Indian sandstone is one of the most popular choices for patios around Pershore, thanks to its natural colour variation and reasonable price point, but new owners often ask whether it needs sealing to stay looking good. The short answer is that it isn't compulsory, but sealing does make a real difference to how the stone performs over time.
Why sealing helps
Indian sandstone is a naturally porous material, which means it can absorb moisture, dirt and organic staining more readily than denser stones like granite. Left unsealed, this can lead to patchy discolouration, moss growth in shaded areas, and salts leaching to the surface as a white haze known as efflorescence. A good quality sealer reduces water absorption, makes everyday dirt easier to wipe away, and can enhance the natural colour of the stone rather than leaving it looking flat.
Sealing isn't a one-off job either. Most sealers need reapplying every few years depending on foot traffic, sun exposure and how sheltered the patio is. A north-facing patio tucked against a wall in a Pershore garden will generally need less frequent attention than an open, south-facing area exposed to the weather all year round.
What to do before sealing
Sealer should only ever go onto a clean, fully dry patio, otherwise you risk trapping dirt or moisture underneath it. That usually means a thorough clean, allowing several dry days for the stone to fully dry out, then applying the sealer in thin, even coats following the manufacturer's instructions. If you're unsure whether a new patio needs sealing straight away or should be left to weather in first, it's worth asking whoever laid it what they'd recommend for that particular stone.
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