Kota and natural stone — price, types and what to check
Kota, sandstone, Tandur, slate and cobbles.
India's quarries give durable, low-cost stones for parking, balconies, facades and landscapes. Kota stone alone floors millions of Indian homes.
The basics
- Kota stone (Rajasthan) is hard and slip-resistant — ideal for parking, stairs and utility floors.
- Dholpur and Jodhpur sandstone suit facades, jaalis and courtyards.
- Shahabad and Tandur stone are economical floors in the south.
Kota and natural stone types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kota stone | 20–40 mm slabs | Parking, stairs, utility | ₹35–75 |
| Dholpur / Jodhpur sandstone | Natural / honed | Facades and courtyards | ₹45–120 |
| Shahabad stone | Grey | Economical flooring | ₹30–55 |
| Tandur stone | Yellow / blue | Flooring and steps | ₹35–70 |
| Cobblestones and pavers | Granite / concrete | Driveways and gardens | ₹50–150 |
| Slate | Split face | Wall cladding | ₹40–120 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Uniform thickness at all four corners.
- Wet the slab — dark lines that stay dark are hairline cracks.
- Machine-cut edges for floors, natural cleft for outdoors.
- Check colour consistency across the batch.
- Tap slabs — a dull sound can mean internal cracks.
- Edges should be square for tight joints.
Pro tips
- Diamond-polish Kota after laying for a near-mirror finish; order 5–8% extra.
- Seal sandstone with a breathable penetrating sealer against moss and stains.
- Above 3 m height, fix cladding with stainless steel clamps, not adhesive alone.
- Use pointing mortar that matches the stone colour.
- Cure Kota again after polishing.
- Seal outdoor stone to reduce algae.
- Leave expansion joints in large outdoor areas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Polished Kota outdoors — slippery when wet.
- Laying on an uncompacted base.
- Unsealed sandstone in rainy regions.
- Acidic cleaners on Kota and other limestones.
- Outdoor stone without a drainage slope.
Where you can save
- Kota is one of the cheapest durable floors for parking and terraces.
- Buy unpolished and polish on site.
How much you need
Floor area plus 8% wastage.
Brands to know
Kota, Dholpur and Tandur quarries