How To Maintain Sandstone

If you have sandstone somewhere in your home, such as paved floors or bench tops, you may have wondered whether and how you should maintain it to ensure it is always looking its best. At the end of the day, yes, you should regularly complete some maintenance on the areas of your home that contain sandstone, and you will be relieved to know that the process is relatively easy.

Airborne dirt particles settle on the surface of sandstone, occasionally getting lodged in the ‘pores’ of the stone and causing it to grey. Algae growth is also a problem, especially for stones in high moisture areas, as it will cause a black discoloration to your sandstone. Tannins (or garden waste) from overhanging vegetation can also have a temporary effect on the coloring of your sandstone.

These natural effects are near impossible to prevent, but regular maintenance can help to lessen them:

• regularly sweep or dust the surface of your sandstone to remove any dirt that has built up
• if outside, spray the surface of your sandstone with a pressure hose to remove any build up of dirt and to help discourage algae growth
• trim overhanging vegetation, especially if the tree is known to drop waste (such as eucalypts)
• regularly clean out surface drains to help ensure that water is quickly carried away from the sandstone’s surface
• regularly clean out gutters and downpipes to help prevent water overflowing onto cladding and pavers

Regularly does not mean daily – fortnightly or even monthly maintenance of your sandstone is acceptable for many of the common areas.

In most areas of your home, the best maintenance advice to follow is to have your sandstone sealed after it is installed. You can get this done professionally or opt to do it yourself. Ensure that the sealer you are using is appropriate for sandstone and use a paintbrush to apply it to the surface. A thin coating is sufficient, and slow brush strokes should be used to ensure that the finish is streak free. Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat.

If you do not regularly maintain your sandstone, you may find that the color fades and that the stones themselves are even damaged (through crumbling and cracking). Cleaning the surface of your sandstone on a regular basis coupled with applying a suitable sealer will ensure that your sandstone is well protected against environmental effects, giving it a long and prosperous life.