Marble vs Sandstone Handicrafts: Which Stone Is Right for Your Space?

It's the most common question we hear from customers: "Should I go with marble or sandstone?"

Both are beautiful. Both have been carved by Indian artisans for thousands of years. But they're fundamentally different stones with different strengths, and choosing the right one depends on where you plan to place it, how you want it to look, and how much maintenance you're willing to do.

After generations of working with both stones, here's our honest, no-bias comparison.

The Quick Answer

Choose marble if: You want a refined, luminous, indoor-focused piece that feels luxurious and elegant.

Choose sandstone if: You need something weather-resistant for outdoor use, prefer a warm earthy aesthetic, or want a more rustic character.

But the full picture is more nuanced. Let's dive in.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Marble	Sandstone
Appearance	Luminous, smooth, refined	Warm, textured, earthy
Surface	Polished or honed (glossy/smooth)	Natural grain, slightly rough
Color Range	White, black, green, pink	Beige, golden, pink, red, grey
Veining	Beautiful natural veining	Subtle grain patterns
Weight	Heavy, substantial	Lighter than marble
Hardness (Mohs)	3–4	6–7
Porosity	Medium	High
Weather Resistance	Good (but can stain outdoors)	Excellent
Best For	Indoor display, prayer rooms	Gardens, outdoor, rustic interiors
Maintenance	Moderate (needs care with liquids)	Low (ages gracefully)
Price	Higher	More affordable
Feel	Cool, smooth to touch	Warm, slightly textured

1. Appearance & Aesthetics

Marble

Marble has a luminous quality that no other stone can match. When polished, it almost seems to glow from within — this is because marble is slightly translucent, allowing light to penetrate the surface just a fraction before reflecting back.

The natural veining in marble creates patterns that are genuinely unique to each piece. A white marble Ganesha will have subtle grey veins that look like brushstrokes painted by nature itself. No two marble sculptures are ever alike.

Marble feels: Refined, elegant, sophisticated, sacred

Sandstone

Sandstone has a completely different beauty — warm, organic, and connected to the earth. Its surface has a natural grain that catches light differently throughout the day, almost as if the stone is breathing.

The color palette of sandstone — golden yellows, dusty pinks, warm beiges — naturally complements outdoor settings and homes with earthy, natural aesthetics. Rajasthan's iconic forts and palaces (Jaisalmer, Jodhpur) are built from sandstone for a reason: it looks magnificent under sunlight.

Sandstone feels: Warm, natural, grounded, timeless

2. Durability & Weather Resistance

Marble

Marble is incredibly durable for indoor use — it will last centuries without any degradation. However, marble has some vulnerabilities:

• Acid sensitivity: Citrus juice, vinegar, and acidic cleaners can etch (dull) the polished surface
• Staining risk: Marble is porous enough that prolonged contact with colored liquids can leave marks
• Outdoor use: Marble can be used outdoors, but it may develop stains from leaves, rain minerals, or algae over time

Bottom line: Perfect for protected indoor environments. Can be used outdoors with some maintenance.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a workhorse. It's the stone that ancient civilizations chose for buildings that would face centuries of weather — and for good reason:

• Weather-resistant: Handles rain, sun, heat, and cold without cracking or degrading
• Higher hardness: Rates 6–7 on the Mohs scale (marble is only 3–4), meaning it resists scratches and chips better
• Natural aging: Sandstone develops a beautiful patina over time. Many people actually prefer how it looks after a few years outdoors
• Not acid-sensitive: Unlike marble, sandstone won't etch from acidic substances

Bottom line: The go-to choice for outdoor pieces. Low-maintenance and ages beautifully.

3. Best Use Cases

When to Choose Marble

✅ Prayer room / Home mandir: White marble is the traditional choice for deity sculptures. Its luminous quality feels sacred and pure.

✅ Living room centerpiece: A polished marble sculpture or urli on a console table creates instant elegance.

✅ Indoor decorative pieces: Vases, candle stands, platters — marble elevates everyday objects into art.

