Concrete Pavers Guide

One popular type of natural stone paver used by homeowners for many applications are sandstone pavers. The stone is made up of a material similar to sand – over time, erosion gathers together feldspar and quartz fragments. These particles harden and eventually form this type of rock. There are three different kinds of sandstone – arkosic, argillaceous, and quartzose – depending on the various compositions and texture of the stone. It is quarried by companies and they are then cut into the various sizes and shapes needed for various applications. Sandstone pavers have been used for a long time due to their softness and ease to work with. Though it is ‘soft,’ paradoxically the material is also quite hard – don’t let words fool you!

Kinds of Sandstone Pavers

Like other pavers, sandstone pavers come in a variety of colors, mostly earth and sand toned. Possible colors include yellow and tan, as well as rarer colors like light pinks, greens, and blues. Stones with the names of ‘bluestone,’ ‘brownstone,’ and so on are all just different colored sandstones. Think of all the colors you can find in sand and other natural stones – that is truly the pallet you have to work with when making your product selections! Natural paving stones have a unique, non-manufactured look to the color, as each brick will be different from another, even within a selected color pallet. This allows each installation to have a unique look and feel.

Benefits of Sandstone

Sandstone pavers have many benefits similar to other hardscaping options. Because they are natural stone, they of course withstand the effects of weather and heavy traffic, though they can be scratched if you try hard enough. Color will not fade over time. Because they are made up of very fine, compressed particles, the bricks easily soak up and drain water, so you don’t have to worry about water damage or flooding with this material. For these reasons, installing sandstone paving stones will represent a great investment regardless of the initial investment required. In addition, laying sandstone pavers is also easy, as it follows much of the same techniques of other kinds of pavers.

Another benefit, also similar to other pavers, are their versatility. There are many colors, shapes, and sizes available for whatever project design you could imagine. Sandstone pavers can be cut to whatever specifications are required – shapes can be regular or irregular, squared or angled, nearly anything you imagine. The shape you select will have a significant impact on the pattern options available for your sandstone paver installation, so be sure to consult with a contractor, designer, or sandstone manufacturer for all available options. Note that the more complex the pattern selected, the more difficult the laying of the pavers will be, and the more skill, time and expense required. However, in most cases the extra resource requirements are worth it. Thus, a homeowner, contractor, or designer has many options available to match or complement the pavers to the style or theme of the home and landscape.

Uses for Sandstone Paving Stones

As a result of these benefits, sandstone pavers go well in many projects. They can be used in landscaping and garden applications, including walkways and patios. They can also be used around pools, walls, stepping stones, and veneers. Wherever they are used, they give off a natural look that cannot be replicated by other materials.

Once your sandstone has been installed, you can largely leave it alone, as it will only get better over time as the brick settle in. However, certain maintenance can be done to maximize the looks of your patio, walkway, or other project. Cleaning sandstone pavers of dirt, debris, and stains will help keep them looking great. You will especially want to clean them before sealing them; sealing will help prevent stains from marring the surface.

Sandstone pavers price depends on a number of factors, most of which cannot be discussed here – if you want a specific price, you’ll have to get an estimate based on the type you pick, the layout of your project, and the geographical area you live in. However, a general cost for sandstone ranges