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Have you ever wondered why some buildings last strong for decades, while others develop wall cracks in just a few years? It could be because of the types of sand used in construction.
You would have never thought about sand being the culprit, right? Well, it can be. Using the wrong sand for concrete, plastering, or filling can weaken your entire structure and eventually, costly repairs.
In this blog, you will learn about different sand types and their uses. Go through it and get your next sand construction project right from the start.
Also read: Do you know how glasses are made from sand?
Different Types of Sand & Their Uses
Listed below are the various sand types. The right sand for cement ensures long-lasting structures Make sure to pick the right one based on your needs.
1). River Sand
- This is the most common type of sand used for construction.
- River sand is natural sand found in riverbeds.
- It has smooth, fine, and rounded grains because of constant water flow.
- It is clean and has fewer impurities. Hence it is perfect for sand in concrete and sand in cement mixtures.
- It is used in plastering and brickwork.
If you are looking for high-quality sand for construction, river sand is one of the best choices.
2). Concrete Sand
- This is a coarse sand used in construction.
- It has rough grains that help bind cement and water better, making it perfect for sand and concrete mixtures.
- Concrete is used for road and drainage construction.
3). Pit Sand
- Pit sand is dug from deep pits, away from water bodies.
- It is sharp, coarse and strong, making it perfect for tough construction jobs.
- It needs to be washed multiple times to remove excess clay.
- It is one of the most used sand types in foundation work and concrete mixing.
- Since pit sand doesn’t have salt, it prevents the building from getting damp over time.
4). M-Sand (Manufacturing Sand)
- With natural river sand becoming difficult to source these days, M-Sand is getting more popular.
- It is made by crushing rocks into sand-like particles.
- Unlike rive sand, it has controlled quality and fewer impurities.
- M–Sand is used in all types of building works.
- Many builders now prefer M-sand because it is cheaper and also eco-friendly.
5). Utility Sand
- It is made from crushed quartz.
- It is used for filling gaps in road construction and pipe bedding and backfilling to fill empty spaces behind walls.
- If you need sand in construction uses for underground works, utility sand is the perfect choice.
Also read: River sand Vs M-sand: Which is better?
6). Fill Sand
- As the name suggests, fill sand is used to fill empty areas and stabilise the foundations.
- Fill sand is a mix of fine and coarse grains.
- Since it is not even and has poor drainage, make sure not to use it in places where water buildup can be a problem.
- It is one of the most used sand types in levelling surfaces for construction and under slabs and pavements.
7). Filter Sand
- This sand is washed and specially graded to remove impurities.
- This grades of sand is found in pool filters and water treatment plants, as it helps remove dirt and debris from water.
- Sand uses in sewage treatment, too.
8). Plastering Sand
- It is super fine and free from dust or clay.
- Plastering sand is used in wall plastering for a fine, smooth finish and tile laying to create a good bonding layer.
- Experts mix this sand with cement for finishing work.
9). Bedding Sand
- It is used as a base before laying bricks, tiles and pavers.
- Bedding sand ensures they stay in place and don’t shift.
10). Masonry Sand (Mason Sand)
- It is smoother than concrete, but coarser than plastering sand.
- Masonry sand is used in bricklaying and mortar work.
- It ensures the bricks stay in place for years.
11). Tigard Sand & Gravel
- This is a mixture of sand and small stones.
- Tigard sand & gravel is one of the most used sand types in heavy-duty construction like driveways and pathways and building foundations.
Also read: Stages of house construction
Uses Of Sand In Construction: Which One Should You Prefer?
- For concrete mixing, go for concrete sand, river sand, and M-sand
- For Plastering & brickwork, plastering sand and masonry sand are suitable
- For backfilling & foundations, choose utility sand and fill sand
Final Takeaway
If you want a strong building, choosing the right sand types is very important. By understanding the differences between each of them, make sure to select the one that suits your project. By doing so, you can ensure durability, stability and a flawless finish.
Building a strong home isn’t just about choosing the right sand types. Your doors and windows play a big role too! GreenFortune offers high-quality uPVC doors and windows that are durable, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient. Our product range includes sliding, casement, and French designs. They are all built for low maintenance and long-lasting performance.
FAQs
1). What is the use of sand in construction?
Sand is used to make concrete, plaster, and mortar. It holds things together, making buildings strong. It also helps level the ground and fill gaps in walls and roads
2). Which sand type is best for your home?
Though there are different sand types, the best one depends on the type of work. River sand is great for concrete and plastering, while M-sand is a strong, eco-friendly alternative. Masonry sand works best for brickwork, and white sand is ideal for decorative areas.
3). What happens if you use wrong sand in concrete?
If you choose the wrong sand that is too fine or contains impurities for your construction purpose, it leads to wall cracks and structural failure, over time.
