How Frost Affects Different Types of Stone

A Winter Guide to Paving, Aggregates & Landscaping Materials

Winter frost can have a significant impact on outdoor stone, particularly in gardens, driveways and landscaped areas. At Hampshire Garden Supplies, we often speak to customers who want reassurance that the materials they choose will stand up to cold, wet winter conditions.

Understanding how frost affects different types of stone will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re planning a new project or checking that existing surfaces are winter-ready.

Why Frost Can Damage Stone

Frost damage is caused by the freeze–thaw cycle. When moisture enters the surface of stone and temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. Over time, this repeated expansion can lead to:

Cracking or splitting
Surface flaking (spalling)
General weakening of the stone

The level of damage largely depends on how porous the stone is and how well it has been installed.

How Frost Affects Common Landscaping Stones

Natural Sandstone Paving

Sandstone remains one of the most popular choices for patios and pathways due to its natural appearance and colour variation.

Frost performance: Good-quality sandstone is generally frost resistant, though more porous varieties can absorb water.
Best practice: Proper drainage and a solid sub-base are essential to minimise frost-related issues.

Many customers choose our natural sandstone paving slabs for projects where appearance and durability are equally important.

Limestone

Limestone offers a smoother, more uniform finish and is often denser than sandstone.

Frost performance: Performs well in winter conditions when correctly laid.
Things to consider: Softer limestones may show surface wear if water is allowed to sit on the surface.

Limestone is commonly used for patios, paths and coping stones where a clean, contemporary look is desired.

Porcelain Paving

Porcelain paving is increasingly popular for modern landscaping projects and performs exceptionally well in winter.

Frost performance: Excellent — porcelain is non-porous and absorbs very little moisture.
Benefits: Resistant to frost, staining, algae and general wear.

For customers looking for a low-maintenance, frost-resistant option, our range of outdoor porcelain paving is ideal.

Decorative Aggregates, Gravel & Chippings

Loose materials such as gravel and decorative aggregates are naturally well suited to winter conditions.

Frost performance: Very good — water drains freely, reducing freeze–thaw damage.
Best uses: Driveways, paths, borders and drainage areas.

Products such as decorative gravel, slate chippings and shingle offer both practicality and visual appeal throughout the winter months.

Setts, Cobbles & Sub-base Materials

Stone setts and structural materials are designed for strength and longevity.

Frost performance: High, provided they are installed on a properly prepared base.
Key factor: A well-compacted sub-base prevents movement caused by freezing ground conditions.

Porcelain vs Natural Stone – Which Performs Best in Winter?

The table below compares porcelain paving with popular natural stone options to help you quickly assess which material is best suited to winter conditions.

Feature	Porcelain Paving	Sandstone	Limestone
Frost Resistance	Excellent – non-porous, minimal water absorption	Good – varies by quality and porosity	Good – generally denser than sandstone
Water Absorption	Very low	Medium	Low to medium
Freeze–Thaw Risk	Very low	Moderate if drainage is poor	Low to moderate
Maintenance	Very low	Moderate – may need sealing	Moderate
Algae & Moss Growth	Resistant	Can develop in damp areas	Can develop in shaded areas
Durability	High and consistent	High (quality dependent)	High
Slip Resistance	High (when using outdoor-rated finishes)	Good natural grip	Good
Appearance	Consistent, modern finishes	Natural variation and character	Clean, uniform natural look
Suitability for Winter Projects	Excellent	Very good with correct installation	Very good with correct installation
Best Used For	Low-maintenance patios, modern gardens	Traditional patios, paths	Patios, coping stones, contemporary gardens

While porcelain offers the highest level of frost resistance overall, sandstone and limestone remain strong choices where appearance and character are key — provided correct installation and drainage are in place.

Installation Matters as Much as the Type of Stone

Even the most frost-resistant materials can fail if installation is poor. To reduce the risk of frost damage, we recommend:

A well-prepared and compacted sub-base
Adequate drainage to prevent standing water
Correct jointing materials
Professional installation for paving and driveways

Our experienced team is always happy to offer practical advice on choosing the right materials for winter conditions.

Preparing for Winter – and Spring Projects

Winter is an excellent time to plan ahead. Choosing stone and aggregates that cope well with frost now can prevent costly repairs later and ensure your outdoor spaces are ready to enjoy when warmer weather returns.

Hampshire Garden Supplies stocks a wide range of paving, aggregates and landscaping materials, available for prompt local delivery, with expert advice available from our experienced team.