The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sat Apr 12, 2008 10:22 am**

Just contacted 3 local aggregate firms ... for bedding layer for paviors & large sand stone project.

Amazed at price range .. but that is life

Sands locally are dredged as we are coastal ... not quarried.
One local firm (3 miles away) has trucks in sizes I want, when I asked for Sharp Sand ... type M (or Zone2) as mentioned on the site .. it drew a blank.
He knew he had soft sand to EN 1620, but the Grit Sand is just quoted as 3-5mm Grit sand.

He admits they never have it analysed, but it is what is used for paving & slab work.

Does this sound right to those of you who are used to using Grit sand ?

He did suggest I come and look at it, and he can blend it if I want.

I have never bought anything other than 10 tonne loads of builders sand before so do not know what sharp sand should look like, and would not know what if anything I should blend to it.

Posted: **Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:56 am**

There are various grades of sand / stone dust used for paving work in many different geographical areas. Just ask the supplier which grade he supplies to his block paving / landscaping customers.

If it's dredged though, be sure to ask if it's (thoroughly) washed sand as the salts will cause havoc later on with the paving.

Posted: **Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:03 pm**

Your supplier is missing a trick. If they were to have the sand tested and could show they have a product that meets Table D2 specs, he can command a premium price for the sand. Untested sand may be used locally for paving work, but yu can bet it's only for budget-priced residential work: no commercial contractor can afford to be caught using untested sand, as they would be forced to lift and re-lay THE LOT, at their own expense. Similarly, the more conscientious residential contractors will 'hedge their bets' by insisting on the use of an approved sand, because if anything was to go wrong.....

There is good grit and grit sand available in S. Wales, Rick. Cardigan Sands is one, but I know there are several more. Have you checked the Quarry Products Association site? They list all British aggregate suppliers and details just what each source supplies.

Posted: **Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:36 pm**

Their call I guess ... I have 2 other suppliers , I'll ask them if this is to a 'standard'
Unfortunately Cardigan is a long way from me.

On their site they have a load of different 'standards' .... don't mention type M (or Zone2) ... but refer to for example " Paver Laying Course Sand Category III "

Is there no 'standard' but many 'specifictaions' ?

The Brew Cabin

Grit sand ? - Size