The Ultimate Guide to Natural Stone: Everything You Need to Know

Everywhere you go while driving in Australia, you’ll find that natural stone demonstrates it has served as a cornerstone of Australia's built architecture, landscaping, and environment for centuries. From the sandstone blocks of historic colonial buildings to the bluestone cobbles lining Melbourne’s lanes, these stones reflect the local geology and heritage.

As you get curious about natural stone, you try to go to shops and then get bamboozled every time a salesperson explains why a type of stone you should get in your home or for a new project, and what’s frustrating is not knowing or having no idea at all about their differences, strengths, and weaknesses.

Don’t worry, SAI Stone are here to help you understand each and every one of the stones that are used mostly for projects across Australia. But let’s discuss first what is natural stone and learn their differences and what you can do about it.

What is a Natural Stone? 

When you say natural stone it refers to materials quarried directly from the earth’s crust. Builders use it in its original, unaltered form for construction and landscaping. These stones form over millions of years through three geological processes:

a. Cooling of molten lava (igneous stones)

b. Compression of sediment layers (sedimentary stones)

c. Transformation under heat and pressure (metamorphic stones)

What makes natural stone beautiful is its inherent uniqueness, which you can find in the common types including sandstone, granite, limestone, marble, and bluestone where each variation occurs in the stone’s color, shade, veining, markings, texture, movement, or finish.

Today, this age-old material is experiencing a renaissance. Architects, builders, and landscapers are embracing natural stone in Australia more than ever, thanks to its durability, natural beauty, and sustainability. 

Natural Stone in Australia: A Rich Legacy

Natural stone has been an integral material in Australia’s architecture, landscaping, cultural heritage, homes, and suburbs. The country's diverse climate highlights natural stone's durability, low maintenance, and timeless aesthetic, making it popular in their heritage culture and also modern residentials.

In fact, Australians have a deep love for outdoor living and the use of stone in outdoor spaces, which is why a recent design trends report notes that homeowners and designers increasingly turn to native stones such as sandstone, bluestone, and limestone for projects, celebrating local materials and timeless elegance.

Some of Australia’s most iconic and historic buildings showcase the use of natural stone at the heart of their design. Sydney Town Hall, constructed with Sydney’s famous yellow-block sandstone, is a prime example of colonial-era craftsmanship and remains one of the country’s most celebrated civic structures. 

Furthermore, the University of Sydney Quadrangle, another sandstone masterpiece, reflects Gothic Revival architecture and continues to inspire with its grand, enduring presence. 

In Melbourne, bluestone forms the foundation of countless heritage laneways, footpaths, and public buildings, demonstrating how stone not only contributes to visual appeal but also stands the test of time in high-traffic and urban environments. 

These landmarks are enduring testaments to how natural stone has helped shape Australia’s architectural legacy, and continues to do so today in modern construction.

In the next section, we will talk about the common natural stone types used in landscaping, the use of bluestone, granite, limestone, and sandstone, including their benefits, applications, and unique considerations. 

We will also explore how SAI Stone, a leading stone supplier in Australia, supports projects with specialized services (like state-of-the-art waterjet cutting) and an extensive product range. Let’s now look at the main types of natural stone and how to use them effectively.

Different Types of Natural Stone

Let’s discuss the different types of natural stone, as understanding stone’s basic properties helps and makes you make an educated decision when you select stone for your next project

Bluestone: Tough and Timeless

Bluestone is known as one of the most popular pavers for Australia’s public spaces because of their durability, natural texture, and aesthetically pleasing look.

Bluestone’s cool blue-grey tones and strength make it one of the most popular paving stones for Australian outdoor spaces especially they are used in city sidewalks, plazas, and courtyards because of their ability to withstand the heavy foot traffic, and harsh weather without flinching.

Bluestone is a term used in Australia to describe a hard, dense natural stone that is often basalt in Victoria (known as Victorian bluestone) or similar blue-grey volcanic stone. They are favored for its exceptional durability and slip-resistant texture. 

