How to Let Natural Sandstone Compliment Your Kitchen Design

                                                                                         

Sandstone kitchen floors are created from a sedimentary rock that is composed of quartz and feldspar, sand-sized mineral and rock grains. Sandstone countertops are the product of sand and sediment having been squeezed together for millions of years and held together by a natural cement, such as silica. Natural sandstone is an extremely hard and tough material. Sandstone is the youngest of the quartz-based stones, with each stone having a different level of porosity, hardness and compressive strength.

This process has produced a natural beauty that is unrivaled. This is why sandstone kitchen countertops have become quite popular in recent years. Also sandstone is available in a variety of shades of colors. Some of the slabs feature fossils embedded in the surface. It is easy to understand why many homeowners and builders make the choice of sandstone kitchen countertops over more common choices like granite and marble.

Natural sandstone can compliment either traditional or modern designs where the unique combinations of colors and texture can produce an ageless as well as a contemporary feel. Because of their natural beauty, sandstone is used for interior as well as exterior decoration including flooring, paving, walls and floors. Sandstone is resistant to most acids and alkalis.

Sandstone is weather resistant and can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. The beauty and versatility of the sandstone finish lies in the texture or matte appearance of the stone. As with sand, sandstone can be almost any color. The most common colors of sandstone are tan, brown, yellow, red, gray, and white.

Some sandstone is resistant to weathering, yet they are relatively easy to work. This is what makes sandstone a common building and paving material.

Sandstone kitchen countertops are considered to be some of the most beautiful countertops available. Because of their rich texture, grain and colors they a breathtaking addition to any kitchen design. They can require a little more maintenance and diligence than other stone countertops, however the aesthetic value of sandstone kitchen countertops is tough to beat.

Sandstone kitchen countertops can have their drawbacks however, so you need to know how to take care of and maintain your sandstone countertops. Because sandstone is more porous that other natural stones it can be more likely to stain. Also the porous nature of the stone allows for more moisture absorption that can lead to more staining and discoloration. Regular protection and proper cleaning of your sandstone kitchen countertops can reduce and eliminate these problems. It is also recommended that sandstone kitchen countertops should be sealed after installation. Sealing can protect the surface and lasts a number of years.

The best protection for sandstone kitchen countertops is be cautious, and immediately wipe spills. You should careful at all times not to let any spills set. For cleaning use pH balanced cleaners and mild, untinted, unscented detergents. A very mild dishwashing liquid works very well on sandstone surfaces. Do not use any acidic cleaners, especially those with citrus additives, since they can etch into and over time break down the polished and sealed surface.

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