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For a truly unique and earthy look, many homeowners consider sandstone kitchen benchtops in Perth homes. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that, as its name suggests, is essentially ancient sand that has been compacted and cemented together over time. This stone often carries warm, golden-beige tones or nuanced earthen colors with subtle layering that can instantly give a kitchen a rustic, organic feel. At Schmick Stone & Cabinets, we appreciate the raw beauty of sandstone and can craft it into a bespoke benchtop for those seeking something different. However, we also ensure our clients understand the characteristics of sandstone so they know exactly what to expect from this material.
Sandstone has a look unlike any other stone. Its surface typically features gentle color variations and natural banding, reminiscent of desert dunes or beachside cliffs. This can bring a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe to a kitchen – imagine a sunny, country-style space with matte-finished sandstone counters, or an alfresco bar area with the soft, weathered texture of sandstone under your cocktails. The tactile feel of sandstone is slightly textured (when honed rather than polished), which many find appealing as it’s more organic and less slick than highly polished granite or quartz. In interior design, sandstone pairs wonderfully with timber, brick, and other organic materials. If you’re aiming for a coastal, Mediterranean, or farmhouse kitchen theme, a sandstone benchtop could be the standout feature that ties it all together, providing a sense of age-old character and casual elegance.
It’s important to note that sandstone is softer and more porous than most other benchtop stones. On the hardness scale, sandstone ranks below granite and engineered quartz, which means a sandstone surface can scratch or chip more easily if subjected to heavy abuse. It also means edges and corners should be treated with some care (we often recommend a rounded edge profile to minimize fragility). The porosity of sandstone is higher than materials like granite; unsealed sandstone will readily absorb liquids and can stain. For a kitchen benchtop, this makes proper sealing non-negotiable. At installation, we apply multiple coats of a high-grade penetrating sealer to significantly reduce sandstone’s absorbency. Even so, spills should be wiped up promptly – substances like red wine, turmeric, beetroot juice, or oil can discolor the stone if left to sit. We advise our sandstone benchtop clients to be diligent with using cutting boards, trivets, and wiping up spills as part of daily use. Additionally, a sandstone benchtop will need regular sealing, at least once every year to maintain its resistance to stains (possibly more frequently in a busy kitchen). The sealing process is straightforward and we can guide you on it or even handle it for you as part of a maintenance plan. All these considerations don’t mean sandstone can’t be used in a kitchen – it just means it suits someone who’s willing to give it a bit of TLC and who perhaps embraces the idea of a surface developing a patina over time.
Because of sandstone’s unique properties, we often recommend it for specific applications where its strengths shine and its weaknesses can be managed. For example, sandstone can be fantastic for a feature kitchen island or breakfast bar that isn’t the main workbench. In such cases, you get the visual impact and beauty of the stone in a central feature, while using a more resilient stone (like engineered stone or granite) on the high-traffic prep areas around the sink and cooktop. Sandstone is also popular for outdoor kitchens and bars in Perth – its naturally weathered look actually complements outdoor entertaining areas, and any slight roughness or aging just adds to the charm in an outdoor setting. (Of course, we still seal outdoor sandstone to protect against BBQ oils or red wine spills during parties.) If you have a built-in BBQ or pizza oven, a sandstone benchtop or surround can blend beautifully with brick and timber elements, creating a resort-like feel in your backyard. Another smart use of sandstone is as a decorative accent: for instance, a low dividing wall topped with sandstone, or a section of the kitchen benchtop used as a servery that extends to an outdoor patio. In these scenarios, sandstone provides that wow-factor and warmth without necessarily being the primary surface for chopping and cooking (thus reducing wear).
At Schmick Stone & Cabinets, we take extra steps to make a sandstone benchtop as kitchen-friendly as possible. Besides using the best sealers, we often finish sandstone with a honed (matte) surface rather than a glossy polish. A honed finish tends to mask minor scratches or etches (from acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar) better than a polished finish would – any marks simply blend into the stone’s natural texture. Some clients even feel that a bit of wear enhances the rustic appeal of sandstone, giving it a lived-in, Old-World character. For edge profiling, we typically suggest a pencil round or bullnose edge (a gently rounded edge) on sandstone benchtops. This not only complements the soft look of the stone but also helps mitigate edge chipping, as there are no sharp corners. If a client desires, we can apply an additional surface treatment or coating designed for porous stones. This can provide an extra layer of protection on top of the sealer, making cleaning even easier (spills bead up on the surface) – though it may slightly alter the feel of the stone. During installation, our team pays careful attention to supporting the stone; while sandstone is lighter than granite, it still needs good cabinet support and careful handling. Rest assured, we handle sandstone slabs with the same precision and care as any other high-end stone.
We understand that choosing a sandstone kitchen benchtop Perth is often a decision driven by love for its look and feel. Our role is to make sure you’re aware of the care it entails and to ensure you’ll be happy with it for years to come. If you love the light, sandy color of sandstone but are hesitant about its softness, we can show you some beautiful granites or quartzites that have similar warm beige tones and more robust performance. Likewise, several engineered stone options mimic the neutral, earthy vibe of sandstone with virtually zero maintenance – these might be worth considering as well. Our team will never pressure you one way or another; rather, we provide comparisons and honest advice. Some clients ultimately decide that they adore the authentic, natural aspect of sandstone and embrace it despite the extra care. Others decide to opt for a more resilient material that captures some of sandstone’s aesthetic. Either way, our goal is to help you achieve your desired look and make sure your benchtop suits your lifestyle. With our extensive knowledge of both natural and engineered stones, we can guide you to the solution that strikes the right balance for you.
If you have your heart set on a sandstone kitchen benchtop, Schmick Stone & Cabinets is one of the few specialists in Perth experienced in working with this unique material. We’ll start by sourcing high-quality sandstone slabs – looking for ones with the density, color, and pattern that will work best for your project. (Sandstone can vary, and we choose only those slabs we trust for use on a benchtop.) We custom-fabricate the benchtop to your design, including any cutouts for sinks or appliances, and then our skilled team will install it with care. We make sure to seal the stone thoroughly and will leave you with extra sealer and instructions for future upkeep. Throughout the process, from first inquiry to final installation, we’re here to answer questions and provide support.
Considering a sandstone kitchen benchtop in Perth? It’s definitely a specialty choice, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Feel free to contact Schmick Stone & Cabinets to discuss your vision. We can arrange a time for you to visit our workshop or view samples, and even compare a sealed sandstone sample side-by-side with similar-looking materials. Our passion is helping you achieve the look you dream of, in a way you’ll love living with. With the right approach and care, a sandstone benchtop can be both a practical work surface and a piece of natural art in your home. Let us help you bring that vision to life – and as always, “Want perfection? Ask for Schmick.” We’ll ensure you get the best out of every stone we install.