In Melbourne, for example, bluestone forms the fabric of many heritage walkways, curbs, and civic spaces, lending them a classic Victorian-era charm. Modern landscapes also love bluestone for its sleek, contemporary look with the cool blue-grey hue complements minimalist designs and lush greenery alike. 

Bluestone can be finished in various ways (sawn, honed, sandblasted) to achieve the desired appearance and slip performance. A flamed or sandblasted bluestone tile around a pool will stay reliably non-slip even when wet, while a honed bluestone paver can give an indoor courtyard a refined feel.

Key benefits and applications of Bluestone:

1. • • 1. Robust durability: Bluestone is extremely tough and sturdy, suitable for high-traffic areas like busy plazas, driveways, and public footpaths. It resists cracking under load and endures Australia’s climate with minimal wear.
     • 2. Aesthetic versatility: The neutral blue-grey tone of bluestone offers a modern yet earthy look that fits both contemporary projects and heritage-style designs. In fact, SAI Stone recently introduced an “Antline” bluestone with unique meandering streaks, giving a dynamic, heritage look unlike any other bluestone on the market.
     • 3. Slip resistance: Its naturally textured surface (especially when flamed or sandblasted) provides good traction. This makes bluestone ideal for pool surrounds, patios, and other wet areas where safety is a priority.
     • 4. Formats for many uses: Bluestone is available in pavers, tiles, cobblestones, and even wall cladding. Landscapers use large bluestone steppers for garden pathways, cut-to-size bluestone for outdoor flooring, and custom-shaped pieces for curved steps or pool coping. Its combination of strength and workability (when cut with the right tools) means bluestone can be crafted into almost any shape your design requires.

One unique consideration with bluestone is its dark color, which can absorb the heat, a sunny courtyard paved in bluestone may get quite warm underfoot in Australia’s summers. Lighter finishes or using bluestone in shaded areas can mitigate this. 

Also, bluestone like the basaltic types often has natural vesicles or “cat’s paw” marks that have these small holes that add character but may need filling or sealing depending on the look you want. Overall, bluestone’s blend of resilience and beauty has made it a go-to natural stone in Australia’s landscaping palette.

Granite: Strength and Elegance

Granite is synonymous with strength and longevity. This igneous stone has long dominated the Australian stone market, especially as it is widely used as a construction stone because of its hardness and durability. In landscaping, granite is used in everything from sleek modern outdoor tiles and stair treads to rugged boulder features.

It is available in a wide spectrum of colors, from salt-and-pepper grey and crystal white to deep black and rosy pinks; granite offers tremendous design flexibility. Its granular, speckled look adds visual texture to spaces, and no two granite pieces are exactly alike. 

For public projects and high-traffic commercial areas, granite’s toughness is a major asset: it resists scratching, weathering, and staining far better than most materials. This means a granite-paved plaza or granite cobblestone driveway can last for decades with minimal maintenance, even under constant use.

Key benefits and applications of Granite:

1. • • 1. Low maintenance: Thanks to its density and low porosity, granite doesn’t absorb much water and is less prone to staining, especially when sealed. It stands up to chemicals and weather, meaning granite surfaces will look good year after year with only basic cleaning. 
     • 2. Aesthetic variety: Each granite has a unique mix of minerals, creating beautiful natural patterns. The range of colors of granite ranging from black, white, gray, even reds or greens means granite can suit almost any color scheme. Furthermore, polished granite gives a luxurious shine for upscale projects, while a flamed or bush-hammered finish creates a textured, slip-resistant surface for outdoor use.
     • 3. Versatile uses: In landscaping, granite appears as paving stones, wall cladding, retaining wall blocks, seating benches, and decorative aggregates. Finely cut granite tiles are popular for outdoor entertaining areas and patios. For example, a granite-paved terrace or courtyard that needs to endure heavy furniture and foot traffic.
     • 4. Unmatched durability: Granite is often called the ultimate choice for durability for it’s incredibly hard and wear-resistant. Moreover, heavy foot traffic, vehicle loads, or harsh climate cycles have little effect on a properly installed granite paver or slab. This makes granite perfect for driveways, city sidewalks, curbs, and stairs. 

