About sandstone
Sandstone is formed from heavily compressed sand, which is itself a mix of various materials. The main elements forming the rock are quartz and feldspar. Usually red, yellow or brown in colour, the environment and combination of material present when formation occurs largely dictates the final shade of the rock. It is tough enough to last for years and is a popular choice for pillars, balustrades and monuments, many of which are visible across the UK.
Properties of sandstone
Despite being used outdoors for statues and monuments, sandstone is a highly porous rock and is easy damaged by weathering. In fact, sandstone is so porous that it plays a key role in controlling groundwater flow in large areas of the country. Sandstone is quarried, then cut into useable slabs and tiles of various sizes. It’s certainly not the hardest choice for stone flooring, but it takes to machinery without issue and is easily cut without damage. It cannot be cut and polished to a high sheen like marble and granite, but it’s warmer to the touch and softer in appearance than those alternatives.
Maintaining sandstone floors
Like other natural stone floors, proper sealing is a must in order to avoid possible liquid ingress. If untreated, its porous structure presents a vulnerability and spills could damage it permanently. Sealant will need to be reapplied every so often since without regular care it will degrade and put the soft stone at risk. Strong chemical cleaners and abrasive polishing liquids should certainly be avoided and, if in any doubt, we’d strongly advise getting professional help to maintain the beautiful appearance of sandstone. Over time a certain amount of wear is unfortunately unavoidable, but regular care makes it possible to get years and years of satisfaction from a sandstone floor. As with other tile-based floors you’ll also want to double check the grouting every so often for cleanliness and ensure the tiles remain correctly seated.
