Santa Barbara Sandstone is very versatile for use as a building material.
![Preparing a Santa Barbara sandstone boulder for placement.](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/little-rock-1024x768.jpg)
When selecting Santa Barbara sandstone rocks or boulders for use in a water feature, select the dense river rock for longer lasting durability.
![Santa Barbara sandstone rocks and boulders were used to embellish this man made creek water feature.](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DSCF4181-1024x768.jpg)
Santa Barbara Sandstone has variations in hues.
![Sandstone rocks were used to embellish this man made creek water feature.](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DSCF4182-1024x768.jpg)
Santa Barbara river rock generally has a smoother surface texture.
![Santa Barbara sandstone river rock](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Creek-17-1024x768.jpg)
![Santa Barbara sandstone rock, boulder and cobble incorporated into this man made water feature.](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Santa-Barbara-Sandstone-1024x768.jpg)
Some Santa Barbara sandstone rock varies in hardness. Select stones that are harder rather than soft will yield longer lasting results.
![Santa Barbara sandstone rock and boulders](https://garciarockandwaterdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Man-made-creek-1024x768.jpg)