Do you desire your home to have an earthy feel? Sandstone can do that for you. It’s known for its durability and timeless appeal and offers both strength and visual warmth. Its naturally textured surface and subtle, sunset-toned hues lend a rustic charm to your home. The sandstone tiles complement any look you’re going for and move your house closer to the outdoors, whether you’re furnishing your patio or renovating your kitchen.
What are Sandstone Tiles?
Sandstone is a natural sedimentary rock formed by the compaction of microscopic sand particles, primarily composed of minerals such as feldspar and quartz. These particles are naturally cemented together by materials like silica, calcium, and iron. Often, the stone contains strata that show its development over time. Based on the minerals contained within it, its colours can be reddish in hue to amber and ochre. Each slice of sandstone is different in texture, design, and slightly different look.
Properly treated sandstone is strong enough for domestic applications, yet softer than other types of stone, such as granite. As it retains and releases heat gradually, sandstone helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Application of Sandstone Tiles
Several applications of sandstone tile are as follows:
Indoor Flooring
Sandstone tile indoor floors are warm and inviting. They are safe to walk on and contribute a nice, natural ambience. Darker colours add depth and flair, whereas lighter tones expand spaces. Suitable sealing maintains the tiles’ solidity and even enhances their look as they break down slowly over time.
Outdoor Flooring
For outdoors, it’s an excellent choice for patios, pathways, and poolside areas. It can handle any weather and doesn’t become too slippery. It dries quickly after rain and doesn’t get as hot in the sun as concrete. You can select between rough and smooth textures based on your preferred outdoor look.
Wall Cladding
Sandstone provides your walls with a striking, organic appearance. It provides a texture that paint cannot. It makes excellent highlight walls inside the house. It is weatherproof on the outside and looks great in gardens and other vegetation. Additionally, it keeps indoor areas cooler and quieter.
Fireplace Covering
Sandstone is wonderful around fires. It effectively manages heat and gives the space a warm, earthy vibe. It makes the fireplace the focal point, whether you choose a contemporary finish or the traditional stacked form. It even aids in retaining and dispersing heat, which is quite beneficial in the winter.
Countertops in Kitchens
Although less common than granite, sandstone has a certain charm of its own. It works well for everyday kitchen use when sealed. It creates a welcoming, organic look and provides a soft texture under your feet. Most kitchen and cabinet styles enhance their subdued colours.
Pavers for Patios
Sandstone pavers both beautify outdoor spaces and offer functionality. They are available in clean and natural designs and are good for traction even when wet. Even when exposed to sunlight, they stay cool and water drains easily through them. They are suitable for any patio or lawn garden.
Advantages of Sandstone Tiles
The benefits of sandstone tiles are as follows:
- Each sandstone tile possesses a unique pattern that provides any floor with an elegant look.
- These can be ideal for use even barefoot due to their medium hardness.
- With their sturdiness and strength, these are long-lasting for years.
- They maintain their elegance for several decades with simple care.
- This material keeps the floor warm during winter and cool in summer because of its insulating thermal nature.
- Due to its natural components and slow decomposition, sandstone is environmentally friendly.
- It may be used inside safely because it does not release any toxic contaminants.
- It is easy to replace a broken tile without destroying the remaining tile
- Sandstone is resilient against wear.
- Reducing reliance on artificial resources encourages sustainable building practices.
Disadvantages of Sandstone Tiles
Some drawbacks of sandstone tiles include:
- As they are porous, they can absorb water and cause stains if they are not closed.
- In order to maintain their look, they require regular upkeep, including sealing.
- Sandstone will ultimately degrade where it is heavily used.
- It’s softer than many other stones and may scratch or chip more easily.
Installation Process of Sandstone Tile
Step-by-step installation process:
1. Preparing the Surface
Make sure the wall or floor is clean, level, and firm when you begin. If the surface is concrete, fill in the cracks and pits. If the subfloor is wood, install a cement backer board over it. This inhibits movement, which can cause the breaking of the sandstone tiles.
2. Sealing Before the Tiles Installation
Because sandstone is permeable, it will be necessary to seal the tiles before they can be installed. Apply a premium penetrating sealer to cover all surfaces of the tiles. It protects the stone from water as well as stains and discolouration due to the adhesive.
3. Apply Mortar
Apply a thin-set mortar that is specially formulated for use on natural stones and polymer-treated. Use a notched trowel that matches the size of your tiles to apply adhesive evenly. To prevent it from drying too quickly, cover small areas at a time.
4. Laying the Tiles
To achieve uniform spacing, place each tile separately using plastic spacers. Wait a full day or two, based on the instructions provided, before beginning the grouting stage.
5. Final Sealing and Grouting
Use a grout suitable for natural stone and apply it evenly. When the grout dries out entirely, re-seal the whole surface once more with a fresh coat of sealant. This prevents stains and maintains the original appearance of the grout and tiles. Depending on how often the surface is used, consider resealing it every one to two years.
How to Care for Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone’s beauty can be maintained for decades through good maintenance. Sweep with soft attachments regularly to remove anything that might scratch the surface. Do not use acidic or abrasive chemicals that etch or damage the surface, and use instead ph-neutral cleaners for natural stone.
Clean spills promptly, especially if they are acidic liquids like citrus juice or wine. Reseal with a premium penetrating sealer every 1-2 years, or whenever water no longer beads on the surface. For outdoor installations, clean fallen leaves and debris regularly to prevent staining, and professionally deep clean once yearly to bring back the stone’s natural beauty.
Conclusion
Sandstone’s warm colours, interesting textures, and ageless charm create sophisticated yet earthy interiors. As an accent wall, outdoor patio, or indoor floor, sandstone performs functional roles while linking us to nature’s creativity. At Brick & Bolt, where experience and quality meet natural stone installation, you can consider the makeover potential of sandstone tiles for your next home renovation project. To learn more about how sandstone can give your home a sense of timelessness and loveliness inspired by nature, contact our design advisors today.