Stone World

Let’s choose between Limestone vs Sandstone Which natural stone you should include in your home design

Sedimentary rocks like Limestone and sandstone both are beautiful gifts of nature, which have been used in construction and décor for many years now. They both are maintenance-free and very sturdy, they can endure all kinds of weather, and are cost-effective.

Know a little about Sandstone:

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Most sandstones are composed of quartz or feldspar or both. Sandstone occurs in many colors, making it a suitable choice for interiors as well as exteriors in construction. It is widely available in the Indian subcontinent.Irrespective of its softness or high porosity, Sandstone is quite durable and can withstand weather fluctuations with ease.

Know a little about Limestone:

Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed at the bottom of lakes and seas with the accumulation of shells, bones, and other calcium rich goods. It mainly comprises calcium carbonate – CaCO3. Limestone due to its properties acts as a natural insulator, trapping heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. It is also naturally flame resistant making it ideal in the kitchen.

Let us look at some properties of these two natural stones to decide which ones to use in interiors.

Criteria	Limestone	Sandstone
Hardness	Limestone is relatively soft, with hardness measured between 2 to 4 on Mohs scale. For this nature, it is preferred in interiors, as it is easy to carve and polish.	Sandstone is relatively hard, with hardness measured between 6 to 7 on Mohs scale. Sandstone for its nature is preferred to give a tough and rough look in interiors and is the first choice for exteriors.
Density	1.95 to 2.55 mg/m3	2.0 to 2.35 mg/m3
Water Absorption	Limestone absorbs water well, and its absorption is rated between 3% to 15%.	With absorption rated between 3% to 20%, sandstone absorbs more water than limestone
Porosity	Limestone has a porosity between 5% to 30%, making it smoother than sandstone, so it is more useful in interiors, where finishing and polishing are required.	Sandstone is more porous than limestone, and that contributes to its uneven texture. The porosity of sandstone is calculated between 10% to 20%, making it suitable for floors and pavements. Despite itsporous nature, it is maintenance-free.
Compressive Strength	30 to 60 Mpa	25 to 400 Mpa
Weather Resistance	As limestone belongs to the calcite group of rocks it has a lower resistance to weather's harsh conditions.	Sandstone has a heat capacity of0.92 kJ/Kg. Its weaker porous nature proves to be an advantage in harsh weather conditions.
Value and Flexibility	Limestone is generally less expensive to procure and install than other natural stones like marble and granite. It is an excellent choice for interiors as it can be easily worked within a limited budget.	Unlike limestone, sandstone is quite maintenance-free. It's just a one-time installation fee that you pay. It lasts longer with little or no maintenance.

Final Word

Sandstone is used for its properties of strength and durability, while limestone is used for its look and softness, which can be worked around on a limited budget. If you live near rivers, lakes, or deserts we would recommend that you work with sandstone as it is only marginally affected by weather constraints, and in the long run would prove to be more economical than limestone. On the other hand, if you live in dry areas, limestone is your choice for interiors without a doubt! Although, one can choose either depending on use, aesthetic taste or preference.