Striking Jet Black Limestone with a Naturally Riven Surface

For a bold and contemporary paving solution, Kota Black Limestone offers deep black tones, a natural riven texture, and hand-dressed edges, creating a sleek yet characterful finish. This premium-quality limestone is ideal for patios, pathways, and garden terraces, especially where a strong contrast is desired against lighter landscaping elements.

Unlike sandstone, limestone has a smoother, finer grain with fewer surface variations, giving it a refined, uniform appearance while maintaining a natural feel. Over time, unsealed limestone will naturally weather and lighten, so applying a breathable stone sealer or colour enhancer is recommended to preserve its dramatic black finish.

Why Choose Kota Black Limestone Paving?

✔ Deep Jet Black Colour – Creates a striking, modern aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with greenery and lighter stonework.
✔ Naturally Riven Surface – Subtle texture provides grip while maintaining a sleek, sophisticated look.
✔ Hand-Dressed Edges – Enhances the stone’s natural charm while allowing for a professional finish.
✔ Durable & Hardwearing – Suitable for patios, steps, and coping stones, offering long-lasting performance.
✔ Versatile Project Pack – Covers approx. 17.82m², with mixed-size slabs for a varied, random-lay pattern.

A Bold & Timeless Choice for Modern & Traditional Outdoor Spaces

Whether used in a contemporary patio, a striking garden pathway, or as contrasting detailing within a larger project, Kota Black Limestone Paving provides elegance, durability, and a lasting visual impact. For those who wish to maintain its rich black colouring, we recommend sealing the stone as soon as possible after installation with Nexus Colour Enhancer.

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Natural Colour Variation – Kota Black Limestone

Kota Black Limestone is prized for its rich, deep black tone, which creates a striking contrast in any outdoor setting. However, as a natural limestone, it undergoes subtle tonal variations across slabs, ranging from pure black to softer charcoal hues, particularly in areas with natural veining or texture shifts.

Unlike sandstone, limestone has a denser and finer grain, which results in a more consistent colour palette with fewer surface markings. Over time, exposure to sunlight and weather conditions can cause the stone to fade to a softer grey, which can be prevented by applying a breathable colour-enhancing sealer to lock in the original dark tones.

This natural variation and evolving patina are key features of limestone paving, giving it a timeless and ever-changing aesthetic that blends beautifully with modern and traditional landscapes alike.

Example of the colour variation with Kota Black Indian Limestone

Kota Black Limestone – Wet vs. Dry Appearance

One of the most visually striking features of Kota Black Limestone is how its tone deepens when wet, creating an eye-catching transformation that enhances the stone’s bold character.

• When Dry – The paving appears as a deep black to charcoal grey, with a naturally riven surface and occasional tonal variations that add depth and texture.
• When Wet – The colour intensifies significantly, becoming a rich jet black with enhanced contrast between textures, making patterns and natural grains more visible.

While some homeowners enjoy the softening effect of weathering over time, others may prefer to maintain the bold wet-look appearance year-round by applying a colour-enhancing sealer that enhances the dark tones while protecting against fading

Technical Specifications

For full details on stone type, origin, sizes, weight, coverage, and pack contents, please refer to the technical specification table below. This information ensures you have everything you need to plan your project accurately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Laying a Patio

Creating a beautiful and long-lasting patio requires the right materials and a solid installation process. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure a professional finish, using high-quality paving slabs, jointing compounds, and essential finishing touches available at Bridge Street Stone.

Step 1: Plan & Prepare the Area

Before starting, decide on the size, shape, and layout of your patio. Mark out the area using string lines or spray paint and ensure there’s a slight gradient for water drainage.

You’ll Need:

✔ Paving slabs – Browse our range of natural stone and porcelain paving
✔ Measuring tape & string line – For accurate planning
✔ Shovel & wheelbarrow – To clear the area

Step 2: Dig Out & Create the Sub-Base

Excavate the area to a depth of 150-200mm to allow for the base layers. Compact a 100mm layer of MOT Type 1 using a wacker plate to create a firm foundation.

