Sandstone vs Limestone vs Travertine: Choosing the Right Natural Stone for Your Project

You’ve decided on natural stone. Now comes the harder question: which one?

Sandstone, limestone, and travertine are the three most popular natural stone choices for Perth homes, and each one looks beautiful. But beauty aside, they behave very differently once they’re laid in your patio, around your pool, or across your bathroom walls.

Choose the wrong stone for the wrong space, and you’ll be resealing, repairing, or regretting it within a few seasons.

Here’s the answer: if you want a warm, rustic, heritage look at the most affordable price point, sandstone is your best bet. For a luxurious, marble-like finish around pools and alfresco areas, travertine leads the way. And for clean, smooth, high-traffic surfaces like driveways and indoor floors, limestone is the reliable workhorse.

But that’s the starting point, not the full story. Each stone has strengths and trade-offs that only matter once you know where it’s going and what Perth’s climate will throw at it.

In this guide, you’ll get a full breakdown of all three stones; their key properties, pros and cons, and the best applications, so you can choose the right one with confidence.

Understanding the Natural Stones: Sandstone, Limestone and Travertine

Before comparing them side by side, it helps to understand what each stone actually is. Their differences in appearance, durability, and maintenance all come down to how they were formed. So, let’s dig in.

Sandstone – Rustic Charm and Texture

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made primarily of quartz and feldspar grains; tiny sand-sized particles compressed and cemented together over millions of years. Its structure gives it a naturally textured, granular surface that is clearly earthy.

Colours range from warm cream, gold, terracotta, and buff to deeper browns and rusty reds. This makes it one of the most versatile and visually characterful stones available. No two pieces are identical.

Its silica-rich composition puts it at 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It’s harder than limestone and travertine in terms of mineral grain. But its porous matrix means it requires proper sealing to perform well outdoors.

Key Characteristics of Sandstone:

• Naturally textured surface
• Wide colour range
• Excellent slip resistance
• Medium-to-high porosity
• Affordable
• Versatile (suitable for sandstone slab paving, coping, flagging, wall tiles, and exterior cladding)

Limestone – Smooth Elegance and Durability

Limestone is a calcite-based sedimentary rock formed from the compressed remains of marine organisms like shells, coral, and sea creatures – deposited over geological time. The result is a fine-grained, smooth, and relatively dense stone.

Its texture is consistently flatter and more uniform than sandstone. That’s why it’s preferred when a cleaner, more contemporary look is required. Colours tend to be neutral like beige, cream, soft grey, and warm white.

Limestone sits at 3–4 on the Mohs scale. It’s softer than sandstone, but its density makes it more resistant to weathering in many applications. Tamala limestone, quarried locally in Western Australia, is a popular and sustainable choice for Perth projects.

Key Characteristics of Limestone:

• Smooth, uniform surface
• Neutral colour palette
• Low-to-medium porosity
• Load-bearing durability
• Locally available in WA
• Versatile (well-suited to driveways, pool surrounds, and indoor flooring)

Travertine – Porous Luxury with Timeless Appeal

Travertine is a porous form of limestone formed around hot springs and mineral-rich water bodies. As calcium carbonate precipitates rapidly from water, it traps gas bubbles. This creates travertine’s signature pitted, textured surface.

Those natural voids are what give travertine its distinctive look and its practical advantage. The porous, textured surface provides outstanding grip, even when wet. Colours range from ivory, cream, and walnut to deeper golds and reddish-brown tones.

Travertine also has the lowest heat absorption of the three stones. Thus, it stays noticeably cooler underfoot on a hot Perth summer day. That’s why it’s a favourite around pools and alfresco areas. Most travertine used in Australia is imported from Turkey or Italy, which influences its price.

Key Characteristics of Travertine:

• Distinctive pitted, textured surface
• Excellent anti-slip properties
• Very cool underfoot
• High porosity requiring regular sealing
• Premium price point
• Ideal for pool areas, alfresco, and bathroom walls.

Considering travertine for your project? Read our in-depth guide on Travertine Tiles and Pavers for clear and detailed breakdown.

Sandstone, Limestone and Travertine – Pros and Cons Explained

Now that you know what each stone is, here’s an honest look at where each one performs and where it falls short.

Pros and Cons of Sandstone

Pros

• Affordable and accessible: Sandstone is the most budget-friendly of the three. Locally available varieties keep both supply and labour costs down.
• Naturally slip-resistant: The granular, textured surface provides excellent grip. Thus, sandstone pavers are well-suited to outdoor areas, pool surrounds, and garden paths.
• Stays cool underfoot: Sandstone offers lower heat absorption in Perth’s intense summer heat. Proves to be best for outdoor entertaining areas and patios.
• Versatile applications: Used across many applications. From sandstone slab patios and sandstone flagging to wall tiles, cladding, coping, and feature walls. Few stones cover as many applications as sandstone.
• Aesthetic appeal; timeless, heritage character: Sandstone’s warm, earthy tones suit both traditional and contemporary homes in Perth. Thus, complementing coastal and bush settings equally well.

