Perfect for landscaping applications
Price range: £1.99 through £43.75
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Apply for a Trade AccountSharp sand, also known as concrete sand or grit sand, is a coarse sand with larger, angular grains. It’s widely used on construction and landscaping projects.
Concrete and mortar – Ideal for creating a stronger bond in blockwork and paving by mixing with cement with water for mortar, then adding gravel to make concrete.
Screeds – Used for screeding to apply a level surface over a concrete subfloor.
Most traditional floor screeds are mixed at a ratio of 4 parts sand to 1 part cement (4:1). This produces a strong, durable screed suitable for handling regular foot traffic and the weight of furniture, machinery, and other loads.
That said, the exact mix can be adjusted to suit the job:
Standard Screed Mix: A 4:1 or 3:1 (sand to cement) mix is commonly used for general floor screeding.
Heavy-Duty Areas: Where the floor will be subject to higher loads or heavier traffic, a stronger mix such as 3:1 is often recommended
Underfloor Heating Screeds: When screed is laid over underfloor heating, it needs enough flexibility to cope with expansion and contraction from temperature changes. A 4:1 mix is typically adequate, but may be combined with suitable additives to enhance flexibility.
Paving – Ideal for mixing with cement for laying patios, as it provides good drainage and stability. However, slabs should not be laid on sand alone, as this can lead to movement over time. A wet mix of sand and cement gives a firm and reliable base. Before adding the sand and cement mix, you’ll need a sub-base. Use MOT Type 1 or similar crushed stone.
Soil improvement – Mixing this sand into garden beds helps improve drainage and reduces the risk of waterlogging, especially in clay heavy soils. The coarse texture of the sand prevents soil particles from binding together, enabling water to flow freely through the soil profile.
25kg plastic bags – Ideal for smaller jobs or easy handling, also these bags are available for delivery via the pallet network to most postal areas in the UK.
850kg bulk bags – Great for larger building or landscaping projects and it is more cost effective to have the sand in larger bags, however the bags require crane offload therefore delivery is only available to selected post codes that can be seen on our delivery information page, or you can check once you have added the item to your basket.
| Weight | 25 kg |
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Yes, sharp sand is excellent for improving drainage in gardens, lawns, and landscaping. Its coarse, gritty texture allows water to flow freely, making it ideal for use under turf, in raised beds, or when mixing with heavy clay soils.
The key difference is texture. Sharp sand has larger, more angular grains that offer better strength and drainage. In contrast, building sand is finer and smoother, making it more suitable for bricklaying and mortar work.
Not recommended. Sharp sand is too coarse for smooth, workable mortar. Building sand is a better choice for bricklaying, as it provides a finer, more adhesive mix.
Yes. Sharp sand is commonly used in concrete and screed mixes due to its strength and coarse texture. It’s typically combined with cement and gravel (ballast) for durable structural applications.
Yes, when used in moderation. Sharp sand can improve soil structure and drainage, especially in dense or clay soils.
