What type of sand to use for paving mortar mix?

isup

I'm just looking for some advice on what sand to use for a mortar mix for laying a patio. On alot of U.K sites they recommend sharp sand but where I'm getting my paving they said to use plastering sand. Can you get sharp sand here and what do they call it in Ireland?

sniperman

just use the plastering sand,i did and have no problems,done 5 years now,i mixed 4 to 1

Patmwgs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058202181/what-type-of-sand-to-use-for-paving-mortar-mix

Sharp sand here would be closer to screeding sand and thats the usual one for paving

isup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117705627#Comment_117705627

Never heard of screedind sand. Is that plastering sand?

jack of all

Sharp sand is plastering sand also used for screeds, compared to building sand which is a soft sand used for laying bricks and blocks.

Patmwgs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117708541#Comment_117708541

Screeding sand is a coarser aggregate to plasterting sand. You can use plastering sand for a thin screeded floor, but for depth you need the proper sand for less cracks and strength. Its too coarse for rendering though.

isup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117708581#Comment_117708581

where sells it?

Patmwgs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117712634#Comment_117712634

Quarries and some good builders yards sell it loose.

isup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117722583#Comment_117722583

Found somewhere local that does it.

It looks like plastering sand but coarser. Looks good. Thanks for the replys

rje66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117740608#Comment_117740608

Just be sure it's not paving grit which is very coarse and doesn't mix well with water and cement for laying slabs on. Plastering sand is Plastering sand all suppliers have it, just don't get the wrong stuff.