Sharp Sand – What Is It?
Coarse washed sand for concrete, screeding and paving applications
Sharp Sand / Grit Sand
What It's Used For
Sharp sand is the workhorse of construction sand, used where strength and drainage are needed.
- Concrete production (mixed with cement)
- Floor screeding and laying
- Block paving bedding layer
- Patio and slab laying
- Rendering (roughcast)
- Drainage applications
- Pipe bedding
Material Properties
Washed, angular sand particles that provide excellent binding and drainage characteristics.
- Angular grain shape for binding
- Washed to remove clay and silt
- Free-draining properties
- High silica content
- Salt-free for concrete use
- Consistent grading 0-4mm
Sharp Sand vs Building Sand
Critical differences that determine which sand to use for your application.
- Sharp: Angular grains for strength
- Building: Rounded grains for workability
- Sharp: Coarser texture (0-4mm)
- Building: Finer texture (0-2mm)
- Sharp: For concrete and drainage
- Building: For mortar and pointing
Delivery Options
Multiple delivery methods to suit your site access and project size.
- 20-tonne tipper loads
- 10-tonne for restricted access
- Grab lorry delivery
- 1-tonne bulk bags available
- Mixed loads with other aggregates
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| British Standard | BS EN 12620 (Aggregates for Concrete) |
| Grading | 0/4 MP (0mm to 4mm Medium Graded) |
| Particle Shape | Angular to sub-angular |
| Fines Content | Maximum 3% passing 0.063mm sieve |
| Chloride Content | Less than 0.01% (suitable for reinforced concrete) |
| Water Absorption | Typically 1-2% |
| Documentation | CE marking and Declaration of Performance provided |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between sharp sand and building sand?
Sharp sand has angular, coarse particles (0-4mm) ideal for concrete and drainage. Building sand has finer, rounded particles (0-2mm) perfect for bricklaying mortar. Never use building sand for concrete - it lacks the strength. Never use sharp sand for pointing - it's too coarse to work with.
What mix ratio for concrete using sharp sand?
Standard concrete mix is 1:2:4 (cement:sharp sand:gravel). For general use, that's 1 part cement, 2 parts sharp sand, 4 parts 20mm gravel. Floor screed is typically 1:4 (cement:sharp sand). Always use sharp sand, never building sand, for structural concrete.
How much sharp sand for laying slabs?
For a mortar bed, mix 1:4 cement to sharp sand, laid 30-50mm thick. For dry laying, use 50mm of sharp sand as bedding. Coverage: approximately 1 tonne covers 10-15m² at 50mm depth. Add 10% for wastage and levelling.
Can I use sharp sand for pointing?
No - sharp sand is too coarse for pointing and will create a rough, porous finish that's hard to work. Use building sand (soft sand) for pointing and brickwork mortar. Sharp sand is for concrete, screeding, and bedding applications.
Is sharp sand good for drainage?
Yes - sharp sand's angular particles and 0-4mm grading create voids for water movement while maintaining stability. It's ideal for French drains, land drains, and improving heavy clay soils. Unlike building sand which can clog, sharp sand maintains permeability.
Should sharp sand be dry or damp for screeding?
Slightly damp is ideal - it should hold together when squeezed but not drip water. Too dry and it won't bind properly with cement. Too wet and it's hard to level and may shrink when drying. Store covered if possible to maintain consistent moisture.
Need Sharp Sand Delivered?
Washed grit sand for concrete and screeding. BS EN 12620 certified.
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