Minecraft wiki entry for Survival_in_an_infinite_desert, associated text: Also, because you don't have normal tools, if you place sandstone incorrectly or change your mind, it's time-consuming to remove, making any placement errors or redesign a real hassle and any part of your house that is not made of sand, you can't place a cactus on, which can weaken your defensive options (you could, however, have a lower level of sandstone with sand on the top surface to allow you to place cactus).