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When choosing a stone for a project, two of the most common types of stone you’ll encounter are Limestone and Sandsstone. It is important to know the distinctions between Sandstone vs Limestone to select the right one for your project based not just on the color and texture, but the applicability for specific applications as well.
Wondering what type of rock is limestone and sandstone? Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is frequently formed from the residue of marine life, including corals and shells. In contrast, Sandstone differs significantly in origin and material features because it is mainly made up of quartz grains bound together by silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide.
Considerations like aesthetics, longevity, and upkeep are key when deciding between Sandstone and Limestone. Sandstone has a more natural, uneven texture, but Limestone has a more refined, traditional look and feel.
Because of its elegant appearance and often lighter color pallet, Limestone is a popular material for a variety of applications such as building facades, worktops, pools decks, and flooring. In contrast, Sandstone is more permeable and more complex than Limestone. It comes in a greater variety of colors and is ideal for long-lasting uses, including outdoor building construction, cladding, and pavement.
If you take the time to compare these important features, you should be able to find one that works for your needs and tastes.
Two of the most popular natural stones used in building and architectural projects are Limestone and Sandstone. Each has distinct qualities that affect how it is applied and functions. Let’s examine the five main characteristics that distinguish Limestone from Sandstone.
The smooth and fine texture of Limestone is due to the calcium carbonate it contains and its relatively soft nature which allows it to be cut and finished easily. Limestone is available in practically all finishes, from natural splitface to saw cut to honed and polished. Its refined appearance is also due to its fine texture, which lends it an air of sophistication.
Sandstone’s mineral particles, such as quartz, are relatively small and have a coarse texture. Sandstones can be more complex to finish so most of the time they are left in the natural cleft finish they are extracted or split in. Because of its rustic charm, its rougher surface is perfect for projects that aim for a more natural and rugged look.
Though sturdy, Limestone, particularly in heavily populated places, is vulnerable to wear and tear, such as scrapes and erosion. Regular sealing and care are necessary to maintain its look and longevity throughout time.
Sandstone’s tougher nature makes it more resistant to weathering and wear. Because it needs less upkeep than Limestone, it’s a good option for outdoor spaces and high-traffic areas in warmer climates.
From creamy whites to delicate greys, Limestone’s vast spectrum of minor color changes creates an air of sophistication and is perfect for most neutral color palettes. Its velvety smoothness makes it an ideal material for creating a unified look by blending in with others.
Tan, red, and brown are just a few of the rich, earthy tones found in Sandstone. Its various hues and rough surface may bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any room, especially those with a rustic or natural decor theme.
Because of its sophisticated look, Limestone is perfect for use indoors, such as flooring, worktops, and vanity tops in bathrooms. It is also a decorative element in landscaping and is utilized for external cladding.
Sandstone patios, walkways, and pool surrounds are ideal for outdoor use because of the material’s longevity and nonslip texture. Fireplaces and accent walls inside also frequently use it.
The higher initial investment, ongoing maintenance costs, and upscale aesthetic of Limestone drive up its price. It adds a lot of value to high-end projects, but the buying price and installation can be expensive.
Sandstone’s purchase and installation expenses are typically lower, making it a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, due to its low care requirements, it is a budget-friendly choice for outdoor and large-scale projects.
Choosing Limestone or Sandstone for your project requires numerous important considerations to meet your needs and expectations. This brief advice covers durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics for this decision:
Enhance the beauty and practicality of your house or outdoor spaces with our comprehensive range of high-quality limestone and sandstone veneers, available at Surface Shop. We take great effort in selecting and crafting our veneers to ensure they offer the highest quality in terms of longevity, beauty, and installation convenience.
Limestone primarily comprises calcium carbonate, often formed from marine organisms, and has a delicate, smooth texture. Due to its softer nature, it's best suited for indoor uses. Sandstone, made mainly of sand-like quartz particles cemented by minerals like silica, is coarser and more durable, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Due to its delicate texture and aesthetic appeal, Limestone is commonly used for indoor flooring, wall facings, architectural carvings, and outdoor facades.
Due to its durability and rough texture, Sandstone is primarily used for outdoor paving, cladding, landscaping, and building and retaining wall construction.
Whether Limestone is better than Sandstone depends on the application. Limestone is preferred for its smooth texture and aesthetic appeal in indoor environments, while Sandstone's durability and rough texture make it ideal for outdoor use.
Due to their distinct characteristics, Limestone and Sandstone offer unique advantages for different architectural needs. With its fine texture and lighter colors, Limestone is ideal for indoor applications such as flooring and decorative carvings. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Sandstone, known for its robustness and varied colors, is better suited for outdoor use, including paving and cladding, where durability and rustic charm are essential.
The choice between Limestone and Sandstone should be guided by your project’s specific requirements, considering the intended use, environmental conditions, and aesthetic preferences. The team of stone expert at Surface Shop is always ready and excited to talk all different types of natural stone building materials, so reach out to discuss your next stone project and learn more about our architectural grade Limestone and Sandstone natural stone veneers!
Here’s a small selection of our Limestone & Sandstone Offerings. Contact a Surface Shop Pro today to get your samples and pricing.
At Surface Shop, we believe there is a story behind every surface. That’s why we created Surface Culture, an industry leading digital publication that covers a range of topics from How To Guides to Architectural Trends in the world of luxury architectural finishes Browse our articles to dial in your knowledge of how surfaces impact architectural design, or simply use them to get inspired. Either way, we hope you enjoy, and wish you well on your journey toward appreciating materiality in architecture.
