Sandstone has proven itself to be a reliable option since civilization
began, particularly as flooring tile and wall cladding, particularly in
seaside locations with high levels of sodium in the air.While mostly used
in flooring for residences, sandstone is also suitable for use in chemical
industries as flooring, wall fixing, and lining due to its acid- and
alkali-resistant properties. Sandstone is a highly durable material.
Origins of Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of quartz and/or feldspar that
is quarried without the use of explosives to prevent the stone from fracturing
later on in the tile-making process. It is classified as clastic in origin,
meaning it is formed from cemented grains that may either be fragments of
a pre-existing rock or crystals of a single type.
The cementing materials that bind to the sand into a rock are composed of:
- silica
- calcium carbonate
- iron oxide.
Sandstone is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and thermal impact. Sandstone
is also a very hard material, registering at 6 to 7 on the Mohs Scale.
Sandstone tile appearance
Having developed for millions of years, and carrying a variety of minerals within it,
sandstone tile offers a unique appearance. Characterized by a striated pattern of earthy
layers of subtle color, sandstone is one of the most recognized choices in natural stone. Each layer adds to the singular beauty from tile to tile, making each one unique.
The Many Textures of Sandstone Tiles
The different surface textures present in sandstone tiles vary according to the way the rock from which it was quarried from was formed. Currently, there are six main types of surfaces that are in use:
Natural - this type of sandstone tile surface area reveals the natural
grain and texture of sandstone. It gives an undulating surface with great character,
and comes with natural clefts to better showcase the look of natural sandstone
Flamed - has a varied and textured surface as a result of the bursting
of crystals when the stone is heated which alters their color.
Polished - the polished texture brings out the brilliant colors and grains of natural sandstone.
This shine comes from the polishing bricks and powders used and not from any
coating, chemical or otherwise.
Honed the honed type of surface has a slight sheen and very smooth, and often very porous. This
finish is produced by grinding a surface with a high-grit material to a uniform
specification. The resulting surface is smooth but it is not as reflective as that
of the polished kind.
Bush Hammered - using a pneumatic tool to pound the surface of the sandstone
creates a pitted or grooved surface finish
Sawn - the surface of the sandstone is coarsely polished to leave a semi-smooth
regular finish using a gang saw.
Sand Blasted - this is characterized by a textured surface with a matte gloss
made by projecting a high-pressure coarse-grained grit onto the top surface of the
stone.