Frequently Asked Questions

What is sandstone?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of small crystals of quartz and feldspar with clay and shale. Other minerals are included which give sandstone its variety of colors and patterns. [top]

Isn't sandstone porous?
The challenge is to using sandstone was its surface porosity. Loveless has developed a honing, sealing, and burnishing method to virtually eliminate porosity and greatly reduce the risk of staining. This treatment makes the stone a very suitable material for any surface. [top]

What is the hardness of sandstone?
Sandstone is a very hard and dense stone. Since it is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar, it is not subject to the scratching that marble and limestone may be. [top]

Will sandstone etch? I have had this happen with marble and limestones.
What will cause a stone to etch is its content of the mineral, calcium. Limestone and marble are mostly calcium. That makes them susceptible to etching. Sandstone contains only a tiny percentage of calcium, which eliminates the risk of etching. [top]

Do you need to seal this sandstone?
This product is installed with our sealed and burnished finish. About every year or so, a light buffing with furniture grade paste wax will help keep the finish beautiful and resilient. [top]

How much does sandstone weigh?
A square foot of sandstone that is about 1.5 inches thick will weigh about as much as a square foot or 1.25 inches thick of granite (about 15 pounds). A good cabinet installation is entirely appropriate to hold this product. The weight increases geometrically as the thickness increases. [top]

What counter edge details are available?
All of the standard counter edges such as eased, bullnose, ogee, and chiseled are produced. In addition, Loveless Sandstone will work with our clients to fabricate custom edges. [top]

What colors are available?
We have access to a variety of sandstones, which range from the tans, gold tones, deep burgundy, brown, grays and a "Picturestone," which is beautifully grained rather like wood. [top]

Do you stock sandstone slabs?
Each product is custom made. This begins with our obtaining the raw slab of the desired sandstone which is gauged, the surface fabricated to produce the Loveless finish, openings to accomodate sinks are polished, if required, and assembled to specification. We do not stock sandstone slabs. [top]

Who installs the sandstone?
Typically, we do. This is to ensure a high quality installation, one that we can guarantee. When the product is ordered, we come to the site and template the area when the cabinets have been installed. We then produce the job, transport it back to the site and complete the installation. Sometimes, if only a tabletop or a very small slab is needed, we can fabricate and ship the material to the site for installation by the stone professional working with the client. [top]

How much does this sandstone cost?
Loveless sandstone is about the same cost as a good grade of granite. Contact us for further information regarding your project. [top]

How do I maintain this surface?
Maintenance is very easy. Clean with mild soap and water. As with any countertop surface, do not cut directly on the stone. Always use a cutting board. Very hot pots and pans should not be placed on any stone, even granite. A trivet or a heat absorbing pad should be used. Although sandstone is a very tough and forgiving material, common sense is the rule in using your countertop. [top]