Sand

This article needs expert input

Sand may be the most widely used building material of all.

Sand is tiny stone particles, mostly quartz. It comes in different varieties, each one optimal for certain tasks. In most cases another sand type could be used instead if necessary.

Today the majority of building sand is dredged from the sea bed.

Types of Sand

Sharp sand & builder's sand are the most popular sands. Both are used for brickwork and bedding paving. Cue argument about what should be used for what...

Builder's Sand

• General purpose 'soft' sand
• May contain some clay
• For kid's sandpits choose yellow sand, red can stain
• Red sand with lime can produce a light pink mortar (gently brushing the surface when 'green' (softly set) exposes more of the red sand)

Sharp Sand

• Grittier than builder's sand

Kiln Dried Sand

• aka Jointing sand
• Minimal clay content for good stability
• Dried sand flows well with no stickiness
• Used for filling block paving joints

Silver Sand

• Fine sand
• Used in final plaster coat.
• Light iron-free colour

Silt

• Consists of the same material as sand, but finer.
• Not widely used in construction
• Sometimes used as a sand substitute

Suppliers

The great majority of building material outlets sell sand. It can also be obtained from

• garden centres
• ...

See also Suppliers

Alternatives

For alternatives to sand see Mortar Mixes

See Also

• Aggregates]
• Wiki Contents
• Wiki Subject Categories