Sandstone vs. Limestone: Choosing the Right Stone for Your Project

STONEarch Saga Sandstone

Sandstone in Landscaping

Appearance

• Varied Colors: Sandstone boasts a spectrum of colors, including reds, browns, yellows, and grays.
• Texture: Its rough and granular texture adds a natural, earthy feel to landscaping.‍

Durability

• Moderate: Sandstone is reasonably durable but may experience erosion over time.‍

Porosity

• Moderate to High: The porosity of sandstone can vary, impacting its resistance to stains.‍

Common Landscaping Uses

• Outdoor Pavers: Sandstone’s rugged charm makes it popular for patios and walkways. A good example is STONEarch’s Slate Gray, which exhibits light to medium gray tones with a touch of beige, showcasing a subtly natural surface and faint striations. Its versatility makes it ideal for various applications, seamlessly blending with the natural hues of a garden patio while also providing a distinguished entrance stone against lighter architectural backgrounds.
• Retaining Walls: Its durability suits it for creating visually appealing and sturdy retaining walls.
• Landscaping Features: From garden borders to decorative elements, sandstone adds a rustic touch.

Limestone in Landscaping

Appearance

• Various Tones: Limestone showcases soft, neutral colors like beige, cream, and gray. But for those who prefer a unique and deeper tone of limestone, STONEarch offers Black Limestone featuring a consistently deep black shade. Widely favored for its striking and distinctive appearance, this stone continues to be a preferred choice for landscapers worldwide.
• Texture: It generally has a smoother texture compared to sandstone.‍

Durability

• Moderate: While durable, limestone may wear in high-traffic areas over time.‍

Porosity

• Variable: Porosity can differ among limestone varieties, affecting staining susceptibility.‍

Common Landscaping Uses

• Flooring Tiles: Limestone’s elegant appearance makes it suitable for outdoor flooring.
• Wall Cladding: Smooth limestone is often chosen for creating visually appealing walls.
• Architectural Details: Limestone can be carved into intricate designs for added landscaping flair.‍

Making the Right Choice

1. Aesthetic Harmony: Consider the colors and textures that align with your landscaping vision.
2. Functionality: Assess the durability and suitability for the specific landscaping application.
3. Maintenance: Factor in porosity and the maintenance requirements for your chosen stone.

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