare a slab or compacted base with falls.
- Laying. Dry-lay to plan the layout, then bed and joint.
- Finish. Clean and seal if suited to the stone.
Natural Stone Paving Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Natural stone, supply only | R350 - R1,000 per m² |
| Sandstone or slate, installed | R850 - R1,500 per m² |
| Travertine or granite, installed | R1,200 - R2,000 per m² |
| Sealer only, on clean paving | R40 - R80 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 estimates compiled from published Western Cape and national paving price guides and a Cape Town materials supplier price list, checked September 2026. Most sources do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price. See Paving Prices Cape Town for what these figures include.
What to Check in a Natural Stone Quote
- Stone type, finish and thickness, with a sample.
- Rigid or flexible installation, and the base.
- Allowance for waste and cutting.
- Sealing product and whether it is included.
Cape Town Site Conditions
Salt spray near the coast and salt-chlorinated pools can damage soft stone. Shaded stone stays damp and green in winter. Choose stone and finish for the exposure.
Comparing Quotes
Ask each contractor to quote the same stone and finish so the quotes compare.
Send one enquiry through Cape Town Paving and compare quotes from relevant independent paving contractors covering your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which natural stone is best outdoors?
It depends on the use. Granite is hard-wearing, travertine stays cooler, and sandstone gives a warm look but needs sealing.
Does natural stone need sealing?
Porous stones such as sandstone, limestone and travertine usually benefit. Dense granite often does not.
Is natural stone slippery?
Polished stone is. Riven, flamed and tumbled finishes give better grip.
Can natural stone go around a salt pool?
Some stones can. Ask whether the specific stone suits salt water.
Related Pages
Cape Town Paving is a free quote-comparison service. Paving work is quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, and their payment terms before paying anything.
Natural Stone Paving Cape Town. Describe your job once and compare natural stone paving quotes.
Compare Paving QuotesCompare Natural Stone Paving Quotes
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
