Sandstone is known for being a popular building material for paneling, doors, pillars, fence posts, arches, and more. It has been utilized for both residential and commercial construction, but as of late many homeowners and interior designers are understanding the advantages it has for indoor applications. Due to this recent shift, sandstone is back in the spotlight as a popular countertop material that’s spanning the globe.

When it comes to installing any type of indoor countertop material, there are certain criteria that it should meet. For those undergoing new construction, you want a product like sandstone, especially in your kitchen or bathrooms that can hold up and last for decades. Homeowners who are considering a replacement countertop?

Where Does Sandstone Come From?

The earth can be described as the potter and its minerals are the clay that shapes the world in which we live. Our plant contains a wide variety of dimensional stones that includes basalt, marble, granite, sandstone, and others that encompass the earth. The top three countries that produce and export sandstone are Norway, Brazil, and India with the latter being the largest.

The sandstone industry as a whole has emerged into many building components such as structural slabs, land garden stones, swimming pool patio blocks, and floor tiles. Knowing the top countries that produce sandstone is good information, but in order to understand what makes it so desirable, it’s also important to know what it is.

What is Sandstone?

Sandstone is a rock that contains minerals formed by sand. The stone rock is formed by deposits that form in rivers, lakes, and oceans, and it takes centuries for it to develop into a product that can be quarried and manufactured. These deposits form together with calcite or mineral quartz and compress. Sandstone is quite unique because the colors in each slab are specific to the minerals it was mixed with as it was forming.

The Benefits of Sandstone Tiles

Sandstone countertops benefit many residential homes, commercial buildings, and municipalities with a durable product that enhances their overall aesthetics. Sandstone can also be used in other construction projects such as cladding, paving, arches, and more. The colors for sandstone range from maelstroms to medium white tones with a variety of hues to choose from. Finding a replacement tile is quite easy because all sandstone tiles are individually unique.

The appearance of sandstone not only has the look of sophistication and elegance, but it’s also timeless. Sandstone doesn’t go out of fashion or become outdated, which is an extended benefit because there’s no need to replace your floor just to keep up with the latest trends.

Sandstone is oftentimes used by interior designers to create an environment to look bigger than it really is. When you use sandstone tiles in any room or throughout the house, it can make your space look more inviting and open it up. This is an added benefit for those who live in smaller structures and want the appearance of a larger space.

Pros of Sandstone Tiles:

• Adds Property Value: Sandstone is not affected by the latest housing trends because it’s a timeless stone that makes everything else around it look good. Sandstone drastically raises property value because realtors understand its resale value and appeal to potential home buyers.
• Durable: Sandstone provides a durable floor that holds up against heavy foot traffic and can be used in both residential and commercial kitchens, bathrooms, hallways or living quarters.
• Natural Aesthetics: Sandstone offers unrivaled natural beauty, and its natural aesthetics enhance any room as it adds a classy and stylish look. Since each tile is different and never identical coupled with unique colors and characteristics, sandstone creates a timeless floor covering.
• Flexibility: Stone floors are known for being flexible for different weather conditions. They keep floors cool in the summer, which is a great solution for those who live in hot climates. For those who live in colder weather environments, adding radiant floor heating is a good idea because sandstone is a great heat conductor, which means you’ll save money when heating your floors.
• Low Maintenance: A sandstone tiled floor provides low maintenance and hygienic surface that doesn’t store pet hairs, skin or dust, which makes an ideal flooring material. Additionally, sandstone floors are very easy to clean. A soft broom and quality mop are all you need to clean a sandstone floor.

Cons of Sandstone Tiles

• Absorbs Water: Sandstone is a porous material; therefore, it can absorb water if an accident should occur. If an excessive amount of water is spilled onto the sandstone, you should clean it up immediately to avoid mold and bacteria from forming.
• Routine Sealant: Sandstone that’s installed in kitchens and bathrooms where it’s subject to water should be sealed every three to six months.
• Scratches: Sandstone is a soft stone when compared to other rocks. It can dent and scratch over time from things being dropped on them to chairs being drug across them or someone wearing high heels. A little extra care is needed with sandstone floors when concerning such things.

The Final Verdict

Sandstone floors can cost the average homeowner between $5 to $10 per square foot, and they’re more affordable than installing marble or granite floors. Sandstone tiles come in different textures and colors, and each tile generally has a different pattern. The final verdict is, when compared to other types of natural stone floors, sandstone offers consumers a more affordable and durable flooring solution.

If you’re interested in adding a sandstone floor to your home or place of business? Please fill out the contact form below and get ready to start your next flooring project.