What is Sandstone?

Sandstone is a character-rich natural stone known for its earthy tones, natural texture, and suitability for walling applications. From retaining walls to feature facades, it brings warmth and timeless appeal to outdoor spaces. 

Sandstone has been used in architecture for centuries and remains a popular choice for both heritage-style and modern designs. Its workability and visual variation make it ideal for cladding surfaces with depth and interest. 

In this article, we explain what sandstone is, how it forms, and why it’s trusted for walling in Australian landscapes.

What Is Sandstone?

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made from compacted sand, mostly quartz with trace minerals that influence its colour. It forms over millions of years through natural compression and cementation. Known for its grainy texture and earthy tones, sandstone is widely used in Australian architecture, especially for walling and decorative cladding.

What Makes Sandstone Unique: Key Characteristics

Sandstone is valued for more than its appearance. Its natural texture, colour range, and versatility make it an excellent choice for walling in both traditional and modern landscape designs.

1. Naturally Textured Surface

Sandstone has a visibly grainy, tactile surface formed by compressed sand particles. This natural texture gives walling projects an organic, earthy appearance that complements both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.

2. Warm, Earthy Colour Palette

Sandstone comes in a range of warm tones, including beige, brown, pink, and soft gold. These natural shades help blend walling seamlessly into surrounding landscapes or architectural materials.

3. Softer and Easier to Shape

Compared to igneous stones, sandstone is relatively soft. This makes it easier to cut, shape, and dress into custom walling formats, especially for dry stack, ashlar, or irregular cladding styles.

4. Naturally Insulating

Due to its density and composition, sandstone provides good thermal insulation. When used in walling, it can help moderate heat retention and temperature regulation in outdoor and semi-enclosed structures.

5. Porous but Sealable

Sandstone is naturally porous, which adds to its breathable character. When sealed correctly, it becomes more resistant to water and staining, making it more durable for external walling applications.

Sandstone Varieties for Distinctive Walling Styles

Sandstone comes in a range of varieties, each offering its own colour, texture, and personality. These options suit different walling styles and finishes, from rustic dry stack to clean, sawn-faced installations.

1. Charlotte Sandstone

Charlotte Sandstone features creamy beige tones with subtle layering, ideal for soft, elegant walling. Available in natural split and sawn finishes, it suits both traditional garden walls and contemporary cladding designs.

2. Roman Sandstone

Roman Sandstone displays warm golden hues and a coarse, natural texture. Often used in natural split or tumbled finishes, it’s perfect for dry-stacked walling and rustic facades with strong character.

3. Australiana Sandstone

Australiana Sandstone is known for its rich colour variation—pink, gold, and brown tones often appear in one piece. It’s typically offered in split-face finishes for use in expressive, organic walling schemes.

4. Roman Ashlar Sandstone

Roman Ashlar Sandstone is finely dressed and cut into clean blocks with uniform height. Supplied in sawn or honed finishes, it lends itself to formal feature walls and refined architectural detailing.

5. Stirling Sandstone

Stirling Sandstone is defined by soft grey and muted beige tones. Its understated look suits modern facades and garden walls. Available in natural split or sandblasted finishes, it pairs well with wood and steel.

Common Applications of Sandstone

Sandstone is valued not only for its beauty but also for its versatility. Here are the most common ways it’s used to bring warmth and structure to outdoor walling projects.

1. Retaining Walls

Sandstone is a popular choice for retaining walls, offering both structural support and natural charm. Its texture and colour variations create visual interest while blending effortlessly with surrounding landscapes and planting.

2. Feature Walls and Facades

Sandstone enhances both feature walls and exterior facades with its natural depth and tone. Available in sawn or split finishes, it brings warmth, texture, and timeless style to architectural and landscape designs.

3. Garden and Boundary Walls

Sandstone suits garden borders and low perimeter walls, offering a warm, inviting appearance. It’s easy to work with, and its natural tones complement both formal and informal garden designs.

4. Fireplace Surrounds and Chimneys

For outdoor fireplaces and chimney structures, sandstone brings an organic, grounded look. Its heat resistance and textured finish make it both functional and aesthetically fitting for these vertical elements.

5. Pillars and Columns

Sandstone blocks or ashlar pieces can be used to build striking entrance pillars or courtyard columns. The stone’s colour variation and workability allow for detailed shaping and elegant structural forms.

Why Choose Sandstone for Walling Projects?

Sandstone brings more than just good looks to a wall. Its workability, natural texture, and local availability make it a smart, long-term choice for a range of architectural and landscaping needs.

1. Timeless Appearance That Suits All Styles

Sandstone’s warm tones and natural textures suit both modern architecture and heritage-inspired landscapes. It adds visual character and blends effortlessly into a wide range of outdoor design styles and settings.

2. Easy to Cut and Work With

Sandstone’s relative softness makes it easier to shape than denser stone types. This allows for customised walling, including detailed edging, ashlar blocks, dry stack formats, or curved decorative features.

3. Complements Australian Landscapes

With its earthy tones and raw texture, sandstone harmonises naturally with Australian surroundings. It suits bushland, coastal, and suburban settings, making it a versatile choice for a cohesive landscape design.

4. Suitable for Structural and Decorative Walls

Whether you’re building a retaining wall or a decorative boundary feature, sandstone works across both form and function. It brings stability while adding timeless visual impact to vertical spaces.

5. Environmentally Friendly and Locally Available

When sourced responsibly, sandstone is a sustainable option. Many varieties are quarried in Australia, reducing transport emissions and supporting local industry while maintaining high-quality, long-lasting walling solutions.

Maintenance and Care for Sandstone

Sandstone is naturally durable, but proper care will keep it looking its best for years. These simple steps help maintain the beauty and integrity of your sandstone walling.

• Seal after installation: Apply a breathable, penetrating sealer to reduce porosity and help prevent moisture ingress, stains, and weathering in exposed outdoor conditions.
  
• Use mild cleaning solutions: Clean with pH-neutral or stone-safe detergents. Avoid acidic or abrasive products that may damage the surface or strip protective sealants.
  
• Sweep and rinse regularly: Clear dust, leaves, and debris with a soft broom or low-pressure hose to maintain the stone’s natural texture and colouration.
  
• Re-seal every 2 to 3 years: Depending on exposure and climate, periodic re-sealing helps prolong sandstone’s resistance to water and marks. High-exposure areas may need more frequent treatment.
  
• Spot-treat stains early: Address marks promptly using stone-safe stain removers to avoid deep absorption, especially for oil or organic spills.
  
• Check for erosion or damage: Inspect wall joints and stone surfaces occasionally. Replace any eroded, loose, or damaged stones to maintain both appearance and structural stability.

Conclusion

Sandstone offers a natural, timeless finish that brings warmth and texture to any walling project. Its versatility, workability, and earthy appeal make it a trusted choice for Australian landscapes. 

Whether you’re planning a feature wall or structural boundary, sandstone delivers lasting impact. For expert advice and premium sandstone solutions, speak with the team at Splendour in Stone to find the right variety for your project.