Guide to: Choosing the Right Sand for Your Construction Project

When it comes to construction projects, many people don’t think about the importance of the sand they are using. But, If you’ve ever had the chance to visit a construction site, you’ll notice that sand is used in all different parts of the project. 

From concrete foundations to pebble driveways, sand has many different applications throughout the process and the type of sand you choose for your project can have a major impact on the overall result. 

Selecting the right sand is essential for ensuring a quality outcome, as it can affect the strength, durability, and appearance of the finished product. 

This ultimate guide from Tyne Tees Crushing will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the ideal sand for your construction project.

 So, stop Googling ‘Construction Sand’ and read our guide.

• What to Consider When Choosing Sand
• Types of Sand and Their Advantages
• Sharp Sand
• Industrial Sand
• Fill Sand
• Cabel Sand 
• What’s Next? 
  
  

What to Consider When Choosing Sand

When choosing sand for your construction project, you’ll need to consider many different factors to know if that type of sand is right for your work. Let’s go through some of the main considerations below. 

• Colour of Sand. The colours of sand vary and are typically related to the mineral composition of the sand. For example, yellow sand is typically made up of iron, while red sand is made from iron oxide. The colour of sand can affect the appearance of the end product, so it’s important to choose a colour that complements your design and is consistent throughout the project.

   

• Grain Size. The grain size of sand is another important factor to consider when choosing sand. The smaller the sand grains, the better the compressive strength of the sand. If you’re using your sand for concrete, then you’ll need to choose sand with a grain size between 0.5 and 2.0mm. 
  
  

• Source of Sand. Finally, you’ll need to decide on the source of the sand. If you’re using sand for concrete, then you’ll need to choose a source that is free from any contaminants. Typically, the best source for concrete sand is clean sand that has been washed and processed. 

Types of Sand and Their Advantages 

There are many different types of sand available for construction projects and choosing the right one can be difficult. We at Tyne Tees Crushing provide different types of sand that will be beneficial to your commercial project, below we have listed the main types we supply and their benefits. 

Sharp Sand

Sharp sand, also known as grit sand, builders’ sand or river sand is gritty sand with a coarse grain. It is known as a versatile product that can be used for all kinds of construction projects from sandbags to lawns. 

Sharp sand is a type of sand that has been washed and graded to be very fine in texture. You will usually find it best utilised in applications that demand higher strength and less flexibility. 

Where Sharp Sand is used for: 

• Areas where a high level of filtration is required, such as aquarium filters and saltwater systems. 
• It can also be used for sand in traditional sandbags.
• It’s perfect for mixing concrete on building sites. 
• Sharp sand may be used as a top dressing for lawns and general landscaping since it allows moisture to circulate.

Industrial Sand 

Industrial sand is a type of sand that is coarse in texture and typically used in concrete for industrial projects. It can be found in everything from glass to cosmetics.

Generally, it’s used to make concrete and other building materials, as well as to make glass and ceramics. 

What makes Industrial sand so good is that it can be derived from a variety of sources. Some of the most common include quarries, mining, dredging, riverbeds, beaches and other areas where sand is naturally occurring or deposited by wind or water flow.

Industrial Sand is used for: 

• This type of sand can be ground down into very fine particles and used to make glass.
• When mixed with water and heat, industrial sand can be made into ceramics like tableware and tile.
• Industrial sand makes concrete stronger by increasing its density and allowing it to hold more water when it dries out.
• The grains of industrial sand is flattened out in a process called milling so that they can be used as an abrasive during steel production. This helps remove impurities from raw materials before they’re melted down into ingots of pure metal for processing into steel products such as pipes or fence posts.

Fill Sand 

Fill sand comes from a river, where it is washed and graded to be very coarse. Fill sand can be used for a wide range of projects, as it is rough in texture and free from contaminants. 

Where Fill Sand is used: 

• It is mostly used for landscaping, as a sub-base for roadways, driveways, and sidewalks, and as a sub-base for parking lots and foundations
•  It can also be used for filling sandbags for use in flood control.

Cable Sand 

Cable Sand is a screened sand commonly used for laying cables, conduits, electric wires, and surrounding water pipes, protecting them from damage from larger objects. 

Cable Sands’ size and texture are similar to sharp sand, making it ideal for dressing coarser materials or bedding for block paving or slabs. Cable sand is also an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete that is just as strong while costing less. 

Where Cabel Sand  is used: 

• It’s a good choice for pouring flooring, as it’s durable and can withstand heavy loads. 
• It’s also great for foundations, as the mix has excellent compressive strength and resists cracking. 
• Cable sand is perfect for slabs in driveways or patios because it provides excellent drainage and improved stability in wet conditions. 
• It’s an ideal material to use when laying steps or footpaths too, as its high compressive strength makes it an ideal material to support foot traffic on your driveway or patio.

What’s Next

At Tyne Tees Crushing & Screening we aim to supply the materials you need to complete construction, paving, landscaping, and other projects successfully and easily. 

In addition to the materials we offer, we can also supply a comprehensive range of equipment along with experienced operators. 

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01325 808760 or email us at info@tyneteescrushing.co.uk and we’ll do all that we can to help.