FAQs

Is sandstone made of sand?
What is the location of the quarry?
Will sandstone stain?
Can sandstone be used for benchtops?
Can sandstone be used around salt water swimming pools?
Should sandstone be sealed if used as paving or crazy paving outdoors?
Do you sell to the public?
Do you sell and process other types of stone?
Where can we see a sample of your stone and workmanship?
Do you export Sandstone?
Can you recommend installers/masons?
What does hardscape refer to?
Any other questions?

Is sandstone made of sand?
Sandstone is a sedimentary stone caused by layers of sand and minerals being deposited on each other by water currents. This occurred during the Jurassic age. When the water courses ceased to flow or changed direction these layers became covered with other materials which compacted the layers of sand into a hard stone.

This is also the reason for the different colours that can be found in sandstone. Ablatio colours range from nutty browns to purple, pink, grey and salt and pepper. The colours from the Ablatio quarry tend to swirl or are formed in circles rather than defined, straight line bands. The swirling effect indicates either water currents or strong wind activity during the formation.

Ablatio sandstone ranges in hardness from 45mpa to 60mpa. Concrete floors in domestic dwellings is 25mpa.

What is the location of the quarry?
The quarry is located on the north side of Helidon which is approximately 90km from the Brisbane CBD and 20km East of Toowoomba when you follow the Warrigo highway. This area has large deposits of sandstone.

Will sandstone stain?
Sandstone will stain but this can be prevented by using sealers when installing and attending to spills with the correct cleaning fluids as quickly as possible.

Technical advice should be sought at the time of purchase or installation. Sandstone will stand up to normal wear and tear and will look good after years of service if preventive measures are employed during installation.

Can sandstone be used for benchtops?
Yes. Sandstone can be cut and shaped into benchtops, floors, both indoor and outdoor. Refer to Products for more information.

Can sandstone be used around salt water swimming pools?
Please phone for technical advice on this question. You will need to describe the exact environment that the sandstone will be installed in as salt can be detrimental to sandstone.

Should sandstone be sealed if used as paving or crazy paving outdoors?
It is recommended to seal the sandstone. Please phone for technical advice on which sealer would suit your particular application.

Do you sell to the public?
All our landscape product is sold through outlets listed in our Retail Outlets section. The loaders and other machines that we operate on site are designed to load 25 tonne trucks. They are too large to load box trailers or utilities.

Dimension stone or stone that is required to be cut to a particular design can be ordered direct with Ablatio. Please contact us and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Do you sell and process other types of stone?
Yes we can supply other types of stone to be profiled or cut to your design. We can also process your stone. Please contact us and we will attend to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Where can we see a sample of your stone and workmanship?
The best example of Ablatio sandstone colours and profile cutting is the stone and stonework used in St John's Cathedral located at 373 Ann Street, Brisbane. The cathedral has recently finished completion in 2009. It is the last Gothic design building to be completed in the world (April 2006 was the 100 year anniversary of this construction).

Do you export Sandstone?
Yes we do export sandstone. All enquiries should be directed through our contacts page.

Can you recommend installers/masons?
Yes we can supply a list of masons or installers depending on your enquiry. Please contact us and we will reply with a recommendation based on your request.

What does hardscape refer to?
Hardscape refers to stonework, paving, paths etc. Softscape refers to plants and how they fit in with the hardscape. The overall picture is the landscape.

Any other questions?
Please contact us.

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