A full dig-out and Type 1 base
Laying new paving over an old patio and soft ground is what makes slabs sink and rock later. We fully dug out the area and laid a compacted Type 1 sub-base, so the new sandstone sits on a solid footing.
Case study · Mitcham CR4 · May 2026
Mint Indian sandstone patio in Mitcham
Rebecca's small, tired patio in Mitcham was replaced with a new mint Indian sandstone patio running across the back of the house and down the side return. We fully dug the area out, laid a Type 1 base, supplied and laid the sandstone and added a gravel strip along the fence, all in two days, for £5,000 including VAT.
- Location
- Mitcham, CR4
- Client
- Rebecca
- Price
- £5,000 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 2 days
- Paving
- Mint Indian sandstone
- Base
- Full dig-out + Type 1
Where we started
The brief
Rebecca's terraced house in Mitcham had a small, worn patio by the back doors and a narrow side return, with lawn beyond. The old paving looked tired and covered only a small area.
Rebecca wanted a bigger patio running right across the back of the house and down the side return, in natural stone. Mint Indian sandstone, with its soft, varied tones, was a good fit. It is a typical job for our patios in Mitcham.
The tricky parts
What went into it
Step by step
How we built it
Full dig-out and Type 1 base
The old patio and soil were fully dug out across the patio area and the side return, and a Type 1 sub-base was laid and compacted.
The old patio and lawn in Mitcham before the dig-out Laying the mint sandstone
The mint Indian sandstone was laid in a random pattern of mixed sizes, with each slab bedded down on the new base.
Indian sandstone slab being bedded in the side return 
Random-pattern sandstone laid across the patio Down the side return
The sandstone was continued down the side return, joining the back patio to the side of the house.
Sandstone paving along the side return 
Indian sandstone path down the side of the house in Mitcham Gravel strip and finishing
A gravel strip was installed along the fence, and the patio was cleaned down for handover at the end of day two.
Finished Indian sandstone patio outside the back doors 
The new sandstone patio seen from above
The finished work
The finished patio
Budget
What it cost
This patio cost £5,000 including VAT, covering the full dig-out, the Type 1 sub-base, the mint Indian sandstone supplied and fitted across the back patio and side return, and the gravel strip, over two days. A bigger area or a different stone changes the price. See our patios in Mitcham page for other options.
Get a free quote- Price
- £5,000 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 2 days
- Paving
- Mint Indian sandstone
Questions
About Indian sandstone patios
Thinking about something similar? These are the questions we hear most.
How much does an Indian sandstone patio cost in Mitcham?
Rebecca's mint Indian sandstone patio in Mitcham CR4 cost £5,000 including VAT, covering the full dig-out, a Type 1 base, the sandstone supplied and fitted across the back patio and side return, and a gravel strip, in two days. The size of the area makes the biggest difference.
What is mint Indian sandstone?
Mint is one of the most popular Indian sandstone colours, with soft cream, buff and light green-brown tones mixed through each slab. It looks bright and natural and suits most gardens.
Is Indian sandstone a good patio choice?
Yes. It is a hard-wearing natural stone with warm, varied colours, so every patio looks slightly different. It suits both period and modern houses and weathers in nicely over time.
Why dig out and lay Type 1 before a new patio?
Digging out removes the old paving and soft soil, and a compacted Type 1 sub-base gives the new slabs a solid footing. Skipping this is the main reason new paving sinks or rocks later.
How long does a sandstone patio take to lay?
Rebecca's patio, including the side return, took two days from dig-out to handover. Larger patios or ones with steps and walls take longer.
Does Indian sandstone need sealing?
It does not have to be sealed, but a sealant can make it easier to keep clean and help reduce staining. We can advise on the right option for your patio.
Do you lay patios near Mitcham?
Yes, including Tooting, Streatham, Colliers Wood and Morden. See all our landscaping in Mitcham.
Free survey
Thinking about a sandstone patio?
Tell us about your garden and we will arrange a visit and a written quote.
020 3633 5529 info@finelandscape.co.ukFine Landscape Ltd
31 Tylecroft Road, Norbury, London SW16 4BL
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