Cons

• High porosity, maintenance needed: Sandstone is more porous than limestone and absorbs water, liquids, and stains readily. Thus, regular sealing is required.
• Salt and acid sensitivity: Sandstone is vulnerable to salt and acidic exposure. Around saltwater pools in particular, care is needed — some denser sandstone varieties perform better than others.

Pros and Cons of Limestone

Pros

• Durable and load-bearing: Limestone’s density makes it resistant to wear and physical pressure. Proves to be best suitable for driveways, pathways, and high-traffic indoor floors.
• Lower porosity, low maintenance: Limestone absorbs less moisture. This makes it more forgiving in wet areas and reducing the frequency of sealing required.
• Clean, consistent look: Its smooth, uniform texture suits contemporary designs. So, it pairs well with modern architecture.
• Locally sourced in WA: Tamala limestone is quarried in Western Australia. There you get reduced transport costs and a more sustainable supply chain.
• Reflects light, stays cool: Limestone’s light colours help keep surfaces cooler under Perth’s direct sun.

Cons

• Weather and Acid-sensitive: Softer limestone variations can deteriorate over time when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Plus, it contains calcium carbonate which makes it react badly to acidic substances, including chlorinated pool water and even some cleaning products.
• Softer varieties can deteriorate: Lower-grade limestone can break down over time under extreme WA weather if not properly sealed and maintained.

Pros and Cons of Travertine

Pros

• Outstanding slip resistance: The naturally bumpy surface gives travertine its best practical quality. Thus, it offers excellent grip, even when completely wet. Ideal for pool decks and alfresco.
• Coolest underfoot: It stays measurably cooler than other stones in direct sunlight. Best around Perth pools in summer.
• Elegant, marble-like aesthetic: Travertine has unique veining and natural variation. Thus, it gives a sophisticated, premium look to any space.
• Durable for indoor and outdoor use: Properly sealed and maintained travertine handles moderate-to-heavy traffic well. Hence, it lasts for decades.
• Excellent for bathrooms: Honed travertine tiles on bathroom walls and floors deliver warmth and luxury. No excessive maintenance of marble needed.

Cons

• Expensive: As travertine is primarily imported from Turkey, it’s the priciest option (if shipping and handling are factored in).
• High porosity; needs regular sealing: The natural holes in travertine absorb moisture, stains, and dirt readily. So, sealing every 1–2 years is required.

If you’re wondering how limestone directly compares to travertine, read this comprehensive guide on Limestone Pavers vs Travertine Pavers.

Sandstone vs Limestone vs Travertine – At a Glance Comparison

Use this table as your quick reference when weighing up the three stones for any specific part of your project.

So, now you know what each natural stone type actually offers, let’s see how they compare project wise.

Which Natural Stone Is Right for Your Perth Project?

The right stone depends on where it’s going, how much traffic it’ll see, and how Perth’s climate will interact with it. Here’s how each stone performs in the most common project applications.

➢ Pool Surrounds and Pool Coping

For pool surrounds, travertine is the premium choice. Its naturally pitted surface provides excellent grip when wet, and its very low heat absorption keeps it comfortable underfoot even in 40°C Perth summers. Dense sandstone varieties can also work well for pool coping; particularly around freshwater pools. Offer a warm, natural aesthetic at a lower price point.

Important Note on Sandstone Around Pools: Sandstone’s suitability near pools depends on the specific variety and its density. Some sandstone types are not recommended for saltwater pool surrounds. Always consult your stone supplier about the specific variety before installing near a pool. Denser varieties, properly sealed, can perform well around freshwater pools.

Need more details about pool coping replacement, read our comprehensive guide on how to replace pool coping tiles in Perth

➢ Outdoor Patios and Entertaining Areas

Sandstone pavers are a natural fit for Perth patios. Their warm tones suit the Australian landscape. The textured surface handles bare feet comfortably. Plus, they stay cooler than darker stone alternatives. Sandstone slab formats work especially well for larger entertaining areas where a natural, seamless look is desired.

➢ Driveways and High-Traffic Paths

Limestone’s flat, dense surface makes it the strongest performer for driveways and high-foot-traffic pathways. Its lower porosity means less staining risk from tyre marks and spills.

➢ Feature Walls, Stone Cladding and Sandstone Walls

Sandstone is the standout performer for exterior cladding, retaining walls, and feature wall applications. It’s wall tiles and cladding deliver incredible depth and texture. No two panels look the same. The natural colour variation creates walls that look like they’ve been there for centuries. Internal sandstone feature walls in living rooms and entryways are equally impressive.

➢ Bathroom Walls and Backsplash

Both travertine (honed finish) and sandstone work well as bathroom wall tiles and backsplash.

The key rule is to avoid polished finishes on any surface that gets wet.

A honed or brushed finish provides grip and still looks refined. Always seal thoroughly before use. Reseal annually in bathroom environments. Sandstone is not recommended for shower floor use in its polished form.

