Washed Concrete Sand vs Mortar Sand: Which One Do You Need?

Sand looks simple until you need the right type for a real project. Two piles can appear similar from several feet away but behave differently once they are mixed with other materials or used for masonry work.

A&A Materials carries washed concrete sand, mortar sand and fill sand at its Scottsdale yard. The right choice starts with what you are building rather than which pile happens to look suitable.

Washed Concrete Sand Has a Coarser Job

Washed concrete sand is commonly used as a fine aggregate in concrete related applications.

A&A Materials identifies concrete manufacturing, including block and paver production, as a common use for its washed concrete sand. The washing process helps remove unwanted fine material and debris before the sand is sold for construction use.

For projects built to a formal specification, grading matters too. Maricopa Association of Governments specifications call for fine aggregate used in Portland cement concrete to meet applicable ASTM C33 requirements.

That is why a contractor should not choose sand simply because the grains look roughly the right size.

Mortar Sand Is Intended for Masonry Work

Mortar sand is generally finer and is selected for the workability needed in masonry applications.

Phoenix competitor Preach Building Supply describes mortar sand as a fine grade washed material used for mortar and stucco. It also lists applications such as leveling brick pavers and other general purpose work.

Regional public works specifications provide another useful distinction. MAG requires sand for mortar to be thoroughly and uniformly washed, free from harmful material and graded according to ASTM C144.

Those requirements are different from the ASTM standards used for concrete aggregate.

Think About What You Are Making

The finished project is the easiest place to begin.

If the sand will become part of a concrete mix or another application specifically calling for concrete sand, washed concrete sand is the natural material to investigate.

If you are laying block, brick or stone or making mortar that calls for masonry sand, mortar sand is normally the relevant product.

A paving project can be less straightforward because sand may be used for bedding, leveling or joints. Follow the paver manufacturer or contractor specification rather than assuming that every type of sand performs the same job.

Fill Sand Is Different Again

A&A Materials also carries fill sand, but it should not automatically be substituted for washed concrete sand or mortar sand.

Fill sand is commonly used for construction fill, grading and applications where drainage or backfilling is the primary purpose. A&A describes its fill sand as a material used in residential and commercial construction projects.

If particle grading, finish or structural performance matters, use the material specified for that purpose.

Know the Specification Before You Buy

Contractors should bring the project plans or material specification when there is any uncertainty.

Homeowners can explain what they are building, what other materials will be mixed with the sand and approximately how much area the project covers.

A&A also recommends visiting its yard when appearance matters because photographs are supplied only as a reference. The same practical approach works with sand. Seeing the material and discussing the project before several tons arrive can prevent an expensive mistake.

Calculate the Quantity Before Delivery

Once the material is selected, estimate the amount required before arranging pickup or delivery.

Measure the project rather than ordering by eye. The required quantity depends on the dimensions, depth and purpose of the material.

Also choose a suitable unloading area before delivery. Sand placed behind a vehicle, too far from the work area or on a surface that must remain clean can create unnecessary handling.

Choose the Right Sand at A&A Materials

A&A Materials has supplied building and landscape materials in Scottsdale since 1966 and serves homeowners, landscapers and contractors throughout the Valley. The yard carries washed concrete sand, mortar sand, fill sand, decorative rock, dirt and construction aggregates for projects of many sizes. If you are unsure which sand your job requires, call 480 990 0557 or visit 10333 E. McDowell Rd. in Scottsdale with your project information before ordering.

References

A&A Materials Washed Concrete Sand
A&A Materials Mortar Sand
A&A Materials Material List
Preach Building Supply Aggregate and Sand Products
Maricopa Association of Governments Masonry Mortar and Grout Specifications