pittsburgh natural Stone installation service
What is Natural Stone?
Natural stone is a naturally occurring rock that miners extract from the earth. Builders have used it for construction and decoration for thousands of years. Common types include sandstone, limestone, slate, granite, and quartzite.
When Are These Materials Best Used?
Each type of natural stone serves different aesthetic and functional purposes, making it important to compare them to determine what works best for your project.
The best way to evaluate natural stone and other building materials is often in person, where you can fully grasp the scale, texture, and color.
If you’re in Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas and want to start a masonry project, reach out to AAA Stone Age today for a free consultation.
Sandstone
Sandstone is notable for its grainy texture and wide range of natural colors, including yellow, white, beige, brown, and red tones.
It is also a highly porous material, valued for its ability to retain and transport water. Builders commonly use sandstone as one of many natural stones in stone facades.
Builders install stone facades—also called simulated stone or stone veneer—to enhance and protect buildings and other structures.
Sandstone is also a popular choice for building retaining walls because of its porous nature and strength, which makes it ideal for managing soil pressure and water flow.
Limestone
Limestone is notable for its exceptional durability and is best suited for structures planned to last many years because of its ability to resist erosion and weathering.
Limestone is also known for being one of the most abundant natural stones, making it highly cost-effective. It is a very popular building material choice for architects, primarily due to its ability to complement both modern and traditional buildings.
Many suppliers source limestone locally, which helps reduce carbon emissions and the overall carbon footprint.
Suppliers source it near Pittsburgh, just a few states away in Indiana.
Granite
Granite, also known for its durability, can withstand temperatures up to 2,129 degrees Fahrenheit (1,200 degrees Celsius).
Like limestone, granite produces a low carbon footprint, emitting four times less than many other natural materials.
Granite is also very low maintenance, requiring almost four times less upkeep compared to other materials.
Slate
Slate stone is highly customizable and versatile, making it a popular choice for cladding and flooring.
While people once used it as a load-bearing material, today they more commonly use it as an exterior element. Slate typically has a honed surface finish, which gives it a smooth, refined look.
It’s also known for the ease with which individual tiles can be replaced or updated.
Quartzite
Quartzite is extremely resistant to chemical spills, harsh cleaning products, and stains—making it easy to maintain. A quick wipe-down is often all it takes to keep it looking like new.
Like many other stones on this list, quartzite is an excellent choice for facade cladding and is also a popular option for poolside and garden designs.
natural Stone Comparison Table
| Stone Type | Key Characteristics | Common Uses | Special Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandstone | Grainy texture; natural colors (yellow, white, beige, brown, red); highly porous | Facades, patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls | Retains and transports water; manages soil pressure; decorative veneer |
| Limestone | Extremely durable; resists erosion and weathering; locally sourced (Indiana) | Structural buildings (modern & traditional) | Cost-effective; abundant; eco-friendly (low carbon footprint) |
| Granite | Withstands extreme heat (up to 2,129°F / 1,200°C); durable | Exteriors, surfaces requiring heat resistance | Very low maintenance; low carbon footprint |
| Slate | Customizable; honed smooth finish; formerly load-bearing | Cladding, flooring, exterior elements | Easy tile replacement; visually refined |
| Quartzite | Stain-resistant; handles harsh cleaners; smooth surface | Facades, pool areas, garden landscaping | Easy to clean; chemically durable |