✅ Gifting: Marble handicrafts feel luxurious and are perfect for housewarmings, weddings, and Diwali.

✅ Painted/colored pieces: Marble's smooth surface is ideal for hand-painted details and gold accents.

When to Choose Sandstone

✅ Garden & outdoor: Sculptures, planters, fountains, benches — sandstone is made for the outdoors.

✅ Rustic or earthy interiors: Homes with wooden floors, exposed brick, or warm-toned decor.

✅ Large statement pieces: Sandstone is lighter than marble, making it more practical for larger sculptures.

✅ Heritage or traditional aesthetics: If you love the look of Rajasthan's forts and palaces, sandstone brings that same warmth home.

✅ High-traffic areas: Entryways, outdoor paths — sandstone handles foot traffic and weather without fuss.

4. Maintenance

Marble Care

Marble requires a bit more attention, but nothing overwhelming:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Clean with a damp cloth and mild pH-neutral soap
• Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon-based products)
• Wipe spills quickly on polished surfaces
• Seal annually if used in a kitchen or bathroom setting

Sandstone Care

Sandstone is about as low-maintenance as stone gets:

• Dust or rinse occasionally — that's essentially it
• Outdoor pieces: A garden hose rinse once a month keeps them looking fresh
• Algae/moss: If green growth appears on outdoor pieces, a soft brush and water removes it
• No sealing needed for most decorative applications
• Embrace the patina: Sandstone's natural aging process is considered beautiful, not damage

5. Price Comparison

In general, marble handicrafts cost more than sandstone equivalents. Here's why:

Factor	Marble	Sandstone
Raw material cost	Higher	Lower
Carving difficulty	More demanding (risk of cracking)	More forgiving
Finishing/polishing	Extensive (multiple stages)	Minimal
Breakage risk during crafting	Higher	Lower
Overall price	₹₹₹	₹₹

Our honest take: Marble's higher price is justified by its luminous finish and the extra skill required to carve it. But sandstone offers incredible value — you get a beautiful, durable handcrafted piece at a more accessible price point.

6. Which Products Work Best in Each Stone?

Best in Marble

• Deity sculptures (Ganesha, Krishna, Lakshmi)
• Urlis and decorative bowls
• Candle stands and votive holders
• Platters and trays
• Small tabletop sculptures
• Basins and sinks

Best in Sandstone

• Garden statues and Buddha sculptures
• Outdoor planters
• Fountains
• Benches and seating
• Large floor-standing sculptures
• Wall-mounted carvings
• Entryway pieces

Great in Both

• Abstract sculptures
• Animal figurines
• Vases
• Home accent pieces

Can You Mix Marble and Sandstone?

Absolutely — and we encourage it. Some of the most beautifully decorated homes we've seen combine both stones:

• Marble deity in the prayer room + sandstone Buddha in the garden
• Marble urli on the dining table + sandstone planters on the patio
• Marble candle stands indoors + sandstone bench outdoors

The key is to let each stone shine in its ideal environment. Marble belongs where it's protected and admired up close. Sandstone belongs where it can weather the elements and age with grace.

Our Recommendation

If you're buying your first handcrafted stone piece, here's our advice:

• For indoor use: Start with a marble urli or small sculpture. The immediate "wow" factor of polished marble is unmatched.
• For outdoor use: Go with sandstone. You'll place it in the garden and forget about it — and it'll look more beautiful each year.
• For gifting: Marble wins. It feels more premium and luxurious as a gift.
• On a budget: Sandstone offers incredible craftsmanship at a more accessible price.
• When in doubt: Contact us with a photo of your space, and we'll recommend the perfect stone and piece.

Explore Both Collections

• All Handcrafted Products →
• Sculptures & Statues →
• Living Spaces (Urlis, Vases, Candle Stands) →
• Outdoor & Garden →
• Request a Custom Piece →

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At Mour Handicrafts, we work with both marble and sandstone because both stones have their own beauty. Our artisans in Rajasthan have been carving both for generations — they'll help you choose the perfect stone for your vision.