MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Sandstone tile/paver, natural finish (20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm)

Sedimentary
mineral › Stone › Sedimentary
mineralstonesedimentarynaturalaustralianbushfire-resistantslip-resistantthermal-masssustainablenon-combustible
ATLAS CODE
MIN-STN-SED-003
Sandstone tile/paver, natural finish (20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Stone
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2000-2650 kg/m³ kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.079 kg CO₂/kg kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50-100+ years yrs
Description

Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock formed from sand-sized minerals or rock grains, predominantly quartz, bound together by natural cementing materials. Available in thicknesses from 20mm to 50mm for various load-bearing requirements. Natural finish provides slip resistance and weather resistance suitable for Australian outdoor conditions. Colours range from cream, buff, yellow to brown, red, and grey depending on mineral composition and iron oxide content.

Primary Sectors
[Residential][Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • External paving - driveways, pathways, patios
  • Pool surrounds and coping
  • Public spaces and pedestrian areas
  • Garden edging and landscaping features
  • Wall cladding and facade elements
  • Steps and stairs
  • Internal flooring (sealed)
  • Heritage restoration projects
  • Bushfire-prone area construction (BAL rated)
  • Commercial and residential courtyards
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
Recyclability 100%
Embodied Carbon 0.079 kg CO₂/kg kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 0.3-1.0 MJ/kg MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Naturally slip-resistant surface textureExcellent thermal mass for passive solar designNon-combustible with high fire resistanceLow embodied carbon compared to manufactured alternativesDurable with 50+ year lifespan when properly maintainedLocally available reducing transport emissionsAesthetically versatile with natural colour variationsCompatible with Australian building traditionsNo VOC emissions - completely natural materialRecyclable and reusable at end of life
Cautions
Variable porosity affecting water absorption (3-20%)Requires sealing in high-traffic or marine environmentsCan be prone to salt attack in coastal areas without treatmentNatural colour variation may not suit all designsSome varieties susceptible to weathering and erosionHigher initial cost than concrete alternativesProfessional installation recommended for optimal performanceWeight considerations for structural applicationsLimited availability of specific colours/texturesPotential for efflorescence in some varieties
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-STN-SED-003
Density (Dry) 2000-2650 kg/m³ kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.0-2.65
Porosity 10-35% %
Water Absorption 3-20% by weight %
Hardness 6-7 Mohs scale
Surface Roughness 5-15 μm Ra μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good (pH 5-9)
pH Tolerance 5.0-9.0
Compressive Strength 25-100 MPa MPa
Tensile Strength 2-8 MPa MPa
Flexural Strength 3-10 MPa MPa
Shear Strength 5-15 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 5-20 GPa GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable MPa
Impact Resistance Moderate J/m
Bearing Capacity 2-8 MPa kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.15-0.25
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance Good (Index 6-8)
Thermal Conductivity 1.7-3.0 W/m·K W/mK
Thermal Resistance R0.01-0.03 m²·K/W per 10mm m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 710-920 J/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 10-12 × 10⁻⁶/°C μm/m·K
Melting Point >1200°C °C
Ignition Temperature Not applicable °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45-55 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01-0.02
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 20-60% %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 25-55

Sandstone has been used in Australian construction since European settlement, with Sydney's Hawkesbury sandstone being quarried from the 1790s. Indigenous Australians used sandstone for grinding stones and shelter construction for thousands of years. Modern quarrying techniques and diamond cutting tools have made sandstone more accessible and affordable. Australian Standards for stone testing developed from British and European standards, adapted for local conditions including extreme UV exposure and bushfire requirements. Recent focus on embodied carbon and sustainable construction has renewed interest in locally sourced natural stone products.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-STN-SED-003
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Ignition Temperature Not applicable °C
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m² kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.079 kg CO₂/kg kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 0.3-1.0 MJ/kg MJ/kg
Water Footprint Low L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points MR credits 2-5 points
Circular Economy Score High /100
VOC Emissions Zero g/L
Skill Level Intermediate to Professional
Crew Size 2-3 persons
Installation Time 15-25 m²/day hr/m²
Curing Time 24-48 hours hours
Setting Time 2-4 hours min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 40-80% RH %
Required Tools
Diamond blade wet sawAngle grinder with diamond bladeRubber malletSpirit levelsString linesPlate compactorPointing trowelsGrout float
Certifications Required
Structural landscaping license (QLD)Builder registration (VIC)
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation below 5°CNo installation during rainProtect from hot sun during curing
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-STN-SED-003
Material Cost $45-150/m²
Installation Cost $40-80/m²
Annual Maintenance $2-5/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $150-300/m² over 50 years
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time 1-4 weeks weeks
Design Life 50-100+ years years
Warranty Period 10-15 years typical years
Maintenance Interval Annual sealing, 5-yearly deep clean months
Service Temp Range -40°C to +70°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good to Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
CE marking (if exported to Europe)Australian Stone Association member productsNatural Stone Sustainability StandardChain of Custody certification availableISO 14001 (quarry dependent)Zero VOC emissionsNo crystalline silica release (sealed)
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibilityBAL-12.5 to BAL-FZ rated
Standards Compliance
NCC/BCA compliantAS 3959 Bushfire constructionAS 4586 Slip resistanceASTM C97 Absorption and bulk densityASTM C170 Compressive strengthASTM C99 Modulus of ruptureASTM C241 Abrasion resistanceISO 13006 Ceramic tilesISO 10545 Test methodsEN 1341 External paving slabsEN 1926 Compressive strengthEN 1936 Density and porosityEN 12372 Flexural strength

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-STN-SED-003 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4