Journal
Blog & Resources
Expert guides, design inspiration and practical tips for your sandstone and brick projects.
How to Get an Accurate Sandstone Quote: What to Measure and Send
The details Stone Front needs to quote your sandstone exactly: product, finish, thickness, quantity in m², lineal metres or pieces, suburb, access, timing and photos.
Sandstone Delivery in Sydney: Trucks, Cranes, Pallets and Site Access
How sandstone is delivered from the Glenorie quarry: flatbed, crane and tipper trucks, pallet sizes and weights, site access checks and what affects the delivery price.
Sandstone Cut to Size: What Can Be Cut and How to Order It
Which sandstone products are cut to size at the quarry, the sizes, edges and finishes available, and how to write a cutting list so your pieces fit first time.
What Is Sandstone Flagging? Handsplit vs Sawn, Grades and Pallets
Sandstone flagging explained: handsplit regular, thin and track grades, sawn flagging for crazy paving, thicknesses, 10m² pallets, weights, uses and guide prices.
Sandstone Billets: What They Are, Sizes, Weights and Uses
What sandstone billets are, how they compare with large blocks, split logs and boulders, how much they weigh, what machinery places them and how to order them.
Sandstone Driveways: Which Stone, How Thick, What Base and Cost
Planning a sandstone driveway: 75mm vs 100mm pavers, sawn modular vs flagging vs track handsplit, the base underneath, crushed sandstone driveways, edging and cost.
Sandstone Wall Capping: Sizes, Overhang, Edge Profiles and Fixing
How wide and thick sandstone capping should be, how much overhang to allow, square, chamfer and bullnose edges, pier caps, seat-wall capping and how to fix it.
Sandstone Sleepers: Sizes, Weights and How They Compare With Timber
What sandstone sleepers (split logs) are, their 300 x 300mm size and weight, how many you need for a wall, and how they compare with timber and concrete sleepers.
Sandstone Paver Sizes and Thickness: Which Size for Which Job
Standard sandstone paver, tile and flagging sizes and thicknesses in one table, with weights per square metre and which thickness to use for paths, pools and driveways.
Sandstone Garden Edging Ideas: Types, Costs and How to Lay It
Seven sandstone edging types compared, garden edging ideas, how much you need per metre and how to lay edging in a concrete haunch.
How to Build Sandstone Steps: Sizes, Materials and Step-by-Step Guide
Riser and tread sizes, the 2R + G rule, blocks vs solid treads vs boulders, and a step-by-step guide to building sandstone steps that last.
Sandstone Stepping Stones: Sizes, Spacing and How to Lay Them
How big, how thick and how far apart sandstone stepping stones should be, which stone to use, and how to set steppers in lawn or gravel.
How to Lay Crazy Paving: A Sandstone Step-by-Step Guide
Sawn vs handsplit crazy paving, the right base, mortar bed, jigsaw layout, joint widths, pointing, sealing and how much stone to order.
How to Lay Sandstone Pavers: Base, Falls and Step-by-Step Guide
How to lay pavers step by step: excavation and base depths for paths, patios and driveways, falls, bedding, cutting, joints and sealing.
Sandstone Paving Patterns: 8 Layouts and Ideas Compared
Stack bond, stretcher, herringbone, French pattern, random ashlar and more: how each sandstone paving pattern looks, what it costs and how hard it is.
How to Seal Sandstone: Sealer Types, Steps and How Often
Penetrating vs topical sealers, natural-look vs enhancing, the water-drop test, step-by-step application and how often to reseal outdoor sandstone.
Sandstone Pool Coping Guide: Profiles, Pavers and Ideas
Coping profiles compared, paver sizes and finishes for wet areas, which colours stay cooler, falls away from the pool and sealing for salt-water pools.
Sandstone Benches, Letterboxes and Fence Pillars: A Buyer’s Guide
Seat heights and bench sizes, letterbox build options, fence pillars and caps, sandstone capping and how to order custom stonemasonry pieces.
Crushed Sandstone Guide: Grades, Paths, Quantities and Prices
What 75mm minus, 150mm minus and 20mm fill sand are for, how to calculate tonnes, how to build a crushed sandstone path and what affects price.
Landscaping with Sandstone Boulders: Sizes, Placement and Ideas
Boulder size classes from gabion spalls to feature rocks, how to place boulders so they look natural, boulder walls, steps and seats, and access.
