What is the best type of sand for my project?

Sand is a staple material used in everything, whether you’re building a concrete floor or just sprucing up the garden. It is a vital component for the majority of home and landscaping projects. 

But with different types of sand available, how do you know which sand to use for your particular project? In this article, we’ll guide you through the different sand options available so you can decide which is best for you. 

What are the different types of sand and what are they used for? 

There are multiple types of sand available on the market, each with its own traits and suitability for certain applications. Let’s explore the main ones and what they are used for. 

Sharp sand

Known for its strength and stability, sharp sand is gritty, coarse and angular, which gives it excellent robustness and capacity for drainage. Sharp sand does not compact or compress as well as builders sand, meaning that it is best used to create concrete, screed, patios and other solid structures and materials. 

Builders sand

Boasting strength and versatility, this type of sand is also known as bricklayer’s sand, soft sand or mason’s sand. It is finer and softer than sharp sand, creating a smooth yet strong surface that makes it ideal for rendering, screeding, plastering and mortar bonding. However, it’s a multi-functional product, used for pond liners, bricklaying and masonry work, too. 

Silica sand

Also known as quartz sand, this material is a fine sand composed of silica dioxide. Its uses are various and more unusual than standard sand, ranging from infills, equestrian surfaces and golf courses to glass making, water filtration, ceramics and coatings. 

Artificial sand

Whereas the other sand types are from natural sources, artificial sand is manmade, usually created from crushing rock down into smaller particles. It can be used in a variety of projects, including rendering, bricklaying, mortar, masonry, plastering, and much more. Artificial sand is not as common as natural sands, however, this might be set to change as natural alternatives become more scarce. 

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These are just the four of the main types of sand available, though there are multiple other options available on the market for more specialised use. 

Best types of sand for construction

As an easy guide to help you decide which sand to use for your construction project, let’s cover the main types of uses and which sand is best. 

Which sand for concrete? 

Sharp sand will give you the strength and solidity needed for concrete structures, thanks to its coarse and angular particle structure. 

Which sand for mortar?  

As mortar requires a smaller, smoother grain, builders sand is the best choice for bricklaying mortar. 

Which sand for bricklaying?  

Builders sand is an ideal choice for bricklaying, as the high clay content and fine particle structure makes it workable and easy to lay. 

Which sand for rendering?  

Avoid using builders sand for rendering, as it can shrink and crack. Opt for sharp sand for this job instead. 

Which sand for screed? 

Used for floors, screed needs a high strength that the coarse, gritty texture of sharp sand can provide. 

Best types of sand for gardens 

Overhauling your garden is a project that requires care, attention and the right material for the job. Let’s take a look at which types of sand you’ll need for the main features of a garden makeover. 

Which sand for block paving? 

Kiln-dried or silica sand is generally recommended for block paving as it’s well-suited for filling gaps between blocks to allow joints to be tightly filled. 

Which sand for artificial grass?  

Silica sand is best used for artificial grass. That’s because its fine grains have been dried out to remove moisture, making it ideal for infill.  

Which sand for a patio base? 

A patio base needs to be firm, a trait best offered by sharp sand. Its particle size also allows for drainage. 

Searching for a variety of sand and aggregates for your project? Here at Chargrace Soils, we’re a leading supplier of landscaping and construction materials for Kent, including Bromley and Sevenoaks. All the materials we supply are tested, certified and sourced to be of the highest quality. Get in touch to learn more or to place an order for delivery.