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Highly acclaimed for it’s natural beauty, sandstone is suitable for interior or exterior use, both residentially and commercially. It is found useful as a building stone. The architectural properties of sandstone have made it suitable medium to clad walls and floors and churn out an enamoring range of handcrafted artifacts such as garden ornaments, sculptures and other decorative items.

Geologically sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock comprising an aggregate of sand-sized (0.06-2.0-mm) fragments of minerals, rocks, or fossils held together by a mineral cement. Sandstone forms when sand is buried under successive layers of sediment. During burial the sand is compacted, and a binding agent such as quartz, calcite, or iron oxide is precipitated from ground water which moves through passageways between grains. Sandstones grade upward in grain size into conglomerates and breccias; they grade downward in size into siltstones and shales. When the proportion of fossil fragments or carbonate grains is greater than 50%, sandstones grade into clastic limestones.

The basic components of a sandstone are framework grains (sand particles), which supply the rock’s strength; matrix or mud-sized particles, which fill some of the space between grains; and crystalline cement. The composition of the framework grains reveals much about the history of the derivation of the sand grains, including the parent rock type and weathering history of the parent rock. Textural attributes of sandstone are the same as those for sand, and they have the same genetic significance.

MATERIAL ONSIDERATIONS

Abrasion Resistance

Sandstone has a medium abrasion resistance but is hard enough to use as flagstone and exterior pavers in high trafficked areas.

Absorption

Sandstone is highly absorbent material, which limits its applications. It will stain when exposed to oil and highly pigmented liquids. Due to it’s absorbency and mineral make-up, sandstone tends to warp during installation.

Acid Sensitivity

Due to it’s chemical composition, sandstone is not reactive to acid and will not etch. However, it will stain due to its higher absorption rate.

HELPFUL TIPS

  • Always seal sandstone prior to grouting or use.
  • Always check the absorption rating.
  • Always use a grout that is similar in color to the stone to avoid a picture-frame effect.
  • To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Oil and highly pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain.
  • To prevent warpage, use a rapid setting adhesive such as GraniRapid from Mapei or similar.
  • Sandstone is very porous and unsuitable for countertop application.

APPLICATION AND FINISHES

Sandstone is used for flooring, showers, and vertical surfaces. Available in various sizes. Sandstone is highly porous material, which limits some of it’s inferior surface applications, such as countertops. Sandstone which is easily split (flagstone) and has an attractive color is used as a building stone. Sandstone is also an important source of sand for the glass industry and the construction industry, where it is used as a filler in cement and plaster. Crushed sandstone is used as road fill and railroad ballast. Silica-cemented sandstone is used as firebrick in industrial furnaces. Some of the most extensive deposits of uranium are found in sandstones deposited in ancient stream channels.

Applications

  • Flooring
  • Fireplace
  • Interior & Exterior Wall Cladding
  • Pavement
  • Landscaping
  • Handicrafts

Finishes

  • Honed
  • Natural
  • Cleft

Available Products


Disclaimer:

Please note that the information on this page is a general summary of industry-accepted standards and tips regarding natural stone considerations, applications and care. We have compiled this information to help you in your stone selection and care. MGSI is not involved in geological testing and has no formal proof of the information presented in the article and relies on industry wide information and standards. MGSI will not be responsible for any direct or indirect claims and damages, resulting from the improper application and/or interpretation of this information. Please note that natural stone varies substantially. Ask your stone specialist what works best for your project

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