Limestone vs Sandstone
Choosing Limestone over Sandstone
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Limestone is surprisingly affordable
Choose Limestone over Sandstone. Save money and achieve the identical look!
What’s the difference between Limestone and Sandstone ?
Limestone
- Is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Limestone is predominately quite light (cream) in colour but can range into biscuit and honeycomb colours
- Our Mount Gambier Limestone (fossiliferous limestone) is located and quarried from the Marte deposits, 10km west of Mount Gambier in the South East of South Australia
- Limestone originated from extensive colonies of bryozoa (or lace coral) that flourished on an open-marine shelf, formed over 30 million years ago. Its composition consists of bryozoa, foraminifea and echinoid spines and plates
Sandstone
- Is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains
- Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white and black
- Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts
Why BRUHN Limestone can save you a massive amount of money…
- Here at BRUHN Limestone we pride ourselves on producing a broad range of high quality affordable products, always supplied to the market in a timely manner
- With over 70 years’ experience and over 5,500 projects successfully supported in a national market we are proud of the fine reputation we have built during this time
- Our natural limestone in ‘like for like’ sizing is generally 300% to 140% cheaper than other sandstone products currently on the market, resulting in huge savings on any stone project
- BRUHN Limestone has a very broad range of face finished ashlar blocks and decorative moulds that will compliment both traditional and more modern contemporary architecture Having this range means all your stone requirements can be purchased through one supplier
- As our stone is much less expensive than sandstone, is incredibly consistent in sizing, and arrives shrink-wrapped on site immediately ready to lay, masons can keep their labour costs to an absolute minimum, again offering further savings on a stone project
- To ask any questions or obtain an obligation free quote please contact the team at BRUHN by e-mailing admin@bruhnlimestone.com.au or calling (08) 8721 8000
Do the comparisons yourself as we know you will be pleasantly surprised.
Comparing Limestone and Sandstone products:
Limestone and Sandstone quarries are still very active in the Australian market with a broad range of quarries in Australia still operating and producing quality dimensional stone.
The large majority of all these quarries are professionally run and produce high-quality natural products, however, there are areas in the decision-making process that clients need to consider:
- Availability
When choosing any stone product always fully understand the product’s availability and turnaround time as delays on-site can be frustrating and costly. We maintain holdings in our quarry which can be shipped to your project location.
- Availability
- Consistent sizing
Understand consistency of sizing, as limestone ashlar blocks are supplied as a consistent dimension, which represents less work for the stonemason, resulting in reduced project costs. Read more.
- Consistent sizing
- Product Range
Fully appreciate the range of products from the supplier as many quarries offer various face finishes and decorative moulds
- Product Range
- Consistent Colours
Ask about the consistency of colours as being a natural product, colour often vary. We can supply you with a stone sample.
- Consistent Colours
- Project Size
Have an approx. idea of the m2 of your project. This information can generally be sourced through your architect, builder or stone supplier (estimates from working drawings) and always ask for an itemised quote on the products you are interested in as this will offer complete transparency on overall product costs. Try our Building Cost Calculator
- Project Size
- View the stone
Be sure to view other completed projects either personally or ask for a gallery of images. This information will offer you confidence in the look and feel of the stone. We can supply you with a stone sample.
- View the stone
- Thermal Ratings
Although all stone offers excellent thermal and acoustic qualities source exact ratings. Read more on thermal conductivity.
- Thermal Ratings
- Building Process
Understand the building process, as some stone can be used as a cladding (stone tied to frames) or as double skin construction. Read more about building with premium rockface and plain face limestone blocks.
In some instances, veneer stone is adhered to cladding often exaggerating construction costs.
- Building Process
- Laying Costs
To fully appreciate the costs of building in stone you should always engage an experienced and qualified stonemason to talk you through the building process, as various stone products can vary in their laying costs due to their weight, sizing and the need for the stone to be dressed. Read more in our frequently asked questions - Durability
Limestone and Sandstone are both tough and durable natural stones. They score high on weather endurance and physical wearing which is why both are ideal options for construction. Both natural stone types have been used in the construction of commercial and domestic buildings. Sandstone is easier to work with as it is softer than limestone, however, this also makes the stone prone to scratching or denting, especially in indoor applications.
- Laying Costs
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