Plastering sand

[sako]

Hi I telephoned my local builders centre the other day for a price for sharp sand for laying paving and was told that they sell mostly plastering sand to people who lay paving but this isnt suitable is it??or is it?? the only other sand that they sell is concreting sand
so what do i need to ask for?.It may be that i need to try jewsons or travis perking which are both local to me.Any help would be much appreciated.
sean.

[msh paving]

you need sharp sand, medium sharp plastering sand is ok but not the best, concreting sand is ok long as there is no stones in it MSH

[sako]

HI Yes i did think it would be unsuitable,i may contact jewson or tp and see if they do sharp sand.Cheers.
sean.

[Tony McC]

Plastering sand is selected to make a smoothable, workable mortar.

Paving sand is selected to provide very sharp drainage, stability, strength and a degree of interlock between grains.

In most cases, they are mutually exclusive

[sako]

Been on to TP who have either solway grit which is dark in colour and wont make a wet mix so i am told or they have plastering sand.Jewsons have the same but also have concreting sand which i am told is sand coloured and can be used for a wet mix.So do you think i should get the concreting sand? I think the grit sand they are offering is used for laying block paving or laying flags on a dry mix.Any help would be much appreciated.
sean.

[worldofpaving]

concreteing sand is fine.