For all its advantages, one consideration is that granite is heavy and more difficult to cut or shape than softer stones. However, with modern fabrication services from SAI Stone, like the waterjet cutting, even granite can be precision-cut to fit complex designs and to cut thick granite slabs into custom shapes with ease.

Also, some very light-colored granites may be slightly porous and benefit from sealing in outdoor horizontal applications to prevent eventual slight discoloration. Overall, granite is the best combination of style and strength that makes it a top-tier choice for projects that demand long-term performance and visual impact.

Limestone: Light, Cool, and Customisable

Limestone is a sedimentary stone that has a special place in Australian landscaping that is prized for its soft neutral colors and workability. They are typically ranging from creamy whites and beiges to soft greys, and even blue hues in some varieties. 

Limestone brightens patios, pool decks, and pathways. Because it stays cool, it's ideal for hot climates. It is a bit softer than granite or bluestone, which actually makes it easier to cut into custom shapes or ornate textures, a reason it’s found in so many carved architectural details historically. 

In modern landscaping, designers love limestone for its timeless appeal, a simple honed ivory limestone paver can give a patio a Mediterranean vibe, while its rough-textured beige limestone blocks can create a rustic garden wall. 

Furthermore, limestone stays relatively cool underfoot, especially the lighter colors which is an advantage for hot Australian climates and one reason why it’s popular for pool decks and outdoor entertaining areas.

Key benefits and applications of Limestone:

1. • • 1. Versatility for various uses: Limestone is used in both construction and landscaping, from building facades and stone houses to courtyards and courtyards. Its ease of cutting and consistent texture mean it can adapt to many formats from tiles, pavers, wall cladding panels, stepping stones, even ornate balusters or columns. 
     • 2. Affordable and readily available: Compared to some other natural stones, limestone is often more economical and widely available in Australia. Local quarries in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, etc. have supplied beautiful varieties, which keeps costs reasonable for large projects. Its relative softness also means lower processing costs making the limestone a top choice when budget is a factor but a natural stone look is desired.
     • 3. Clean and light aesthetic: If you’re aiming for an airy, open feel or coastal style landscape, limestone is ideal. Its light tones and subtle grain create a natural and timeless beauty that complements greenery and water features.
     • Many Australian landscapers use golden or off-white limestone pavers to brighten up garden paths and courtyards, achieving a relaxed, beachy ambiance. In fact, limestone’s clean and natural look suits a variety of design styles, from classic to contemporary.
     • 4. Comfort underfoot: Limestone generally has a smooth texture and can be finished to be gentle on the feet. When honed or sandblasted, it provides a good balance of slip resistance and comfort, which is why it’s popular around swimming pools and patio areas. Unlike dark stones, light-colored limestone doesn’t soak up heat as much, so it tends to be more comfortable in bare feet on hot days.

There are a few considerations with limestone because it’s calcium-based, and they can be sensitive to acids, so one should use appropriate pH-neutral cleaners to avoid etching the surface. It’s also somewhat porous, so sealing outdoor limestone is recommended to prevent staining from BBQ oils, red wine spills, etc., especially on honed finishes. 

Over years, limestone will develop a weathered patina which many find attractive. It enhances the stone’s natural character, but if a pristine look is desired some periodic maintenance may be needed. Overall, limestone offers an excellent balance of beauty, versatility, and value, which is why it remains in high demand across Australian projects. 

Sandstone

Sandstone is arguably Australia’s signature stone, famously used in everything from the sandstone houses and public buildings of the 19th century to today’s landscape features. It is formed from compacted sand and minerals over eons. 

It's typically a warm, earthy color palette, think of hues of gold, buff, pink, and brown that instantly evoke the Australian outback and coast. New South Wales’s historic yellowblock Sydney sandstone, for example, features a rich golden hue that built much of Sydney’s early architecture.

