Discovering Sandstone

Commonly associated with patios, sandstone is becoming a more popular choice for indoor flooring. With beautifully rich tones, a sandstone floor can add depth and bring a touch of nature into your home. So let’s take a closer look at this beautiful natural material.

Properties and formation of sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock. This means that it is formed from fragments of rock and minerals that are compacted overtime. Unsurprisingly, it is mostly composed of sand particles and it is this that determines the classification of the stone. Specifically, sandstone is classified as such when it has a medium-sized grain.

Another sedimentary rock that we work with often is limestone. Unlike sandstone, the sediment that creates limestone contains carbonate. It is this that classifies the stone as limestone. This is a very important factor in determining the properties of the stone when it is transformed into your floor. Limestone and marble (which is formed from limestone) are both acid-sensitive and you can read more about this here.

Sandstone on the other hand is a silicate-rich stone. This means that it is generally resistant to damage from acid and this makes it a very durable stone. However, it is also a naturally porous stone. You should take extra care to maintain your sandstone in a wet environment.

The sandstone rainbow

When you think of sandy beaches you often have a tan or brown colour in mind. Every now and again you might be lucky to find a white beach or red sand and this is just the same with sandstone.

Most sandstone is composed of the minerals quartz or feldspar. Other minerals or impurities within the sediment add that pop of colour that creates some stunning variations of stone. Sandstone rich in clay will develop a red hue and the darker sandstones will be abundant in hematite. The cementing material and the depth of the sandstone also have a part to play in creating the vast array of tones. Certain stone colours are usually associate with different regions but the variations from grey to green to honey and gold can create a mix that makes the most beautiful  sandstone floor.

Sandstone finishes

When it comes to choosing a finish for your sandstone, it is one of the few materials that is seen often in a natural state. Sawn stone, such as Britannia Buff Yorkstones, require no additional finish. The natural slip-resistance works beautifully in a garden. You will also come across sandstone that has been sawn and sandblasted. This is suitable for the more dense stone types that are too smooth when sawn. The sandblasting process helps to create a texture to the surface that is not just stunning but practical too. Flamed surfaces can also have the same effect and work wonderfully in a modern garden design.

For sandstone used indoors, brushed or honed finishes can also be created. These create a more smooth finish and also bring out the intensity of the colour of the sandstone floor. Pietra Serena is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor use and a stunning example of the versatility of sandstone.

Maintenance

Whether it is indoors or outdoors, the most important thing to consider with your sandstone is the porosity. For patios, the weathering process is inevitable. However, simply regularly brushing away leaves can help to keep some of the discolouration at bay. You can read more about this on our recent patio blog.

When it comes to internal sandstone floors our advice is always to keep the floor as free from moisture as possible. Unlike external sandstone, the sealant is essential to prevent penetrating water and often you’ll also have an additional wax applied to the stone too. For daily cleaning, we always advise sweeping your sandstone floor to remove dust and debris that could scratch the surface. To mop your sandstone floor we advise investing in a heavy-duty Kentucky mop and ladybug bucket system, for both the quality and ease of use. It is important when mopping to ring out any excess water using the ringer on the ladybug bucket. This helps to make sure you do not leave excess mop water to dry on the tiles. Although not acid sensitive, it is still worth using a pH neutral cleaner that you can also use on other stone surfaces in your home. This will also help to protect the surface patina that forms over time.

Professional services

We are able to provide professional deep cleaning for sandstone floors and patios too. Using abrasive powders we can get deep into the pours of the stone to give a new lease of life to your floor. Importantly, all of our services for indoor include the reapplication of the all important sealant. This will help to protect the stone’s internal structure and keep it looking beautiful for many years to come.