The Use of Sandstone in Construction

The materials that are present in homes must offer the following qualities: Resistance, durability, firmness, and a good aesthetic appearance. In this regard, we can emphasize the relevance that the use of sandstone in construction acquires.

Today we work with different components with which to achieve the degree of functionality. The most important thing is that the house is isolated, that it’s protected from the weather, that it doesn’t deteriorate, and that quality is guaranteed.

However, it’s brick that’s most present in new buildings. It must be taken into account that, fundamentally, it’s about lowering costs, while other more noble materials can lead to higher housing prices.

What is sandstone like?

First of all, it should be noted that it is a type of sedimentary rock whose color can vary. Depending on the region from which it’s extracted, it can have a lighter and brownish hue or a darker and grayish one.

Another factor to take into account is its level of hardness. Although it’s not comparable to granite, it has considerable resistance for being used in construction; In addition, it has a unique quality: it’s easier to polish and carve, as it’s porous and rough.

Throughout history, it has been used in architecture to give it an artisan touch. The infrastructures of ancient buildings have been nourished by this type of rock to such an extent that they’re still used today. In addition, it offers a much more colorful, warm, and cheerful image, which is why it has always been a useful resource for art.

A very interesting material to enrich the aesthetic beauty of the whole.

Its use in exteriors and interiors

Undoubtedly, it’s on the outside of buildings where it can have the greatest presence, as it’s part of the infrastructure itself, but at the same time demonstrates that it has a lot to say on a decorative level. Just the same, it can also be included inside the home. Let’s see, therefore, how it can work:

• Normally, the yellowish-brown tone sandstone is the most demanded. This usually darkens slightly over time. It combines very well with other solid structural parts such as beams, frames, or other dark elements.
• Well-carved rectangular or square blocks are the most common. They’re mainly used to make up the walls and the façade that makes up the house. However, it can also appear in other formats, for example, in masonry or in irregular blocks, one on top of the other.
• One factor to take into account is the warmth it offers to the naked eye. The reflection of sunlight favors the general image and turns the building into a single uniform block that transmits serenity, pleasantness, and temperance.
• In interiors, it can be seen as natural stone. It’s not a matter of repeating on the inside the same thing that’s seen on the outside, but there may be some visible part. In fact, it’s easy to carve if you want to make some kind of design on its surface.

Relationship with the rustic style

Sandstone in construction can be accommodated as long as it’s applied under an appropriate style. It’s probably less fitting for genres such as avant-garde, minimalism, or contemporary; however, it can be used in these contexts if they’re reinterpreted.

It’s in the rustic style where it best fits. This is basically due to the traditional and noble feeling that it possesses. A conventional character is installed in the space thanks to its conventional appearance; it looks great wherever it is.

In the living room, common areas, or bathrooms, it can be a good option. In fact, it adapts very well to any decorative resource that’s available around it.

For classic and current housing

Currently, there are many architects who use this type of material to carry out their projects. Mainly, beauty is sought not only in the interior but also in the exterior of the home.

Design is more and more laborious and surprising; For this reason, it’s important to use first-class materials. This is where sandstone plays an important role in construction. Whichever way you look at it, it has become clear that its contribution is absolutely positive.

Main image: Metalocus