When tackling construction or landscaping projects, specifying the right type of sand is as important as selecting the right running shoes for a marathon. In other words: it’s crucial to getting over the finishing line. One of the most commonly used sands in the construction industry is sharp sand, also known as grit sand or concreting sand. So, what is sharp sand used for, and how does it compare to other types?
What Is Sharp Sand?
Sharp sand is a coarse material with larger, angular grains, setting it apart from finer alternatives like building sand. Its gritty texture enhances structural integrity, making it ideal for applications requiring durability, stability, and efficient drainage. Typically sourced from quarries or riverbeds, sharp sand is washed and screened to remove impurities, ensuring a clean, high-performance material for construction and landscaping.
Sharp Sand: Key Characteristics
- Coarse texture – The larger, angular grains provide added strength and durability.
- High drainage capacity – Prevents waterlogging in construction and gardening applications.
- Binding properties – Ensures a strong bond in concrete mixes when combined with cement and aggregates.
- Versatility – Widely used in construction, paving, and gardening due to its durability and drainage properties.
How Is Sharp Sand Different From Other Sands?
With its coarse, angular grains, sharp sand differs significantly from other types of sand, such as:
- Building sand – The key difference between sharp sand and building sand is that building sand is softer, primarily used for bricklaying and mortar, and provides a smoother texture.
- Cable/utility sand – A fine, screened sand used for protecting cables and utilities.
- Washed gritsand – A high-quality, washed sand that is used for similar purposes as sharp sand.
Understanding these differences is an important step towards selecting the right sand for your project.
What Can You Do With Sharp Sand?
This versatile material has a wide range of applications in the construction and landscaping industries. Here are just some of sharp sand’s uses:
Construction and Concrete Work
Sharp sand is a crucial component of concrete mixes, providing excellent binding properties for strength and durability. When combined with cement and aggregates, it creates a durable and high-strength mixture suitable for:
- Foundations and footings
- Floor screeding
- Laying bricks and blocks.
Paving and Driveways
Sharp sand is an essential material for laying paving slabs, block paving and patios. It helps to create a stable and level base, preventing movement and cracking over time.
Landscaping and Gardening
In gardening, sharp sand is often mixed with soil to improve drainage and aeration, making it ideal for:
- Enhancing the structure of heavy clay soils
- Laying turf to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
- Creating a free-draining surface for plant beds.
Mortar and Brickwork
When added to mortar, sharp sand improves strength and reduces shrinkage, making it ideal for load-bearing structures.
Where Can You Buy Sharp Sand And Its Alternatives?
PP O’Connor supplies a variety of sands, some of which can be used as sharp sand substitutes depending on the project’s requirements:
- Washed gritsand – A high-quality 0-4mm washed sand that meets British Standard BS EN13242, making it an excellent choice for paving, screeding and flagging applications.
- Sandfill – A screened sand suitable for trench fill and utility work, offering good drainage properties.
- Building sand – More suited to mortar and bricklaying but not ideal for applications requiring high drainage.
For construction and paving projects, washed gritsand is the best equivalent to sharp sand in PP O’Connor’s product range.
How Do You Select High-Quality Sharp Sand?
To ensure the best results for your project, here are some key considerations when selecting sharp sand. These factors matter because the quality, purity, and texture of sharp sand directly impact the strength, durability, and workability of your construction project:
- Quality assurance – Ensure the sand meets industry standards like BS EN13242.
- Purity – Choose washed sand to eliminate unwanted materials and improve performance.
- Grain size and texture – Select sand with the right coarseness to provide optimum strength and workability.
Choosing the Right Sand for Your Project
Sharp sand is a versatile and essential material in construction, landscaping and paving applications, offering durability and effective drainage. Our washed gritsand is a close equivalent of sharp sand, delivering the same coarse texture and high drainage properties essential for many building applications. By selecting the right sand for your needs, you can ensure durability, stability and long-term success for your project. For expert advice and high-quality aggregates, contact PP O’Connor today. Not only will we help you find the perfect product for your specific requirements, but we will also ensure that you have easy access to a consistent supply of your preferred sand with next-day delivery options.
