Stone setts are a popular alternative to block paving for terraces and driveways across the UK. They are a multipurpose product that can give outdoor areas that old rustic feeling but can also achieve a contemporary finish depending on the characteristics of the stone type used.
Setts are broadly square or rectangular quarried stones. In general, a sett is between 75 and 200mm in width and depth. While the standard length of a sett will vary, it will often be between 100mm and 240mm. The size of the sett that you choose depends on the look and dimension of your garden project.
Setts can be used for driveways and edging, paths, terraces and garden features to create beautiful finishes. With a wide range of setts available in different materials, colours and sizes, you’ll be sure to find a style that complements your garden and outdoor space.
Driveways
The Romans were the first to utilise setts for road construction over two millennia ago. These stones provided stability and traction, enabling the smooth operation of chariots and carts along ancient passageways.
Therefore stone setts are extremely durable, and can handle exposure to the typical British weather. If laid correctly, they can withstand heavy weights which is particularly beneficial for a driveway application.
Stone setts age gracefully, unlike concrete or asphalt which can crack and degrade over time. With minimal maintenance, a driveway paved with setts can retain its beauty and functionality for generations, making it a sound investment for homeowners seeking long term value.
This driveway incorporates our Yorkstone Tudor Setts to create a durable hardstanding that blends beautifully with the rest of the property.
Paving
Over the centuries, the use of stone setts became very popular across Europe, becoming synonymous with quaint villages and historic town centres. However, more recently, the sett style of paving is a popular design tool for landscape gardeners due to their versatility. Blocks of paving setts are used in place of paving slabs or as a break with larger areas of paving to achieve this style.
Here are a few of the ways that you can involve setts in your garden design-
Pool Surround
Our sandstone setts work brilliantly as hard standing around a pool due to their natural non-slip surface. They also blend seamlessly around pool copings which can give the outside of a pool a bit of detail.
Patio Designs
The creation of focal features involving the use of setts has become more popular in recent years. The small size of the setts makes them ideal for creating different patterns and designs, resulting in a garden that is unique and personal to you and your home.
Our longer and slimmer York Stone Tudor Setts have been used in the design here.
Lining your lawn edge
Stone setts can also help you achieve the look of a maintained garden, without the maintenance work! Moreover, the installation of setts as a lineal border between your lawn and the patio or around soiled/planted areas will cut out tasks such as trimming the edge of your lawn. Instead, mow over the stone edge, removing the need to trim or strim the edge of your lawn as a result. While protecting your garden patio from soil or garden debris at the same time!
If you have a terrace area, an additional idea is to use stone setts that complement the existing paving colourway or style to pull the design of the garden together.
Pathways & Pathway Edging
Similarly to the sett edging used to edge your driveway, sett edging could alternatively be used for pathway edging too. A single or double row of brick setts can create edging to a gravel or paved pathway through your garden.
Setts Overview
From their durability and versatility to a timeless appeal that will never go out of style, stone setts are perfect for high-traffic areas such as garden paths, patios and driveways.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your old pathway or replace your driveway with a traditional yet practical solution- you can’t go far wrong with setts in your outdoor areas.
Setts are commonly used to match surrounding areas and blend into your garden. Alternatively, why not add some character to your garden, by using setts to create a stunning focal feature?
If you’re in search of a driveway, patio or garden path that is both durable and stylish while adding natural charm to your outdoor area, we have a range of setts available in different sizes, edging and colours. Take a look at our collection of setts here. Our stone specialists are always on hand via phone, email or live chat.
