B-Grade Sandstone Blocks
At the beginning of a project, the vast majority of our clients that we bump into ask, “what grade of sandstone should I use?”. With sandstone logs, we have access to A, B or C grade blocks. What’s the difference, you say?
We have decided to complete a breakdown of the characteristics between the sandstone block grades and some easy-to-understand differences that may limit your choices of suitability for your project. Over the month of April, we will publish an article on each grade to help you gain a better understanding of the three options of sandstone.
This week, our focus is on B grade Sandstone blocks. B grade is our most frequently used option of block. Our structural landscapers favour B grade blocks to our clients as they’re easy to work with, saving you time on labour costs within your project. B grade block tolerances are also a favoured look for our clients. Meaning they’re the perfect in-between look of rough & rustic but not a formal brick shape as apposed to A grade blocks. B grade blocks are a reasonable price, they look great and they are easy to come by (most of the time!). It is up to the client and the look they’re trying to achieve. B grade blocks are also suitable for most engineered projects we complete. Which can save our clients an average of $55 per block for their project as apposed to A grade, which are our premium blocks that are quite a more expensive product.
Example of B grade block tolerances
Imagine these block tolerances:
- From front to back varying in 350mm -550mm
- The blocks height is within 30mm
- Approx. length should be within 40mm
Each quarry that we deal with will have different tolerances they deem for each grade of the block. The above listed are a combined mixture of the common ‘B grade’ tolerances we deal with. Although some quarries may have different tolerances, so it always pays to ask the question.
B grade sandstone blocks are favoured by those who are on a budget, as pointed out above. 2m B grade blocks are approx. $55 more cheaper than A grade blocks. B grade sandstone logs are kinder on your pocket yet still can pull off that ‘wow’ factor and the majority of the time are in stock ready to go.
As sandstone is a natural product of the earth, some chips, cracks and colour inconsistencies should be expected. This forms part of the beautiful natural flaws of sandstone.
** Our knowledge is based on the quarries we deal with in NSW. Some quarries may operate differently. So, we recommend asking your chosen quarry how often B grades become available.
Some walls may need engineering. Engineers specify materials based on the complexity of your site. We work with engineers. Please reach out if you are after more information.