Sawn Sandstone
What is Sawn Sandstone?
Sawn sandstone is a type of natural stone that has been cut using diamond-tipped saws to achieve a smooth, uniform surface, known as a sawn surface. This precision cutting process not only enhances the stone’s natural appearance but also makes it easier to work with during installation. Sawn sandstone slabs stand out for their ability to showcase the unique colors, grains, and textures inherent in the stone, which are the result of millions of years of geological processes.
Popular for both indoor and outdoor applications, sawn sandstone is versatile enough to suit a wide range of design styles, from contemporary to classic. It’s a material that speaks to those who appreciate the artistry of nature and seek to bring that into their living or working spaces.
Why Choose Sawn Sandstone Slabs?
Choosing sawn sandstone for your flooring and covering needs means investing in a material that offers numerous benefits, each contributing to the overall quality, aesthetics, and functionality of your project.
Natural Aesthetic Appeal
Sawn sandstone’s aesthetic appeal lies in its natural beauty. Each piece of stone is unique, with a combination of colors, patterns, and textures that can’t be replicated by man-made materials. This organic variation is one of the key reasons why sawn sandstone slabs are so highly prized.
Durability
When it comes to durability, sawn sandstone is hard to beat. Formed over millions of years, this stone is incredibly resilient and capable of withstanding significant wear and tear. It’s tough enough to handle heavy foot traffic in busy areas like hallways, kitchens, and commercial spaces, yet refined enough to provide an elegant backdrop in more intimate settings.
In outdoor environments, sawn sandstone’s durability is even more apparent. It’s resistant to weathering, meaning it won’t degrade or lose its appeal when exposed to the elements, like the blazing sun, heavy rain, or freezing snow. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor patios, walkways, and garden paths that need to stand the test of time.
Versatility
One of the greatest strengths of sawn sandstone is its versatility, infact it can be used in virtually any setting.
Indoors, sawn sandstone is a popular choice for flooring, where its natural warmth and texture add character to living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. It’s also a stunning option for wall coverings, bringing a touch of natural beauty to feature walls, fireplaces, and entryways.
Outdoors, sawn sandstone shines in applications like patios, walkways, pool decks, and garden features. Its slip-resistant surface makes it a safe choice for areas that are prone to getting wet, such as around pools or in outdoor showers. These sawn paving slabs stay cool underfoot even in hot climates, making them comfortable to walk on during the summer months.
Technical Characteristics of Sawn Sandstone Slabs
To truly appreciate the value of sawn sandstone, it’s important to understand the technical characteristics that contribute to its performance and suitability for a variety of applications:
Density & Strength
Sawn sandstone is renowned for its density and strength, which are critical factors in its durability. The stone’s density ranges from medium to high, depending on its specific type, and it exhibits excellent compressive strength—typically between 20 and 170 MPa (megapascals). This means sawn sandstone blocks can withstand substantial weight and pressure without cracking or breaking, making it an ideal choice for both structural and decorative applications.
The stone’s density also plays a role in its ability to resist wear and tear, ensuring that even in high-traffic areas, your sawn sandstone flooring or covering will maintain its integrity and appearance for years to come. This strength is particularly beneficial in commercial settings, where materials are often subjected to rigorous use.
Slip Resistance
Safety is a top priority when choosing materials for flooring and outdoor surfaces, and sawn sandstone naturally provides excellent slip resistance. The fine texture and inherent roughness of the stone’s surface help to create friction underfoot, reducing the risk of slips and falls, even when the stone is wet. This makes sawn paving an ideal choice for pool decks, outdoor walkways, bathrooms, and kitchens—anywhere that moisture might be present.
Thermal Properties
Sawn sandstone’s thermal properties are another reason why it’s a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. The stone has a natural ability to absorb, store, and slowly release heat, which can help regulate temperatures in your home or business. In cooler climates, sawn sandstone absorbs warmth from sunlight or internal heating during the day and gradually releases it as temperatures drop, helping to keep indoor spaces comfortable.
In warmer climates, sawn sandstone’s ability to stay cool underfoot is particularly beneficial. Even on the hottest summer days, outdoor sawn paving slabs remain comfortable to walk on, making them an ideal choice for patios, pool decks, and other outdoor living areas. This thermal balance ensures that sawn sandstone contributes to a comfortable environment year-round.
Water Absorption
Water absorption is an important factor to consider, especially for outdoor applications or areas with high moisture exposure. Sawn sandstone generally has a low to moderate water absorption rate, typically ranging from 1% to 6%, depending on the type of stone, so the stone is less likely to absorb water, which can lead to staining or damage over time.
