[Paving] What kind of sand is this?

gimpotronitus

Hi,

I am laying paving slabs down and plan to put down the hardcore first, followed by a sand and cement mix (10:1 - dry) and then the flags.

I ordered 1 tonne of paving sand from Brooks today. The docket lists it as: "Kilsaran Washed Paving Sand 1 TON (Z1)". See the attached pic. It does not look like sand to me, more like 80% really small stones with some sand or dust mixed in.

Is this stuff suitable or did I get the wrong stuff? They said they had Mortar sand, Plastering Sand and Paving Sand so I went with the paving sand!

Thanks for any advice!

brian67

looks like washed sand for the base

emer_b

Did a similar job a few summers ago. The paving sand we got was small (10/20kg) sealed plastic bags of really fine sand. It was bone dry and when the slabs were all down we just brushed it around the patio until it filled all the cracks.
Doesn't look like you got the right stuff. Patio is about 30m2. I'd say we only used 2 or 3 bags (obviously depends on the size and spacing of slabs).

Joey the lips

It's exactly the same as the paving sand I got fr somewhere else. Don't worry about the bonding from my experience it will be fine although if your really worried buy fine sand

asteroids over berlin

can i ask, what is the difference between paving and plastering sand? I am laying a patio and buying the materials online, however, i am giving the choice of paving or plastering sand. I have a sub base down and intend to use sand to lay the limestone slabs on to, maybe i'll throw dry cement over the top of the base of sand etc. What type of sand do i get? Any information appreciated

jack of all

That sand is known as "pin head" sand and is ideal for paving, promotes good drainage without washing away or settling.