Sharp sand or building sand?
Sharp sand (also called grit sand, concreting sand or screeding sand) is coarse and is used where strength and drainage matter: under slabs, in screed and in concrete. Building sand is fine and soft and is for mortar. If you are laying a patio you usually need both: sharp sand under the slabs and building sand for pointing.
How much to use
Patio slabs are usually bedded on about 30 to 50mm of sharp sand mixed with cement. Block paving sits on about 50mm of screeded sharp sand. A floor screed is often about 65mm. The calculator adds 10% for levelling.
Ordering from us
Send the order on WhatsApp with your postcode. Haulage is £49 a trip within Poole and Bournemouth plus the sand at the quarry price, and we confirm the total before we collect.
Questions about Sharp sand
How much sharp sand for a 15m² patio?
At 40mm deep, about 1 tonne, or about 1.2 tonnes with 10% for levelling. That fits in one trip.
Will the sand get wet?
It is tipped loose, so cover it with a tarp if rain is due. Damp sand is fine for bedding slabs.
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Other materials we deliver
MOT Type 1 →20mm ballast →Building sand →20mm shingle →Topsoil →All materials and prices →