You’ll Need:

✔ MOT Type 1 hardcore – Order high-quality sub-base material
✔ Wacker plate or compactor – Essential for a solid foundation

Step 3: Prepare the Bedding Layer

A mortar bed is needed to hold your paving in place. Use a mix of 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement, adding water until it reaches a firm, workable consistency. Lay the mortar to a depth of 30-50mm across the area.

You’ll Need:

✔ Sharp sand & cement – Shop high-quality materials
✔ Mixing tools – Cement mixer or bucket and spade

Step 4: Lay the Paving Slabs

Start laying the slabs from one corner, ensuring a consistent joint gap between each. Use a rubber mallet to tap them into place and check levels with a spirit level.

You’ll Need:

✔ Paving slabs – Explore our natural stone and porcelain paving
✔ Rubber mallet & spirit level – For precision placement

Step 5: Joint & Finish the Patio

Once the mortar has set (24-48 hours), fill the joints using a high-quality jointing compound or traditional sand and cement mix. Brush the compound into the joints and lightly spray with water to activate.

You’ll Need:

✔ Jointing compound or grout – Browse our range of easy-to-use paving grouts
✔ Soft brush & hosepipe – To apply and set the compound

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Complete your patio with matching edging stones, decorative aggregates, or stone ornaments to enhance the overall design.

You’ll Need:

✔ Paving edgings & setts – Define your patio with stylish edging
✔ Decorative aggregates & stone ornaments – Browse finishing touches for your garden

Enjoy Your New Patio!

By following these steps and using high-quality materials from Bridge Street Stone, your patio will be both beautiful and long-lasting.

📦 Need materials? Explore our full range of paving, jointing compounds, aggregates, and finishing touches to complete your project.

How to Look After Your Limestone Paving

Limestone is a beautiful and durable natural stone, but like all paving materials, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. With the right care, your limestone paving will age gracefully and maintain its rich colour and distinctive character for years to come.

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

✔ Sweep Frequently – Regularly remove dirt, leaves, and debris to prevent staining and organic build up.
✔ Wash with Mild Soap & Water – Use a pH-neutral cleaner (avoid acidic products) and a soft brush to gently clean the surface.
✔ Rinse Thoroughly – Always wash away residue to prevent streaking or dullness.

Preventing & Managing Fading

Limestone, particularly darker varieties like Kota Black, may naturally lighten over time due to UV exposure and weathering. To preserve its original colour, consider applying a breathable stone sealer such as Nexus Colour Enhancer, which helps lock in the depth of the stone’s natural tones.

Protecting Against Staining

✔ Seal for Long-Term Protection – A high-quality limestone sealer will help repel stains and moisture while maintaining the stone’s appearance.
✔ Wipe Away Spills Quickly – Limestone is naturally porous, so cleaning spills quickly (especially from acidic substances like wine, citrus, or vinegar) helps prevent permanent marks.

Removing Algae & Moss

✔ Use a Gentle Cleaner – A specialist algae remover or diluted biocide solution can safely remove moss and algae without damaging the stone.
✔ Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Never use acid-based cleaners or bleach, as they can erode the limestone and cause discolouration.
✔ Encourage Drainage – Ensuring good drainage and sunlight exposure can help prevent algae build up.

Pressure Washing – Use With Caution

✔ Low-Pressure Setting Only – Excessive pressure can damage the limestone’s surface or remove any protective sealant.
✔ Test on a Small Area First – Always test in an inconspicuous spot before full-scale cleaning.
✔ Re-Seal After Washing – If pressure washing strips away sealant, reapply a breathable sealer to maintain protection.

Long-Term Care & Preservation

✔ Reapply Sealant Periodically – A good-quality sealer should be reapplied every few years, depending on weather exposure and foot traffic.
✔ Monitor for Natural Weathering – Some light surface changes are normal and part of the natural aging process, adding character over time.

By following these simple care steps, your limestone paving will remain a stunning feature in your outdoor or indoor space for years to come.

Need Help? We're Here to Assist!

Choosing the perfect paving or stone products for your garden project is an important decision, and we're here to help! Whether you’d like advice on colours, sizes, installation, or suitability, our expert team is ready to assist.

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📞 Call us for expert guidance - 01282 860571

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No question is too big or small—get in touch and let us help you make the right choice for your outdoor space!