Sand, What Is The Difference?

Here at D Price and Sons, we stock a range of different types of sand. From simple play sand to concrete sand and everything in between. So, what is the difference and where is each type of sand typically used?

Building Sand

Building sand is one of the more common types of sand that you will find. This type of sand is characterised by fine, smooth grains, and lighter grey colour in comparison to other types of sand. 

Typically, building sand has a number of uses, primary around a home or building site. Due to its fine nature, it is ideal for plastering inside and rendering on the outside. It is also the most common sand that is used in bricklaying and mortar. 

Concrete Sand

Also known as grit sand or sharp sand has larger particles than other construction sands such as builder’s sand. 

Typically, concrete sand is used within applications where more strength and less flexibility is required. For example, it is ideal for mixing concrete (as the name suggests) and is commonly used for floor screeds and laying paving courses. In addition to construction projects, concrete sand can also be used as a top dressing for lawns, in general landscaping and in seed composts, because it enables moisture movement.

Play Sand

Primarily, play sand is known for being used in children's sandboxes. This is due to it being put through a rigorous cleaning process making it safe for children. However, it also has a number of other uses. Play sand can be used in the place of all-purpose sand for many projects like brickwork and paving. All-purpose, however, should not be used to replace play sand where children are concerned as it still contains dust and sharp edges that play sand has had removed. 

Sand And Gravel

Sand and gravel, as the name suggests, is the combination of sand and gravel to be used in the construction industry (or home DIY in some cases). Sand and gravel can be used to make concrete, for road construction, for mixing with asphalt, as construction fill, and in the production of construction materials like concrete blocks, bricks, and pipes.

If you have any queries on the right sand for your needs, our team has a wealth of knowledge to help point you in the right direction. Remember to check back to our blogs for more information about our products.