UK · Updated 2026 · Price comparison
Reclaimed vs New Reclaimed Sandstone in Norwich: 2026 Comparison
Should you buy new or reclaimed sandstone for your Norwich project? In 2026 the answer increasingly leans reclaimed — cost, planning acceptance and embodied carbon all favour it. Here's the head-to-head for East of England buyers.
Cost comparison, 2026
| Grade | Reclaimed | New equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Job-lot | £180 per tonne | £324 per tonne |
| Standard | £330 per tonne | £594 per tonne |
| Premium | £480 per tonne | £768 per tonne |
Quality and spec differences
- Yorkshire, Forest of Dean and Cotswold sources
- Weathered face and quarry face both listed
- Random walling, coursed and dressed all common
Carbon comparison
Reclaimed sandstone carries close to zero embodied carbon vs new manufacture. On a Norwich refurb, choosing reclaimed can offset 3–8 tonnes of CO₂e per property depending on scope.
Planning acceptance in Norwich
Norwich planning officers routinely accept and often require matching reclaimed stock inside conservation areas across East of England.
Frequently asked questions
+Is reclaimed always cheaper than new in Norwich?
Almost always for standard grades. Premium heritage grades can approach or exceed new prices when new equivalents don't exist.
+How much sandstone per m² of wall?
Random walling: ~0.6 t/m² for a 450mm wall. Coursed: ~0.45 t/m².
+Does reclaimed void manufacturer warranties?
New warranties don't apply. Ex-display and surplus stock retains full warranty when unregistered.