Calibrated vs. Riven Sandstone: Which Paving is Easier to Lay?

The Installer's Dream

When buying sandstone, you will see two options: Riven and Calibrated.

Riven (Hand-Split)

This is the traditional way. The stone is split by hand, leaving a natural, rugged surface. However, the thickness varies wildly—one slab might be 20mm, the next 35mm. The installer has to constantly adjust the mortar bed depth to get a flat surface. This takes time, skill, and extra cement.

Calibrated (Machine-Cut)

We pass the slabs through a calibration machine that grinds the bottom flat. Every slab of Kandla Grey comes out at exactly 22mm thickness. They lay flat like indoor tiles. It is much faster to install, saving you money on labor, even if the stone costs $2 more per meter.