Composed mainly of sand-size mineral or rock grains, most sandstone is composed of quartz and feldspar - two of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, it can be any color, but most commonly comes in tan, brown, yellow, red, gray and white.
Some sandstone resists weathering, yet is easy to work with. This makes it a common building and paving material. Sandstone is a very versatile material, applicable for most types of interior and exterior applications, including wall cladding, roofing and flooring.

Deposits from sand dunes can be recognized by irregular and fluidly shaped weathering patterns and wavy coloration lines when sectioned, while water deposits form more regular blocks when weathered. The regularity of the latter favors use as a source for masonry, either as a primary building material or as a facing stone, over other construction.
The stone generally has a uniform texture and it is somewhat soft, making it user-friendly for a variety of applications. It is favored for wall claddings and flooring because of its low absorption rate, high compression strength, and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Sandstone is a common paving material because it can be highly weather resistant, and for its ability to maintain age and appearance over time, as well as for the different dimensions available. Sandstone pavers can be used for patios, pool surrounds, pool coping, balconies, cladding and veneer.

Sandstone has been used in some of the world's most famous structures, including the White House, the Taj Mahal, the pyramids and the Angkor Vat, an ancient Cambodian temple.