Sand is a granular material that’s used in a variety of applications such as landscaping, surface treatments, construction, and more. While it’s an extremely versatile material, not all sand is created equal. If you’re looking to incorporate sand into your next project, it’s crucial to know which sand type you should use. In this guide, we’ll take a look at 5 different sand types to help you determine which one best fits your applications.
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1. FM20 sand
FM20 sand is commonly used in asphalt mixes and landscaping projects. This type of sand is produced by crushing larger gravel or stone into fine particles, making it perfect for construction projects like roadways and shoulders. FM20 sand is also suitable for drainage, but just make sure to mix it with black dirt for a better drain. You can also use this sand type as a leveling layer for above-ground pools and patios.
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2. Play sand
Play sand is ideal for filling sandboxes, volleyball courts, and other areas that require a soft, attractive surface. It’s texture is quite soft and is free of silica which is much safer for kids. Play sand is very affordable and you can even use it for your own backyard beach. This sand type is washed to eliminate traces of iron oxide and blasted at various pressure levels to remove any sharp edges on the granules.
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3. Grits sand
When using brick pavers for a walkway or patio, sand is used both as a base layer and a filler in between the paving. The best sand type to use for this application is grits sand because it compacts easily and stabilises the pavers. This helps prevent tilting, cracking, and re-settling of the pavers. Grits sand is way more budget-friendly than torpedo sand, which gives us the perfect segway for the next sand type.
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4. Torpedo sand
Torpedo sand is a naturally occurring aggregate that’s used to create concrete and asphalt. It’s simple and coarse characteristic lends it great compatibility for backfill and subbase projects. Similar to FM20 sand, you can mix torpedo sand with black dirt to make it more malleable.
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5. Utility sand
Aptly named, utility sand is a fine type of sand that’s made up of industrial quartz. This sand type is often used to backfill pipes after it is laid. It can also fill in trenches and backfill retaining walls.It’s consistently uniform grain shape and particle distribution provides excellent compaction properties for modified cementitious systems.
Choosing the right sand type
While there are plenty of other sand types available, these ones are the most commonly used in landscaping and construction projects. Make sure to do your own research in order to select the right sand type that fits your applications. If you’re unsure, contact your local
sand delivery company and ask for recommendations on which sand to buy based on your needs.
The functionality of your sand may change depending on the gravel used and the mixes required for your specific project. Also, take note of the sand’s texture and size to determine its mixability with other materials. If you’re unsure about which sand type to use, it’s best to ask the supplier for a recommendation.
