Concrete Pavers Guide

One of the most elegant materials you can use outside your home is natural stone, and sandstone is one of the best materials in this category to use. This article will give you a brief overview to using sandstone for your next outdoor paving project.

What is Sandstone?

Sandstone is a natural stone that forms after many years of erosion and other natural processes. It is a kind of sedimentary rock that is composed of quartz and feldspar.

There are three major classifcations of sandstone rocks – quartzose, argillaceous, and arkosic.

All sandstone is very smooth and has a uniform texture, making it a popular building material because it is easy to cut and easy to work with. It has been used for over a century in the construction industry.

Pros and Cons of Natural Sandstone Paving

First, sandstone is incredibly strong, so it will last for your lifetime and beyond. Since sandstone is a natural material, you will not have to worry about it being damaged by the elements – it’s a rock that has formed after thousands of years of exposure!

While being strong, sandstone slabs are also easy to work with. If it needs to be cut, it can be. It is also very porous, so it will allow water to drain easily, preventing flooding and other water issues.

Finally, it is possible for homeowners to install the material themselves. Installing sandstone is much like installing concrete pavers and paving stones, so read this article on paver installation if you want more information and tips. If you do want a hire a contractor, that’s a good idea in most cases, so check out this handy guide to help you find the best paver contractors you can without being scammed.

The major drawback to sandstone is price – this is discussed more below.

Types of Sandstone Paving

Sandstone comes in many different forms that can be used in outdoor projects. For example, sandstone paving slabs or paving stones can be used much like concrete pavers and other hardscape materials. Indeed, sandstone pavers are very popular and we discussed them in more depth on another page of the site (linked earlier in this sentence).

Paving sandstone can be purchased in standardize shapes such as rectangles and squares or can be shaped into customize or even a regular shapes. The stone can then be laid in particular patterns, much like concrete pavers are. They’re even installed like concrete pavers often, with an strong aggregate base below a bed of sand, though mortar may be used with some applications.

It should be said that the actual appearance of the sensible very different where he was quarried. The size of the grains, general composition, and other factors that affect how the sandstone books will depend on the actual batch you’re looking at.

For instance, in terms of colors, sandstone often spans the color spectrum given that it is a natural material. Thus, you will see yellows, pinks, greys, blues, greens, and more – all these colors are very natural and earthly looking.

When evaluating the sandstone you need, make sure to see samples of in real life. Pictures can be deceiving, especially given that sandstone can vary in color and appearance even within the same batch. The only way to evaluate what is truly available to see multiple samples from multiple quarries for multiple companies. If you’re not picky, you might be able to get cheaper sandstone by taking the lowest-priced maturities and get, but if you are particular about the colors, it pays to spend some time doing your research, because this is an investment that will last with you for the rest of your home’s lifetime.

Outside your home, sandstone can be used for walkways, patios, pool decks, steps, and other outdoor projects. Sandstone tiles can also be used for flooring on balconies and porches. Sandstone walls are also popular. Probably the most popular application for the material is sandstone patios.

Sandstone Paving Prices

The price of your sandstone will depend on a number of factors, including the actual type of stone you select, size, shape, and color. Thus, it is not possible to give you an exact price for the sandstone that you use for your project. As we mentioned earlier, though, it is expensive, so expect to pay anywhere from $10-$30 a square foot or up just for the material. The exact price you’ll pay for your stone paving slabs and materials will vary so widely that you’ll need to get different quotes from different suppliers and/or contractors in order to get a good idea of the range you’ll expect.