➢ Garden Paths

Sandstone flagging is the go-to for rustic garden paths, stepping stones, and crazy paving designs. The irregular shapes and split surfaces blend effortlessly with garden settings. Split flagging requires no colour selection. It creates a wonderfully raw, organic aesthetic.

Quick Reference: Natural Stones by Application

Perth Climate Considerations – What to Know Before You Choose

Perth’s climate is a genuine factor in natural stone selection. What works in Melbourne or Sydney doesn’t always work the same way in Western Australia. So, keep following factors in consideration:

• Extreme UV and heat (40°C+): All three stones must be sealed before installation in Perth as the intense UV and heat cycles cause porous stones to expand and contract which accelerates wear if unsealed.
• Coastal salt air: Suburbs within 5km of the coast; from Cottesloe to Scarborough, are exposed to salt-laden air. Travertine’s porous surface and sandstone’s medium porosity are both susceptible to salt penetration. In these areas, resealing frequency should increase and stone selection should prioritise denser varieties.
• Sandstone’s heat advantage: Sandstone’s lower heat absorption is a real practical benefit around Perth outdoor entertainment areas. Pick light-coloured sandstone for noticeable cooling effect underfoot.
• Limestone from WA: Pick locally sourced Tamala limestone in Western Australia to reduce transportation costs and support sustainable building practices. They prove to be significantly cost-effective for large-scale paving projects, as compared to imported travertine.
• Universal sealing recommendation: Regardless of which stone you choose, all three should be sealed before installation and resealed annually in Perth’s climate. Use a penetrating sealer appropriate for the specific stone type. Consult your supplier for the right product.

Ultimately, Perth’s summers are demanding. Choosing the right stone and treating it correctly is the difference between a surface that looks great after 10 years and one that needs replacing in five.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Natural Stone

Each stone has its unique characteristics that suit certain applications. There is no single “ideal” choice among these stones because the selection always comes down to your particular use, your budget, and willingness to maintain the stone properly.

• Select sandstone if you are looking for a natural, warm, heritage look at an affordable price. Whether it be patios, walkways, garden paths, walls, cladding, and flagging. Sandstone is the most versatile and the least expensive of these three stones.
• Select limestone if you are requiring a hard-wearing, smooth stone, especially where there will be heavy loads applied to it; ideal for driveways, interior flooring, and pool surrounds, including a WA limestone.
• Select travertine if you have to create an anti-slip surface around pools or outdoors, or you want to use the stone in alfresco or bathroom areas – provided you have the budget.

Sealing the stone and selecting the appropriate finish based on the application will be essential for achieving the best results.

Still not sure which stone is right for your Perth project?

Find Perth’s Best Natural Stone Range at Parto Stone Today

Choosing between sandstone, limestone, and travertine is much easier when you can see and feel the difference in person. At Parto Stone in Osborne Park, our team works with Perth homeowners, builders, and landscapers every day, so we can help you match the right natural stone to the right project, application, and budget.

Browse our pavers, wall tiles, and cladding range online

Consult with experts for custom stone cutting, resizing, and polishing services and tips.

FAQs

Q1: What is the best natural stone for outdoor pavers in Perth?

Sandstone is the best all-around natural stone option as a warm textured material with natural traction properties and rustic appeal. If the area requires natural cooling properties and is meant to be barefoot-friendly, then travertine is better suited.

Q2: Is sandstone suitable for pool coping in Perth?

Yes, sandstone is the best suitable choice for pool coping. Pool coping is the top layer of concrete or stone that goes on top of the retaining wall at the perimeter of the pool. The most important properties would be traction and water resistance.

Q3: What is sandstone flagging and what is it used for?

Sandstone flagging refers to thin and irregular slices of sandstone that are generally used for paving, steps and crazy paving.

Q4: Can sandstone be used in a bathroom?

Indeed, sandstone can be used in bathrooms for wall purposes and splashback applications. However, being a porous material, it should be sealed. It is also not recommended for wet floors due to its polished nature; thus, a honed or textured one should be preferred.

Q5: Which is cheaper: sandstone, limestone or travertine?

This will depend on many factors like climatic conditions in Perth. Due to Perth’s scorching summers, high UV radiation, humid winters, and coastal environment, sealing prior to installation and re-sealing after some time might become necessary.

Q6: What is the difference between sandstone coping and standard paving?

Sandstone coping is the final trim tile that goes on top of a pool, wall, or garden border, whereas regular paving is the walking surface. If you use both types of sandstone, it will provide an even better aesthetic appeal.

Q7: Is limestone or travertine better for pool surrounds in Perth?

Travertine is the preferred poolside material since it naturally resists slipping and remains cool to touch. Limestone remains an excellent choice for Perth pool surrounds if a softer stone with greater consistency is required.

Q8: Can I use sandstone wall tiles for exterior cladding in Perth?

Yes. Exterior wall cladding with sandstone tiles is a suitable selection for exterior wall surfaces due to its organic look and color variations. Stone wall cladding is a common choice for creating a stone look on the walls.