Sawn Materials
The term ‘sawn paving’ usually refers to natural stone which has been subjected to a process
of resizing to reasonably strict dimensions. Frequently 20mm thick, sawn six sides to produce
a regular, flat, surface on all edges and faces, the upper face may be textured or treated in
various ways, either using flame/heat or distressed with a shot blasting system to improve
non-slip properties. Types of stone include sandstone, limestone and granite.
As the surface is not natural i.e. riven or self-faced, the resulting finish may be less than
impervious or more susceptible to water absorbency, and care should be given to the uses and
circumstances under which the slabs may be used in their natural (sawn) condition.
It is recommended that sawn paving is sealed before laying (see Sealants – Factory Applied
and Sealants – Post Laying) to prevent the surface from being contaminated with stains from
berries, wine, rubber soled shoes etc, which will spoil the appearance.
Unsealed sawn stones may become prone to algae (see Algae and Lichens) and require
frequent cleaning with non-acidic products.
When pointing using cementitious products, care should be taken to ensure that the jointing
material is cleaned and removed as soon as possible, to prevent a grey bloom remaining on the
paving. This is a particular problem with sawn granite paving, as the bloom spoils the sparkly
natural appearance of the stone.
Sawn paving is particularly prone to reflective staining.
