Sandstone has been popular for thousands of years because it’s versatile. The mineral is soft and perfect for carving. It was used in temples. statues, and fountains. The exterior walls of the White House are sandstone that is painted white. Versatility is the main reason why sandstone remains an in-demand building material.
Maintenance
Consumers are always looking for building materials they can clean themselves. All you need is water and a couple of household items to clean sandstone. Wet the surface and wait for thirty minutes. Scrub the surface with a brush and use a little dish detergent. Bleach won’t harm the surface and can be used for tough stains. Pressure washers should only be used on new sandstone. In addition, acid-based cleaners are a no-no. Friendly sandstone suppliers are happy to educate consumers about what and what not to use.
Sandstone is Plentiful
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock and there are deposits all around the globe. There are four main deposits in the U.S. They are located in Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. Most of the world’s sandstone deposits are in Europe. In fact, Germany claims to have deposits of 64 varieties of sandstone. Eight varieties of sandstone can be found in South Africa. Interestingly, sandstone is found anywhere that sand is buried. Most deposits are found in rivers, lakes, and the ocean floor.
Color
Sandstone is simply breathtaking and comes in a variety of colors. The rich colors are popular in construction and many masonry projects. In addition, consumers love the coarse surface that has the texture of hard sand. The color depends on where sandstone is found. Tan and yellow sandstone are a result of clear quartz mixing with sand that contains shades of dark amber. Sandstone from the U.S. Southwest contains iron oxide that renders the popular terracotta shades. Red sandstones are also found in Britain, Mongolia, and Central Europe.
Eco-Friendly
Green construction fans will love sandstone. First, it doesn’t require a lot of energy to process like man-made stones. Next, sandstone is quarried, and no chemicals are used during the process. Further, any water used can be recycled. Finally, all-natural stones can be salvaged and used in new structures.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
Sandstone is very durable and increases in value over time. Additionally, the material withstands extreme temperature fluctuations. There’s no doubt sandstone is stronger than man-made materials like brick and porcelain.
Versatility
Sandstone can be used on the exterior or interior of the home. It’s often used in countertops and tiles for bathrooms and kitchens. Use sandstone in your outdoor kitchen. For example, sandstone ovens cook delicious food and last for years. Many landscaping decorations are made of sandstone including birdbaths, urns, and garden benches. The material is popular for paver stones because it’s soft and easy to cut.
Did you know sandstone was widely used around pools? Sandstone pavers are often around pools because the stone stays cool in the sun. Further, pools that use salt water can damage metal and concrete. Sandstone is salt-resistant.
Sandstone is plentiful, environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and durable. Builders continue to find new uses for the flexible mineral. Sandstone is also a favorite in the art world. It’s the ideal medium for sculptures and carvings.