Sandstone Block Sizes and Weights: Dimensions, Kilograms and Coverage
Standard sandstone block dimensions with calculated weights, blocks and kilograms per square metre of wall, pallet coverage, lifting and billets.
How to Build a Sandstone Log Retaining Wall (Step by Step)
Footing, first course, ag pipe drainage, setback and capping — plus quantities, weights and approvals for a sandstone log wall in Sydney.
What Is Hydrasplit Sandstone? Finish, Uses and Prices
Hydrasplit sandstone is natural stone split by a hydraulic machine. How it compares with sawn and rockfaced finishes, where to use it, and what it costs.
Australian vs Imported Sandstone: What’s the Difference?
Local Sydney sandstone vs imported Himalayan, Mint, Teakwood and Rainbow: formats, thickness, colour matching, supply and what to ask any supplier.
Sandstone Retaining Wall Cost: Prices per m² and a Worked Example
Sandstone retaining wall materials start from $120/m² of wall face. Guide prices by block type, a worked 10m example and the other costs to budget for.
Recycled Brick Driveways: Bricks, Patterns, Base and Cost
How to plan a recycled brick driveway: which bricks to use, laying on edge in herringbone, base depth, edge restraints, quantities and costs.
Solar Deck Lights and In-Ground Disk Lights: Placement and Spacing
Surface-mount deck lights or flush in-ground disks? Where each goes, how far apart to space them, and how to fit disk lights so they drain and charge.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Australian Gardens and Backyards
12 outdoor lighting ideas for paths, entries, sandstone walls, decks, driveways and entertaining areas, each with the fixture, placement and matching solar kit.
Pool Area Lighting Ideas: Solar Lighting Around the Pool
How to light pool steps, coping edges, the gate and palms with low, warm solar lights, avoid glare on the water and pair lighting with sandstone coping.
Solar Lights Not Working? Causes, Fixes and How Long They Last
Solar lights dim, flickering or dead? A symptom-by-symptom fix table, how to replace a solar light battery, winter run-time and how long solar lights last.
Warm White vs Cool White Solar Lights: Which Suits Your Garden?
Warm white (2700–3000K) or cool white (5000–6500K)? How each looks on sandstone, timber, planting and brick, and when cool white makes sense.
Best Solar Garden Lights in Australia: What to Look For Before You Buy
Which specifications matter on a solar garden light, which claims to ignore, and which type suits paths, fences, walls and trees in Australian conditions.
Solar Driveway Lights: What Works, What Does Not and Where to Put Them
Edge markers, in-ground lights, pillar lights and bollards compared, with spacing, placement and the load-rating trap to avoid.
How Far Apart Should Solar Path Lights Be? Spacing, Height and Layout
A layout method for solar path lights on straight paths, curves and junctions, with spacing, height, panel position and a worked 10 metre example.
Solar Fence Lights: How to Choose, Fix and Space Them
What makes a good solar fence light, how to fix one to timber, Colorbond, brick or sandstone, and how far apart to space them.
12V Low Voltage vs Solar Garden Lights: Brightness, Cost and What Needs an Electrician
How 12V plug-in transformer lighting and solar lighting compare in a real garden, which needs an electrician, and when to use both.
Retaining Wall Lighting Ideas: Six Ways to Light a Sandstone Wall
Wall lights, grazing spotlights, cap lights, step lights, base markers and a conduit plan, with advice by wall height and a layout for a 15 metre wall.
Deck and Stair Lighting Ideas: Safe, Low-Glare Options for Outdoor Steps
Seven layout ideas for decks and stairs, from riser lights to post lights, plus when solar works and how to avoid glare.
Solar Spotlights: How to Uplight Trees, Planting and Sandstone Walls
Uplighting, grazing and washing techniques for solar spotlights, with advice on panel placement, glare and how many you actually need.
Outdoor Solar Lighting: A Buyer's Guide for Australian Homes
How modern solar outdoor lighting actually works in 2026 — what to look for, where it fits and where wired lighting is still the right answer.
How to Light a Sandstone Garden After Dark
A layered outdoor lighting plan for gardens built around natural sandstone — wayfinding, feature and ambient light, with fixture-by-fixture placement.
Solar vs Wired Outdoor Lighting: Which Should You Choose?
A direct comparison of solar and wired outdoor lighting on install effort, brightness, performance, control and total cost over five years.
