Sandstone is a natural stone that has been used all over the world since prehistoric times. It blends well with natural surroundings, and its many advantages mean it can be used almost anywhere.

Properties and formation of sandstone

Sandstone is a natural rock, made up of fine grains of sand bound together by a carbonate, silica, clay or iron cement. It consists of quartz, rock fragments, feldspars and a carbonate matrix.

It is a porous natural stone. Because sandstone layers can hold large amounts of water, they are often water-bearing. Sandstone is known for its very wide range of colours and textures, and it is considered one of the more durable and resistant stones.

Sandstone can form in water (lakes, oceans) as well as on land (deserts), as sand settles in layers. These layers are gradually cemented together by minerals that fill the pores between the grains. This is why sandstone is classed as a sedimentary rock.

Advantages of sandstone

Durability – If it is properly maintained, it is very resistant to weather and can last for decades without major damage.

Aesthetics – Because it comes in many colours and textures, it has a very distinctive look, which is why it is also used as a decorative stone.

Easy to work – Because it is quite soft compared with other natural stones, it is easy to shape and work.

Slip resistance – Because its surface is slightly rough, it is an excellent choice for outdoor paving and pool surrounds.

Heat resistance – One of its good properties is that it does not absorb much heat, so it stays pleasant to touch even in summer.

An environmentally friendly natural stone – It contains no harmful chemicals.

Uses of sandstone

Sandstone is a very versatile natural rock. Thanks to its resistance to alkalis and frost, it is very well suited to outdoor use.

It is especially popular in construction, where it is used for all kinds of stone walls.  It is a very common choice for building and paving, because it is quite easy to work: it is easy to cut, shape and engrave.

Because it stands up well to weather and has a distinctive natural look, it is particularly suitable for facades of buildings and for outdoor paving.

Thanks to its attractive look, it is often used as a decorative stone for window sills, steps and retaining walls.

Because it is easy to work, it is also popular with artists, who use it to make sculptures, fountains and other decorative stone pieces.

Sandstone is also very useful inside the home as a decorative stone. Wall cladding in this natural stone is very durable and strong and gives a room real character. Sandstone flooring and stairs also make the room they are in one of a kind.

Sandstone can be finished in many ways: flamed, honed, bush-hammered, sawn or point-tooled, depending on what it will be used for.

Some world-famous buildings are made of sandstone, including Berlin Cathedral, the Federal Palace in Bern, Nuremberg Castle and the main building of the University of Sydney.

If you want to add warmth and character to the surroundings of your home, raise the aesthetic value of the building and use a natural stone that is highly resistant to all kinds of weather, we recommend sandstone.