With over 30 years in the builders’ merchant trade, Andrew brings deep knowledge of everything from civils to timber. Now part of the Gilmore team, he helps customers make the right choices with advice built on decades of hands-on experience.
Quick answers to everyday trade questions from Gilmore Building Supplies.
A standard 25kg bag of cement typically costs £5 to £7 + VAT, depending on brand and quantity ordered.
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A 25kg bag of sand usually costs £2.50 to £4 + VAT, depending on the type.
View all sand types.
A bulk bag of sand holds approximately 0.6 to 0.8 m³.
A standard bag of cement weighs 25kg.
A 25kg bag of sand weighs 25kg. Bulk bags usually weigh between 850kg and 1000kg.
Roughly 10–12 shovels, depending on scoop size.
A tonne bag of sharp sand typically costs £40 to £60 + VAT.
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Around 25 to 30 bricks, depending on mix ratio and joint thickness.
A 25kg bag of cement equates to roughly 5–6 heaped shovels.
For a 6:1 mix, use about 6 bags of cement per bulk bag of ballast.
Buy ballast here.
For a 5:1 mortar mix, use around 5 to 6 bags of cement per bulk bag of building sand.
Using a 5:1 ratio, you’ll need around 12 to 15 shovels of sand for half a 25kg bag of cement.
Depending on the mix (e.g. C20, C25), you’ll need roughly 7–8 bags of cement per cubic metre for a standard 1:2:4 mix.
Typically the equivalent of 35 to 40 bags of 25kg sand, depending on moisture and compaction.
No — cement should always be kept dry and off the ground. Moisture can ruin it even in sealed bags.
A common bricklaying mix is 5 parts building sand to 1 part cement. Add plasticiser for improved workability.
Building sand is fine and used in mortar for bricklaying. Sharp sand is coarse and better for concrete, screed, and laying slabs.
Need help working out quantities for your project?
Contact us or visit your nearest yard — we deliver locally across the West Midlands.
Please note: The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
Building methods, material specifications, and regulations can vary depending on location, project design, and site conditions.
Always refer to the latest Building Regulations, manufacturer data sheets, and consult with a qualified structural engineer, surveyor, or building control officer before starting any construction work or making design decisions.
Gilmore Building Supplies accepts no responsibility for loss, damage, or injury resulting from reliance on the information provided.
