Building Sand – What Is It?
Fine washed sand for bricklaying mortar, pointing and rendering
Building Sand / Soft Sand
What It's Used For
Building sand is essential for all brickwork and masonry applications where workability is crucial.
- Bricklaying mortar
- Pointing and repointing
- Rendering base coats
- Block laying mortar
- Stone work bedding
- Internal plastering
- Chimney flaunching
- General masonry repairs
Material Properties
Fine, rounded sand particles that create smooth, workable mortars with excellent adhesion.
- Rounded grain shape for workability
- Fine grading 0-2mm
- Clay content for plasticity
- Washed to remove impurities
- Consistent colour (red or yellow)
- High cohesion when mixed
Why Not Sharp Sand?
Understanding why building sand is essential for mortar and sharp sand won't work.
- Building sand creates smooth, workable mortar
- Sharp sand makes gritty, unworkable mix
- Fine particles fill voids between bricks
- Better water retention for curing
- Superior adhesion to brick faces
- Easier to achieve consistent joints
Colour Options & Delivery
Different colours available to match existing mortar or achieve desired finish.
- Red building sand (most common)
- Yellow building sand
- 20-tonne bulk loads
- 10-tonne for smaller sites
- 1-tonne bulk bags
- Grab lorry delivery available
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| British Standard | BS EN 13139 (Mortar Aggregate) |
| Grading | 0/2 FP (0mm to 2mm Fine Graded) |
| Particle Shape | Sub-rounded to rounded |
| Fines Content | 8-15% passing 0.063mm (provides workability) |
| Clay & Silt Content | Maximum 3% (BS EN specification) |
| Sulfate Content | AS 0.2% (Acid Soluble) |
| Documentation | CE marking and Declaration of Performance provided |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the correct mortar mix using building sand?
Standard bricklaying mortar is 1:6 (cement:building sand) or 1:1:6 (cement:lime:building sand) for improved workability. For pointing, use 1:4 for harder mortar. Winter mix: add plasticiser instead of lime. Never exceed 1:3 ratio as it becomes too brittle.
Can I use building sand for concrete?
No - building sand is too fine and lacks the angular structure needed for concrete strength. The rounded particles don't interlock properly, creating weak concrete prone to cracking. Always use sharp sand for concrete, screed, or any structural application.
How much building sand do I need for bricklaying?
For standard brickwork, you need approximately 1 tonne of building sand per 1000 bricks (using 1:6 mix). This includes 10mm bed joints and 10mm perp joints. For pointing only, 1 tonne covers approximately 150-200m² of brickwork.
What's the difference between red and yellow building sand?
The colour comes from iron oxide content - performance is identical. Red sand contains more iron oxide, yellow less. Choose based on desired mortar colour: red sand creates buff/brown mortar, yellow creates lighter cream mortar. Both meet BS EN 13139 standards.
Why is my mortar crumbly when using building sand?
Usually too much sand in the mix (weaker than 1:6), insufficient mixing time, or sand too dry. Building sand needs proper water content - not soaking but damp enough to bind. Also check cement date - old cement loses strength. Mix for minimum 5 minutes for proper distribution.
Should building sand be kept dry or can it be damp?
Slightly damp is actually better - bone dry sand doesn't mix well and absorbs too much water from the cement paste. However, saturated sand affects mix ratios and weakens mortar. Store under cover if possible, allowing natural moisture but preventing saturation from rain.
Need Building Sand Delivered?
Quality soft sand for brickwork and pointing. BS EN 13139 certified.
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