The Pros and Cons of Sandstone Countertops
When choosing countertop material the standard materials that people go with are granite and quartz. If you are one that likes to venture outside of the norm you may have explored options such as quartzite, soapstone, or even lava. A stone countertop option that you most likely haven’t heard of or considered is sandstone. Sandstone is a natural stone that is formed over long periods of time as sand is compressed in large deposits. This stone can be quarried like other natural stones and processed into slabs.
Pros
If you want a one-of-a-kind countertop, and love natural stone, sandstone could be a great choice. Many homeowners choose these countertops for their beautiful looks. The unique look of this material can create a desert styled space from the deep orange and brown hues. Sandstone, like other natural stones, is heat resistant, meaning you don’t need to worry about setting a hot pot or pan on it.
Cons
The list of cons for sandstone countertops is unfortunately long. Starting off, sandstone is not a tough or durable stone. It comes with a premium price tag as it is rare and hard to aquire. Dropped pots will quickly damage the countertop, moving things around the top will easily scratch it. Sandstone is also very porous and is eager to absorb any liquids that are left on the surface. It needs to be sealed regularly, but even with sealing, you need to be very cautious about liquids being left on the surface. These countertops are quite rare, and because of this, finding a fabricator that has experience with this material is going to be difficult and costly. If you use a standard fabricator that doesn’t work with sandstone, their standard fabrication process will not work for this stone.
When you start to look at the less mainstream countertop options, remember that there are reasons that they aren’t as popular as other materials such as granite and quartz. Sandstone countertops are ideal for the homeowner that isn’t concerned about price and functionality as much as uniqueness and styling. Come into our showroom to talk to a stone expert, describe what you’re looking for, and they can help you figure out exactly what will work for you.
