Sandstone: a natural stone with many possibilities
Sandstone has been used worldwide since prehistoric times. It blends beautifully into nature and has many advantages that make it usable practically anywhere.
Properties and formation of sandstone
Sandstone is a natural rock made of fine grains of sand bound together by a carbonate, siliceous, clayey or iron-bearing binder. It consists of quartz, rock fragments, feldspar and a carbonate matrix.
Sandstone is porous. Because it can hold a lot of water, sandstone layers often carry groundwater. It is known for its great variety of colours and textures and is regarded as one of the more durable stones.
Sandstone forms both in water (lakes, oceans) and on land (deserts), where sand is deposited in layers. These layers gradually cement together through minerals that fill the pores between the grains. That is why sandstone is a sedimentary rock.
Advantages of sandstone
Durability – With the right care, it is very weather-resistant and lasts for decades without major damage.
Look – Available in many colours and textures, it looks very special. That is why it is also used as a decorative stone.
Easy to work – Compared with other natural stones, it is quite soft and easy to shape and work.
Slip-resistant – Its slightly rough surface makes it the ideal choice for outdoor paving and pool surrounds.
Heat resistance – It absorbs little heat, so it feels pleasant even in summer.
Environmentally friendly natural stone – It contains no harmful chemicals whatsoever.
Uses of sandstone
Sandstone is a versatile natural rock. Thanks to its resistance to alkalis and frost, it is excellent for outdoor use.
It is particularly popular in construction, for example for stone walls. It is often chosen for building and paving because it is easy to cut, shape and engrave.
Because it is very weather-resistant and looks natural, it is particularly suitable for facades and Outdoor paving.
Because of its beautiful appearance, it is often used as a decorative stone for Window sills, steps and retaining walls.
Because it is easy to work, artists value it too. They make sculptures, fountains and other decorative stone objects from it.
Sandstone is also very popular as a decorative stone in the home. Wall cladding in this natural stone is very hard-wearing and strong and gives the room a special character. Flooring and sandstone steps also make any room unique.
Sandstone comes in many finishes: flamed, honed, bush-hammered, sawn or pointed, depending on its use.
Some world-famous buildings are made of sandstone, such as Berlin Cathedral, the Federal Palace in Bern, Nuremberg Imperial Castle and the main building of the University of Sydney.
If you want to give your outdoor area warmth and character, increase the value of your home and use a very weather-resistant natural stone, we recommend sandstone.