Building & Sharp Sand

What we supply

• Soft building sandFine sand that gives smooth, workable bricklaying mortar.
• Sharp sandCoarser grit sand for screeds, concrete and laying paving.
• Plastering sandWashed sand for render and sand-and-cement plaster.
• Kiln-dried sandFine dry sand for brushing into block-paving joints.
• Bulk bagsTypically around 850 kg; bag weights vary by supplier.
• Small bagsFor small jobs and tight access.

Sizes and specifications

Bulk bag	Around 850 kg (varies by supplier)
Mortar sand standard	BS EN 13139
Approximate density	1.5 to 1.7 tonnes per m³ depending on moisture

Sizes and standards are typical for the UK market; exact figures depend on the manufacturer and are confirmed on your quote.

Common uses

• Bricklaying and blocklaying mortar
• Floor screeds
• Concrete
• Paving beds

Choosing sand

Soft or sharp?

Use soft building sand for mortar because it gives a smooth, sticky mix. Use sharp sand where strength and drainage matter: screeds, concrete and paving beds.

Colour of mortar

Building sand colour changes the mortar colour. For matching existing joints, a sample is worth it.

Covering bulk bags

Cover bags to stop sand drying out or getting saturated, and keep it clean of debris.

How it arrives on site

Bulk bags are usually crane-lifted onto a drive or kerb where the vehicle and access allow; small bags travel with a mixed load. We agree the drop point and offload method when we price your order. Read more about how delivery works.

How much do you need?

A 25 m² floor screed at 65 mm is 1.62 m³: about 2.6 tonnes of sharp sand at a 1:4 mix, or 4 bulk bags at around 850 kg each, plus the cement. Try the sand calculator

Building & Sharp Sand: questions

What is the difference between building sand and sharp sand?

Building (soft) sand is fine and makes smooth mortar for laying bricks. Sharp sand is coarser, drains better and is used in concrete, screeds and paving beds.

How much does a bulk bag of sand weigh?

Around 850 kg is typical, but bag weights vary between suppliers. We confirm the weight with your price.

How much sand do I need for a screed?

Multiply the floor area by the screed depth to get cubic metres, then allow about 1.6 tonnes of sharp sand per cubic metre plus cement at your mix. Our sand calculator does the sums.

Can bulk bags go on my drive?

Yes, if the crane can reach and the drive can take the weight. Tell us about any block paving or soft ground.

How much sand per 1,000 bricks?

Roughly 1 tonne of soft building sand at a 1:4 mortar mix.