Sandstone’s appeal lies not only in its beauty but also in its workability and durability. It’s a strong stone that can be cut into blocks or slabs, yet it’s easier to shape than granite. This made it the material of choice for intricate carvings and stone masonry in the past. 

In landscaping today, sandstone is extremely popular for wall cladding, garden walls, paving, and decorative boulders or rocks. Its textured surface provides grip, and it stands up well to Australia’s climate. In fact, experts note that sandstone’s resistance to weathering makes it perfect for Australia’s climate as it can handle rain, sun, and even fire with ease.

Key benefits and applications of Sandstone:

1. • • 1. Versatility for various uses: Limestone is used in both construction and landscaping, from building facades and stone houses to courtyards and courtyards. Its ease of cutting and consistent texture mean it can adapt to many formats from tiles, pavers, wall cladding panels, stepping stones, even ornate balusters or columns. 
     • 2. Natural beauty and warmth: The earthy colors and layered patterns of sandstone give surfaces a warm and inviting character. Each piece of sandstone is unique, with subtle variations that add depth to patios or façades. For instance, a sandstone crazy-paving pathway with its mix of golden and reddish tones can instantly make a garden feel more organic and connected to nature.
     • 3. Versatile in design: From large blocks for structural walls to thin veneer panels for cladding, sandstone comes in many forms. Landscapers use rough-hewn sandstone rocks to build natural-looking retaining walls and terraces. Sawn sandstone pavers are popular for courtyards and pool areas for their light color keeps surfaces cooler in the sun. 
     • There’s even a growing interest in sandstone kit homes in Australia, where pre-cut sandstone blocks or panels allow builders to construct homes or feature walls that have the solid look of stone with more efficient installation. This speaks to sandstone’s continuing role in residential construction where people simply love the look of a sandstone house, and new methods are making it easier to achieve.
     • 4. Ease of installation (as cladding): One specialty of SAI Stone is sandstone wall cladding systems, which use thinner slices of stone to cover walls. The advantage of sandstone cladding is that it bears less weight and is easier to install than full-size blocks. 
     • Moreover, builders can dramatically transform a bland concrete wall into a gorgeous sandstone feature wall without the structural or cost challenges of building a full stone wall. 
     • Also, sandstone cladding offers the same natural look and low maintenance benefits, it’s highly durable, requires minimal upkeep, and is even fire- and pollution-resistant,  making it a worthwhile investment for both interiors and exteriors.

When working with sandstone, it’s important to consider its porosity because sandstone is more absorbent than harder stones, it can take in moisture, which may cause temporary darkening when wet. While this typically isn’t a structural concern as sandstone performs well in wet environments, it’s best to use breathable sealers to protect against long-term moisture damage or staining, especially in certain applications.

Also, because sandstone is layered like having natural bedding planes, large pieces need to be installed correctly to ensure the layers are oriented for maximum strength. These are standard techniques well-known to Australian stonemasons and landscapers. With proper sourcing and installation, sandstone features can easily last for generations—just look at the many sandstone houses Australia still treasures from over a century ago.

Sai Stone’s Offerings and Specialties

Having covered the main types of natural stone, it’s important to highlight how a supplier like SAI Stone can help bring these materials into your project seamlessly. SAI Stone (formerly known as SAI Sandstone is one of the leading natural stone suppliers in Australia, with two decades of experience in the industry. 

SAI Stone understands the resurgence of natural stone in Australian landscaping and construction isn’t just anecdotal, it’s backed by data and industry voices. The demand for natural stone is on the rise globally as the natural stone market was valued at $33.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $57.6 billion by 2032, growing steadily as builders gravitate towards its benefits. 

Today, SAI Stone’s product lines span all the major natural stones (bluestone, granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, travertine) as well as specialty items like permeable pavers and reclaimed bricks for sustainable landscaping. This broad range means clients can source virtually any stone material to suit their design and engineering needs from one reliable supplier. 

