subject: Top three uses for sandstone in the garden [print this page] Top three uses for sandstone in the garden
There's no doubt that sandstone is an incredibly versatile material when it is used throughout commercial and residential constructions. Just take a look along any city block and you can be sure to see a range of sandstone walls, stairs, pillars, archways, monuments and decorative tiles. The same might be said around the home, where it is widely used to create fire places, driveways and courtyards. However, when it comes to home applications, gardens are also some of the best places to showcase the beauty of the stone and take advantage of its durable, weather-proof qualities. To get you thinking of ways in which you can include this beautiful and durable stone in your landscaping plans, here are some ideas of three places where it is ideal:
Paving: Sandstone is a popular choice for use in garden paving because it is so hard-wearing and ages well in any environment. Its strength is its other main attraction for use in paving. Sandstone has not only been found to perform well in all types of climates, but also under heavy traffic, meaning that, when used on paths and in courtyards, maintenance and replacement won't often be required.
Pool Surrounds: Sandstone is especially suited for use in pool surrounds because it is very porous. This means it can store significant amounts of moisture without suffering water damage. For this reason, it is not only perfect for pool surrounds, but also for use in other locations prone to moist conditions or wet weather. Sandstone can be prepared with a variety of different surfaces when it is combed, chiselled or hammered which are all finishing techniques that can lend a unique appearance to your pool.
Sculptures and Fountains: Due to the particular environmental conditions of its formation, sandstone is a dense, solid stone, but one that can also be easily carved into all manner of decorative and artistic formations. Because of its stunning range of colours, it is a popular choice of stone for masonry including garden furniture, fountains, birdbaths and sundials. It also works well for decorative garden ornaments because it ages quickly to inspire a classic, vintage feel.
This is really just the beginning of a long list of uses for sandstone in the garden, but it should give you some idea of its range of qualities and the advantages are offers in moist outdoor environments. Aside from the three uses outlined above, other applications in the garden include the formation of small walls, archways and pagodas.
