Limestone vs Sandstone for Landscaping: A Contractor's Comparison

  • Architects specifying outdoor flooring often default to whichever stone they used last time, without comparing limestone and sandstone directly. Both work well for landscaping, but they perform differently enough that the choice should depend on the project, not habit. After supplying both to landscaping and flooring projects across 40+ countries, here’s how we’d compare them for a contractor weighing the decision.

    Limestone for Landscaping — Slip Resistance and Flooring Use

    Kota stone and other Indian limestone varieties are dense, naturally slip-resistant, and widely used in flooring applications across both residential and commercial projects, particularly in regions with hot climates since limestone stays cooler underfoot than darker stones. Limestone’s relatively uniform, flat-grain surface makes it a practical choice for large flooring areas where visual consistency matters, and its slip resistance makes it suitable for both indoor and sheltered outdoor flooring.

    Sandstone for Landscaping — Colour Range and Outdoor Durability

    Sandstone offers a broader colour range — from Kandla Grey to Raj Green to Buff — and a more pronounced natural texture than limestone, which suits garden paving, pool surrounds and feature landscaping where visual character is part of the design. Sandstone’s coarser texture provides strong slip resistance even when fully exposed to weather, making it the more common choice for fully outdoor, unsheltered paving compared to limestone.

    Comparing Maintenance and Weathering Over Time

    Both stones weather well outdoors, but sandstone’s coarser texture tends to mask weathering and minor staining better over time, while limestone’s smoother surface can show water marks more visibly if not sealed periodically. Limestone is generally easier to clean due to its flatter surface, while sandstone requires less frequent resealing thanks to its natural texture providing some inherent grip even as the surface ages.

    Which Stone Architects Specify for Commercial Landscaping

    For commercial flooring, lobbies and covered walkways, limestone is more commonly specified due to its consistent appearance and cooler surface temperature. For garden paving, pool surrounds and fully exposed outdoor landscaping, sandstone is the more frequent choice due to its texture and colour variety. Many large projects use both — limestone indoors, sandstone outdoors.

    Format and Thickness Options for Both Stone Types

    Limestone is typically supplied in 18-20mm flooring thickness and slab formats, while sandstone for paving is calibrated to 22mm as standard. Both are available in tile formats from 30x30cm up to 60x60cm. See our Indian limestone exporter and Indian sandstone exporter ranges for current stock and finish options.

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    Need help deciding between limestone and sandstone for your project? Send us your application details and we’ll recommend the right stone — free quote within 24 hours

FAQ's

frequently asked questions

Q What natural stones does Nirvan Exports supply?
A Nirvan Exports supplies five categories of natural stone: marble, granite, sandstone, slate, and limestone. Our marble range includes over 20 varieties such as Makrana White, Rainforest Green, Katni Beige, Fantasy Brown, and Spider Green. Our granite range includes Black Galaxy, Absolute Black, Colonial White, and 15+ additional varieties. We also supply Rajasthan sandstone in Buff, Pink, Teak, and Kandla Grey; natural slate tiles and slate veneer sheets; and limestone including Kota Stone, Fossil, Yellow, and Beige varieties.
A Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for export is typically 20 metric tonnes per stone type, which equates to approximately one 20-foot container. However, we can accommodate smaller trial orders for new buyers — please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. For large projects requiring multiple containers or regular supply contracts, we offer priority processing and volume pricing.
A Nirvan Exports exports natural stone to over 40 countries worldwide. Our primary markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, and countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We are experienced in the import regulations, documentation requirements, and logistics of all our major export markets.
A Lead time from order confirmation to shipment is typically 15 to 25 working days, depending on the stone type, finish, and order volume. Once shipped from Nhava Sheva port (Mumbai), standard transit times are 18 to 25 days to European ports, 21 to 30 days to USA and Canada, and 12 to 18 days to the UAE and Middle East. We provide tracking information for all shipments.
A Yes. All Nirvan Exports orders can be customised to your project specifications. We supply stone in standard slab sizes (typically 240 x 120 cm), standard tile formats (60 x 60 cm, 60 x 30 cm, 30 x 30 cm), or fully bespoke dimensions cut to your requirements. Available finishes include polished, honed, brushed, sandblasted, flamed, leather, and natural split. Please provide your specifications when requesting a quote.
A Yes. We strongly encourage new buyers to request samples before placing a bulk order. Sample pieces (typically 10 x 10 cm or 20 x 20 cm) are available for most stone varieties in our range. Sample charges and shipping costs apply, which are refundable against your first order. To request samples, contact us with the stone variety, finish, and your delivery address.
A All Nirvan Exports shipments use export-grade wooden crates with foam padding, waterproof wrapping, and heavy-duty strapping. Marble slabs are packed back-to-back with foam separators to prevent surface damage in transit. Slate veneer sheets and fragile stone products receive individual protective wrapping. Our packaging complies with international maritime freight standards and is designed to withstand multi-port transshipment.
A Nirvan Exports is a natural stone supplier and exporter — not a stone manufacturer. Natural stone is quarried from the earth, not manufactured. We own and operate quarry partnerships in Udaipur, Rajasthan and work with established quarry owners across India’s major stone regions. We handle the full supply chain from quarry sourcing through to stone processing, quality control, packaging, and international export.
A Nirvan Exports provides a full set of export documentation with every shipment, including: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (where required), and quality inspection report. We are experienced with documentation requirements for all our major export markets including the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, and the Middle East.
A To receive a quotation, contact Nirvan Exports with the following details: stone type and variety, quantity required (in metric tonnes or square metres), finish required, slab or tile format and size, and your delivery port or country. We respond to all enquiries within 48 hours with a detailed price quotation and, where relevant, availability of samples.
Is limestone or sandstone better for pool surrounds?

Sandstone is generally the better choice for pool surrounds due to its coarser, more slip-resistant texture in fully wet, exposed conditions.

Limestone has a consistent, flat-grain appearance and stays cooler underfoot than darker stones, making it a practical choice for large commercial flooring areas.

Sandstone generally requires less frequent resealing thanks to its natural texture, while limestone’s smoother surface benefits from more regular sealing to prevent visible water marks.

Yes, limestone can be used in sheltered outdoor areas and covered walkways, though sandstone is generally preferred for fully exposed outdoor landscaping.

Limestone flooring is typically 18-20mm, while sandstone for outdoor paving is calibrated to 22mm as standard.