Replies

1. 
   DougU | Apr 17, 2006 06:54am | #1

   Unless sandstone is much harder in your area then it is in mine I cant imagine using it for counter tops.

   I have a sandstone foundation and several of the houses around here are sandstone; I can rub the stone with my hand and make the sand flake off.

   Doug

2. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 17, 2006 07:11am | #2

   Brian,

   I did one of these once. The cusomers wanted it, and it was very pretty. It was also soft, weak, and fragile. Sandstone needs to be sealed. Save scrap or 2 for repairs. I wouldn't do it for myself, but everyone's different.

   Bill

1. 
   2x4 | Apr 19, 2006 04:41pm | #9

   Bill ...  I would be interested in knowing the size of the one you installed. This counter will be 120 inches long. I was thinking of doing it in three 40 inch pieces. It would be nice if it was one piece but the Quarry guy suggests that it will lessen the chance of breakage. It will be 2 inch thick and supported by a steel frame. Do you recall what you used as a sealer. Thanks for responding.

   Brian

1. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 19, 2006 07:51pm | #10

   Brian,The one I did was ~5' long by ~2' wide by 1-1/2" thick, all one piece, fully supported by a plywood subtop over custom welded steel corbels. It was a breakfast bar in a passthrough to the kitchen.I didn't seal it myself, so do not know what was used, but Miramatte would work pretty well. The counter was a brown sandstone and much softer than the typical pink stuff. It had woodlike grain patterns, and darkened a lot under the sealer.Bill

3. 
   Jerry18 | Apr 17, 2006 07:13am | #3

   Do you mean Silestone?

1. 
   2x4 | Apr 17, 2006 07:37am | #4

   I mean sandstone. I can purchase it directy from the Quarry and have the same concerns about the softness.  Am awaiting a call from Quarry owner on price which will help determine if it is worth the chance. Was hoping that there might be a sealer available to alleviate one of the problems.

   Brian

1. 
   larryscabnuts | Apr 17, 2006 07:51am | #5

   Be careful about cost.... Like in your time!

1. 
   2x4 | Apr 19, 2006 06:17am | #6

   Thanks for your input guys . If it goes ahead i will report back.

   Thanks again

   Brian

1. 
   QCInspector | Apr 19, 2006 02:18pm | #8

   The owner won't have to go far to sharpen his lemon slicing knife. ;-)

4. 
   IronHelix | Apr 19, 2006 02:17pm | #7

   Geologically speaking Sandstone is considered to be an "aquifer" when in a strata of stone.  It holds and transports water and well drillers catalog the best strata to finish a well in.

   The counter top of sandstone will be pourous and absorb everything..dripping condensate off cold drink glasses, sauce & fat from the BBQ ribs, spilled wine, suntan oil....on and on.  It will also suck up a lot of sealer and still be porous.

   If your customer wants the sandstone and accepts its inate characteristics that's great.  Just install it in a way to easily replace it...with another piece or a different product.

   ..............Iron Helix

    

5. 
   Chief | Apr 19, 2006 10:46pm | #11

   When you're done with the job, make sure to post a picture so that we can ooh and ahh.

    

   Chief of all sinners.
6. 
   FastEddie | Apr 20, 2006 02:58am | #12

   Ditto what DougU said.  Maybe you meant limestone?  I think I would find a reference on the net about the characteristics of sandstone, and have the HO sign off on it.

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   2x4 | Apr 20, 2006 04:27pm | #13

   Still trying to get info but spoke to a supplier of the stone business yesterday who provided the name of an Impregnator  ( sealer ) that is made for such type of counter tops. According to him sandstone is used quite often, not as much as granite but it is used. A web site that contains a lot of info is  Stone Tech. Haven't had the opportunity to go through it yet but it does list sandstone as a counter top which was kind of promising. Thanks to everyone for their comments, they are all valued.

   Brian

2. 
   2x4 | Apr 20, 2006 04:29pm | #14

   Fast Eddie.. I like your tag line, I live my life like that but you have to be careful not to get in over your head. Have a good one.

   Brian