Notably, SAI Stone partners with over 100 resellers across Australia to distribute its products. Its product ranges from huge landscaping projects such as natural stone, bluestone, travertine, granite, marvel, porcelain, reclaim bricks, as well as GRC. 

What really sets SAI Stone apart is its suite of value-added services and technical expertise. For B2B clients like architects and builders, these services can be a game-changer in executing complex designs with natural stone:

Waterjet Cutting

SAI Stone offers precision waterjet cutting services, which use a high-pressure water stream, sometimes with an abrasive to cut stone with computer-guided accuracy. This allows for intricate shapes, curves, and bespoke designs to be cut out of bluestone, granite, porcelain, or even bricks.

The benefit is clean edges and minimal waste, enabling features like custom-pattern floor inlays, curved pool coping pieces, engraved motifs, or perfectly fitted stone circles. If you can draft it, a waterjet can likely cut it. 

Custom Shaping and Local Processing

Beyond waterjet, SAI has local processing facilities equipped with bridge saws and CNC machines for cutting and finishing stone. Their technicians can profile edges, drill holes, engrave text, or create custom shapes as needed. 

If your project requires, say, a set of bespoke granite benches or odd-shaped pavers for a public art piece, SAI Stone can fabricate them to spec. By doing this processing locally in Australia, they ensure quick turnaround and maintain strict quality control. This quick local processing means less waiting time compared to ordering pre-fabricated pieces from overseas, which is a big plus for project schedules.

Templating and Installation Support

For features like countertops, pool edges, or cladding panels, accurate templating is crucial. SAI Stone’s team provides on-site templating services, taking precise measurements to guarantee each stone piece fits perfectly when installed, which reduces errors and rework. 

Furthermore, they also assist with installation guidance and even have experience in on-site problem solving, working alongside contractors to make sure the stone elements come together flawlessly. This level of support can be invaluable, especially in large-scale projects or custom builds where challenges inevitably arise.

Global Sourcing: Stone for Projects

While Australia has great local stone, sometimes a design calls for a very specific variety like Belgium Blue limestone for a European look or a rare marble for a luxe finish. SAI Stone’s sourcing service taps into an international network of quarries and suppliers. They can procure unique stones from around the world, yet ensure they meet Australian standards and project specs. 

Which means clients get the best of both worlds: the exact stone that meets their aesthetic and technical needs, and the reliability of an Australian supplier handling the logistics. In practice, SAI Stone has joint ventures with quarries in China and Vietnam and has supplied projects as far-reaching as Europe and the USA, but with the convenience of dealing with a local team.

By combining these services with their product range, SAI Stone positions itself as more than just a stone supplier in Australia, they are your project partner. It’s no surprise SAI Stone is often seen as a trusted one-stop shop for natural stone needs, from concept to construction.

Work With SAI Stone

In this guide, we explored the different natural stones that SAI Stone often uses, such as bluestone, granite, limestone, and sandstone—each with distinct characteristics but all offering wonderful benefits for landscaping. For landscapers, builders, and architects looking to elevate their projects, the takeaway is to consider natural stone not as a costly indulgence but as a smart, value-adding choice. 

Whether you are constructing elegant sandstone houses in Australia’s countryside, installing granite edges for urban streetscapes, or sourcing bluestone for a new civic plaza, natural stone can deliver longevity and beauty that justify its use.

And with partners like SAI Stone, who come with years of experience in the world of stones, from selection, design, to installation, as well as they are ready to provide materials, technical know-how, and support. With SAI Stone, incorporating stone becomes an achievable goal rather than a challenge, as they ensure your vision comes to life with precision and care.

In the end, understanding landscaping natural stone is about appreciating both its artistry and engineering. It’s about knowing which stone suits which purpose and how to handle it correctly. We hope this guide has equipped you with that knowledge. By choosing the right stone and the right supplier, you can create landscapes and structures that not only catch the eye today but also stand proud for decades—a true legacy carved in stone.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and begin designing your new space!