Everything you need to know about Sandstone Tiles and why you should consider them

Sandstone tiles and pavers have been in use for a long time. Several monuments made of Sandstone have stood the test of time and continue to charm the world. Sandstone flooring is a natural material that is well-liked for its unique design. Golds, reds, browns, and tans of this stone lend an ideal aesthetic touch to all spaces. The patterns and gorgeous hues mimic the appearance of desert and sandy beaches.  

The distinctive characteristic of Sandstone Tiles is their grainy texture. As a natural stone quarried from the earth, Sandstone is naturally non-uniform in appearance and has various patterns and textures. The most common ones are the split face, sandblasted, and honed.  

Sandstone pavers are preferred in shaded outdoors like alfresco or courtyards, whereas Sandstone tiles are best suited for indoor spaces, walling, or decorative trims. Here we bring everything about Sandstone tiles, their benefits, cons, and a few maintenance tips.  

Pros of Sandstone Flooring 

It is simple to list the advantages of Sandstone flooring, but nothing beats experiencing a good Sandstone tile installation. Here is why Sandstone tiles are a perfect choice for indoor flooring: 

• Natural brilliance: Sandstone flooring is a clear example of the unmistakable quality that comes from natural materials. Varying in shades from mild creams to whirls of many hues, Sandstone can span a wide range of colours. They maintain an earthy look, a quality that many natural stones lack. With the addition of Sandstone tiles to floors or walls, your space gets a cozier feel and a touch of warmth. 

• Durability: Yes, it is true that Sandstone is not as durable as Granite or Bluestone. Should that stop you from choosing Sandstone Tiles for your space? We guess not because it is sturdy enough to last for many years with careful maintenance. Remember the ancient monuments that still stand tall with so much strength.  
• Uniqueness: Because Sandstone is a product of nature, each piece is unusual and has its own distinct patterns and hues. Sandstone is extracted from the ground in big slabs and is subsequently treated and divided into smaller fragments. That means that every piece of tile on every Sandstone floor is a one chance sample of nature’s bliss across the globe. No two tiles would look the same, and this uniqueness draws many people to this beauty.  

• Texture: Since Sandstone comes from mountainous regions, they are naturally ragged and weathered. To make them suitable for flooring, Sandstone tiles are smoothened and evened. Either they are levelled to achieve a honed finish for slip-resistant surfaces or polished into shiny surfaces for indoors. 

• Easily replaceable: Sandstone flooring tiles can be easily removed and changed because they are installed as individual tiles or sections. In case a tile or two gets damaged, broken, or cracked beyond repair, you can easily pull out the broken ones and replace them with new ones. During installation, it would be advisable to save a few tiles from the original installation to match them during the repair phase.  

Cons of Sandstone Flooring 

Anyone choosing natural stone flooring should know the disadvantages of Sandstone. Additionally, Sandstone is more difficult to work with than other stone flooring materials due to its relative softness and porousness. 

• Water absorption: Even among natural stone surface coverings, Sandstone flooring is renowned for being a porous substance. It can absorb between 1 and 6 percent, making it susceptible to damage from liquid stains, mildew, and microorganisms and even warping in extreme cases. For this reason, it is not used in bathrooms, kitchens, below-grade rooms, or exterior locations. 

• Slippery when wet: When buying Sandstone flooring tiles, you can choose from a variety of finishes. Honed tile is completely flat, and despite having some traction, it can become slippery when wet. Sandstone that has been polished can be a particularly hazardous slipping hazard, especially in locations where water may be present if the material is suitable for polishing. 

• Staining: Due to Sandstone’s high absorption rate, coloured liquids can seep deep into the substance. These can lead to permanent damage if not caught in time. 

• Prone to scratches: Although Sandstone is a durable rock, it is a soft rock. Because of claws, high heels, and mishaps where objects tumble to the floor, it could sustain scratches and dents over time.   

• Weathering with age: Even with perfect maintenance, Sandstone floor tiles will not be the same 10 years later. The stone is porous, and softer as compared to other natural stones. Foot traffic and weather extremes take a toll on Sandstone causing the tiles to fade or discolour. So, Sandstone weathers with age but may still look great. Many homeowners do not consider this as a downside of Sandstone.  

Maintenance of Sandstone Tiles Floor 

Sandstone Tiles are durable yet vulnerable to moisture damage and staining. The tiles are not as resilient as Granite or Limestone. Therefore, you must follow a maintenance regime for the natural stone. Remember to seal Sandstone tiles during installation and remove the excess sealant. Sealing the tiles will help close the pores on the surface and keep stains or dust away. 

Secondly, cleaning solutions impact the quality and adhesion of the sealant. Hence the cleaners that you use on Sandstone flooring should be sealer friendly, If the tiles are factory sealed, avoid fixing the stones yourself.  

To clean the Sandstone tiles, use a pH-neutral cleaner. Please stay away from bleach or acid-based cleaners as they cause severe damage to the surface of the tiles. Also, make sure you do not use a lot of water to clean the surface. While using a wet mop, squeeze it well or use a damp cloth to clean the surface. A lot of times you forget to clean up the residual moisture on Sandstone flooring, especially in the grout joints. Do use a dry mop or an old towel to dry the surface.  

In conclusion  

You can consider Sandstone Tiles for your indoor space and add a touch of warmth. The colours and texture of this natural stone are unique, infusing beachy vibes into every indoor space. Despite the stone’s durability and hardness, it is prone to moisture damage and staining. However, with sealing and proper care, Sandstone lasts long.