Using sharp sand for mortar

Other groundworks tasks, such as roads and footpaths, terracing, fencing, foundations, walls and brickwork, tools and plant.
Post Reply
KenB
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Durham

Post: # 17562Post KenB

I want to use a wet mix mortar to re-bed my patio flags. I know that for a cement mortar I should use soft builders sand, but would there be a problem if i used sharp/grit sand instead. I still have about 20 bags from a previous project and don't want to waste it.

lutonlagerlout
Site Admin
Posts: 15184
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:20 am
Location: bedfordshire

Post: # 17567Post lutonlagerlout

sharp/grit sand is ideal for laying slabs
soft sand is no good for laying
cheers LLL
"what,you want paying today??"

YOUR TEXT GOES HERE

Tony McC
Site Admin
Posts: 8346
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:27 pm
Location: Warrington, People's Republic of South Lancashire
Contact:

Post: # 17581Post Tony McC

I'd never use soft sand for laying paving, whether it's mixed with cement or not. Too fine and too clayey. Go with the grit sand every time.
Site Agent - Pavingexpert

bobhughes
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:09 am
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire

Post: # 17589Post bobhughes

Good job you asked mate - othewise you might have used the wrong sand and still been lumbered with the old stuff.

Bob
You're entitled to the work, not the reward.
Bob

Post Reply