Color Variations
Sawn sandstone slabs come in a wide range of colors, from soft creams and warm yellows to rich reds, deep browns, and cool grays. These colors are a result of the minerals present during the stone’s formation, meaning each piece of sandstone is unique.
The stone’s colors also age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time that adds to its charm and character. This makes sawn sandstone paving not only a practical choice but also a long-term investment in the beauty and value of your property.
Our extensive selection of high-quality sawn sandstone slabs is carefully sourced from the best quarries around the world, ensuring you receive stone that is both beautiful and durable.
Our team of experts is here to assist you at every stage of your project. We’re committed to providing the highest level of service and quality.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What is sawn stone?
Sawn stone refers to any natural stone that has been cut into slabs or tiles using a saw. This process creates a smooth, flat surface, giving the stone a clean and contemporary appearance. The sawing process can be applied to various types of natural stone, including sandstone, limestone, granite, and marble.
The smooth finish of sawn stone highlights the stone’s natural colors, patterns, and textures, making it an ideal choice for modern designs in flooring, wall cladding, and paving. Because of its uniform surface, sawn stone is also easier to install and maintain compared to rougher finishes. It’s often used in both interior and exterior applications where a polished, sophisticated look is desired.
Contact us today to learn more about our sawn stone paving or other products and how they can bring a touch of elegance to your next project.
What is the difference between sawn and riven sandstone?
The key difference between sawn and riven sandstone lies in their surface finish and the way they are processed. Sawn sandstone is cut with precision using mechanical saws, resulting in a smooth, flat surface with a modern and uniform appearance. This finish highlights the stone’s natural colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for contemporary designs in both interior and exterior applications.
The riven sandstone has a more textured and rustic surface. It is split along its natural layers, creating an uneven, tactile finish that gives it a more traditional and organic look.
Get in touch with us to explore the best option for your project!
How to lay sawn sandstone paving?
Laying sawn sandstone paving requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Area: Start by marking out the area where the paving will be laid. Excavate the ground to a depth of about 150mm (6 inches) to accommodate the base material and the thickness of the sandstone slabs.
Create the Sub-base: Lay a compacted sub-base of crushed stone or hardcore, about 100mm (4 inches) deep. This provides a stable foundation for the paving and helps with drainage. Compact the sub-base thoroughly using a plate compactor.
Add a Bedding Layer: On top of the sub-base, add a 30-50mm (1-2 inches) layer of sharp sand or a mortar mix (4 parts sand to 1 part cement) that should be level and compacted, providing a smooth surface for the sandstone.
Lay the Sawn Sandstone Slabs: Start laying the sawn sandstone slabs on the bedding layer, positioning each slab carefully to ensure a uniform gap between them, typically 10-15mm (0.4-0.6 inches). Use spacers if necessary. Gently tap each slab into place with a rubber mallet, checking that it is level.
Jointing: Once the slabs are laid and level, fill the gaps between the slabs with a suitable jointing material, such as a mix of sand and cement or a jointing compound. Make sure the joints are filled evenly and compacted to avoid gaps.
Sealing (Optional but Recommended): After the paving has been laid and the joints have set, consider sealing the sandstone to protect it from stains and weathering. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the sealer.
Final Inspection and Cleaning: Once the paving is complete, inspect the area for any uneven slabs or loose joints. Clean the surface to remove any excess jointing material or debris.
How to clean sawn sandstone?
Cleaning sawn sandstone is essential to maintain its natural beauty and extend its lifespan. Here’s how to do it properly:
Regular Sweeping: Start by regularly sweeping the sandstone with a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt, dust, and debris and prevents particles from accumulating.
Rinsing with Water: For routine cleaning, rinse the sandstone with clean water using a garden hose or a bucket for wash away loose dirt and prevent buildup.
Use a Mild Detergent: For more thorough cleaning, mix a mild pH-neutral detergent with warm water. Apply the solution to the sandstone using a soft brush or mop. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s surface.
Scrubbing Stubborn Stains: If there are stubborn stains, gently scrub the affected area with the detergent solution and a soft brush.
Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the sandstone thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to remove all detergent from the surface to prevent streaks or a cloudy finish.
Drying: Allow the sandstone to air dry naturally, but if you need to do it quickly, you can use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface.
Sealing (Optional but Recommended): To make cleaning easier and protect the stone from stains, consider sealing the sandstone periodically because it helps repel water, dirt, and stains, keeping the stone looking fresh.
For more tips on maintaining your sawn sandstone, or if you need professional cleaning advice, contact us today. We’re here to help you keep your sandstone surfaces looking their best!
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