How Many Step Lights Do I Need? A Practical Guide
Spacing rules and quantity guidance for step lights on outdoor stairs, paths, decks and driveways — with common mistakes to avoid.
Choosing Outdoor Wall Lights for Australian Homes
IP ratings, beam patterns, lumens, materials and mounting heights for outdoor wall lights that survive Australian conditions.
The Complete Guide to Sandstone Pavers in Sydney
Everything you need to know about choosing, installing and maintaining natural sandstone pavers for your outdoor spaces in Sydney.
Sandstone Tiles: Indoor & Outdoor Options for Australian Homes
Discover the best sandstone tile options for floors, walls and outdoor areas. Sizes, finishes and installation advice for Australian homes.
Sandstone Wall Cladding & Veneer: Transform Your Home Exterior
How sandstone wall cladding and veneer panels can transform your home's exterior and interior feature walls.
Sandstone Flooring: Everything You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to sandstone flooring for indoor and outdoor spaces. Types, costs, maintenance and design tips.
How Much Do Sandstone Pavers Cost? Sydney Pricing Guide 2026
Detailed pricing guide for sandstone pavers in Sydney. Compare sawn, hydrasplit, modular and flagging options with installed costs.
Planning a Sandstone Retaining Wall: Approvals, Engineering & Drainage
What to sort out before you build: council approval thresholds, when an engineer is required, drainage design and the installation sequence for Sydney properties.
Sandstone Blocks: The Definitive Buying Guide for Sydney
Everything you need to know about buying sandstone blocks in Sydney. Types, sizes, prices and where to source quality blocks.
Sandstone Logs vs Blocks: Which Is Right for Your Retaining Wall?
Comparing sandstone logs and blocks for retaining walls. Size, cost, installation and aesthetic differences explained.
Sandstone Boulders & Gabion Walls: Natural Landscaping Solutions
How to use sandstone boulders and gabion spalls for stunning natural landscaping features. Design ideas and practical tips.
How to Build a Sandstone Block Retaining Wall: Step-by-Step
Step-by-step guide to building a sandstone block retaining wall. Foundation preparation, block selection, drainage and finishing.
The Ultimate Guide to Recycled Bricks in Sydney
Why recycled lime mortar bricks are the sustainable, characterful choice for modern and heritage projects in Sydney.
Where to Buy Recycled & Second Hand Bricks in Sydney
The best places to buy quality recycled and second-hand bricks in Sydney. What to look for and how to choose the right bricks.
Recycled Brick Paving: Design Ideas & Installation Tips
Design inspiration and practical tips for creating stunning driveways, paths and courtyards with recycled brick pavers.
Recycled Brick Feature Walls: Interior & Exterior Inspiration
How to create stunning feature walls using recycled bricks. Interior accent walls, exterior facades and garden features.
Recycled Red Bricks: Why They're the Sustainable Choice
The environmental and aesthetic benefits of choosing recycled red bricks for your building and landscaping projects.
Why Buy Sandstone Quarry-Direct
What quarry-direct actually means at Stone Front: our Glenorie quarry, custom cutting on site, and how to hand-select your own stone.
Inside the Glenorie Quarry: How Our Sandstone Blocks Are Made
How sandstone blocks are quarried, split and sawn at Glenorie — and how to visit, hand-select and order blocks cut to your specifications.
Commercial Sandstone Supply for Architects & Builders
How Stone Front supports commercial projects with bulk sandstone supply, custom specifications and reliable delivery.
10 Stunning Sandstone Patio Ideas for Sydney Homes
Design inspiration for sandstone patios and outdoor entertaining areas. From modern minimalist to classic heritage styles.
Sandstone Colour Guide: Choosing the Right Tone for Your Project
Understanding sandstone colours from golden yellow to cream, brown and grey. How to choose the right tone for your project.
Sandstone vs Concrete Pavers: Which Should You Choose?
An honest comparison of natural sandstone and concrete pavers. Cost, durability, appearance and maintenance compared.
How to Clean Sandstone: Maintenance Guide for Pavers & Walls
Practical guide to cleaning, sealing and maintaining your sandstone pavers and tiles. Keep your stone looking beautiful for decades.
Sustainable Building: The Environmental Benefits of Recycled Brick
How using recycled bricks reduces your project's environmental footprint while adding character and history.
Sandstone Building: History & Modern Applications in Australia
The rich history of sandstone in Australian architecture and how it continues to shape modern building and landscaping.