UK · Updated 2026 · Price comparison
Reclaimed vs New Reclaimed York Stone Paving in Edinburgh: 2026 Comparison
Should you buy new or reclaimed York stone for your Edinburgh project? In 2026 the answer increasingly leans reclaimed — cost, planning acceptance and embodied carbon all favour it. Here's the head-to-head for Scotland buyers.
Cost comparison, 2026
| Grade | Reclaimed | New equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Job-lot | £55 per m² | £99 per m² |
| Standard | £98 per m² | £176 per m² |
| Premium | £140 per m² | £224 per m² |
Quality and spec differences
- Weathered top face, 50–75mm thick, random rectangular sizes
- Genuine Yorkshire sandstone — not imported look-alike
- 20–30 year patina — instant heritage courtyard
Carbon comparison
Reclaimed York stone carries close to zero embodied carbon vs new manufacture. On a Edinburgh refurb, choosing reclaimed can offset 3–8 tonnes of CO₂e per property depending on scope.
Planning acceptance in Edinburgh
Edinburgh planning officers routinely accept and often require matching reclaimed stock inside conservation areas across Scotland.
Frequently asked questions
+Is reclaimed always cheaper than new in Edinburgh?
Almost always for standard grades. Premium heritage grades can approach or exceed new prices when new equivalents don't exist.
+How can I tell real York stone from Indian sandstone?
Real York has a tight, fine grain, buff-brown colour, often fossil marks. Indian is coarser and often pinker.
+Does reclaimed void manufacturer warranties?
New warranties don't apply. Ex-display and surplus stock retains full warranty when unregistered.