Choosing the right facade is a big decision for most homeowners and it’s easy to see why. Your home’s facade will be the key factor in its curb appeal and will be the first sight you see when you come home. Beyond the aesthetic value, the building material you use for your house’s exterior plays a vital role in the building’s insulation, durability and weather resistance. Sandstone wall cladding is one of the many options available on the market, and it’s the focus of this article. We’ll be reviewing the pros and cons of sandstone facade design and exploring whether it is the best material for your new home.
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of a Sandstone facade?
- Aesthetics: Natural Australian sandstone wall cladding brings a raw, elemental look to your home which gives your house a distinct character.
- Durability: Sandstone is a very durable material, making it ideal for exterior use. Your cladding will stand up to weathering and general wear and tear.
- Flexibility in use: Sandstone can be used for a range of uses to accompany your facade including pavers, flooring and interior cladding.
- Affordability: Compared to natural stone or brick, sandstone cladding is much more affordable. If you want that masonry look to your new home.
What are the drawbacks of a Sandstone facade?
- Heavy material: Sandstone weighs a lot, which not only means that installation is more difficult but also means it’s essential the structure of your home can support the extra weight.
- Moisture Issues: Sandstone is a porous material, meaning it’ll naturally absorb water from the air and release it. Unfortunately, excess moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mould.
- Cost: Wait, didn’t we just say the affordability of sandstone was a plus? Sandstone is only affordable compared to other masonry materials. Compared to timber or concrete, it’s
- Damage: Compared to materials like marble, sandstone is more likely to experience damage, either from wear and tear or impact damage.
What are the different types of Sandstone facades?
Tumbled Sandstone: A very popular choice for both internal and exterior use in both commercial and residential settings. It has a rustic look which is a styling preference of many homeowners. It’s a durable option for feature walls or entire facades.
Split face sandstone: Another popular option for exterior use, split face sandstone wall cladding offers a unique texture pattern, and these textures can add beauty to your facade while also proving durability.
Polished sandstone: Polished sandstone produces smooth surfaces and sharp edges and is a perfect choice for those wanting a cleaner look.
What are the different design options & finishes for a Sandstone facade?
A variety of finishes are available for sandstone cladding which will alter the textures and appearances of your facade. The options available will vary depending on the company you purchase from, but some finishes on the market include:
- Rock faced
- Diamond sawn
- Hydra split
- Margins
- Chamfer
- Sparrow pecked
- Gang sawn
- Boasted/chiselled
Some of the design options available include:
- Rockface Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Hydrasplit Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Diamond Sawn Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Gangsawn Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Sparrow Pecked Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Honed Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Bush-hammered Finish Sandstone Cladding
- Custom Profiled Sandstone Cladding
How much does a Sandstone facade cost?
For the materials themselves, the price of sandstone will vary depending on whether you purchase random cladding or cladding tiles.
Random cladding prices will begin at around $44 per square metre.
Cladding Tile prices will start at around $88 per square metre.
Remember this does not include delivery, labour and installation costs which can easily double price.
How does a Sandstone facade perform?
Weather resistance
Sandstone wall cladding is durable against rain, strong winds, and hail. It’s not vulnerable to moisture issues to the same degree as materials like timber.
Sound insulation
In a well-designed home, sandstone cladding provides strong sound insulation. Depending on how soundproof you wish your home to be, you may require extra insulation (for example, if you record at home).
Mould resistance
Sandstone is a porous material that can potentially lead to mould if you’re not careful. The best route is to treat your sandstone and if you find any mould, deal with it sooner rather than later. Often what leads to mould is excess moisture and organic matter attached to the sandstone, rather than the sandstone itself.
Durability
Though not as durable as stone or brick, you can still expect to get decades from your sandstone facade, providing it is well-maintained and designed.
How much maintenance and cleaning is required for a Sandstone facade?
Sandstone requires low maintenance and doesn’t usually need much cleaning. It is very durable and although more likely to sustain some wear and tear compared to other stones, it is still one of the toughest building materials on the market.
Are Sandstone facades sustainable options?
Natural sandstone is a sustainable source, provided it is reasonably sourced. In the long run, the thermal insulation provided by sandstone will reduce your energy bills and usage, and the strength and durability of sandstone will lead to less need for repairs.
What are the key differences between Sandstone facades vs other material options?
So, now we know a little more about sandstone, let’s see how it compares to some of the most popular building materials on the market.
Brick
- Sandstone is more affordable than brick
- Brick is a popular building material and often fetches a higher price on the open market.
- Both provide quality sound and thermal insulation. Which is better will come down to design and where you’re building.
Hebel
- Hebel is more affordable than sandstone.
- Sandstone has a longer lifespan than hebel.
- Hebel is a lightweight material and easier to install.
Timber
- Sandstone is usually more expensive than timber.
- However, sandstone is more durable and less vulnerable to issues like pests, rot and moisture damage.
- Timber is one of the most readily available building materials and is likely to have high transportation costs.
Stone
- Stone has a longer lifespan and is more durable than sandstone.
- However, natural stone is also much more expensive to purchase and install
- Sandstone is one of the more affordable masonry options.
Our tips for choosing a facade for your new home
- Consider where you’re building your new home and whether the material suits the weather conditions and climate.
- Make sure your choice of material suits the style of the house you’re building. What works for a Hamptons Home won’t necessarily suit a more modern design.
- Keep your budget in mind. Financial problems are one of the biggest issues people face when building a new home.
- Talk to a building expert like Buildi to get impartial, expert advice on your situation.
Buildi is here to help you throughout your building journey.
Need some help during your building journey? Buildi is a building broker who is dedicated to giving power back to the consumer. Whether you’re looking for the perfect builder for your project or want someone to guide you through all the meetings and decisions you need to make, we’ll save you time, stress, and money. Get in touch today for a free, impartial consultation.
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