Mortar Sand Archives - A&A Materials Inc

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

2 December 2024

What Is Mortar Sand?

When looking for sand for any use — maybe for a sandbox, construction project, or other uses — contractors are almost sure to come across various types of sand. Mortar sand (also referred to as masonry sand) has fine, consistently sized grains, delivering a smooth feel and appearance.

Its name comes from the fact that it is typically used in mortar projects. Nevertheless, mortar sand is immensely versatile, and you can use it for a variety of projects.

What Are The Uses Of Mortar Sand?

One typically asked question is: What can mortar sand be used for? Some general uses of mortar sand include:

Projects for landscaping
Specialty mortar blends
Cats litter boxes
Prevention of erosion
Traction for ice and snow
Wet or dry options are available
Paver and steppingstone base materials

Mortar sand is among the most frequently used sand. You can use it in a multitude of landscaping and construction projects. It originates from the same rock as other types of sand; nonetheless, it is treated to get a fine, uniform feel.

For projects that do not require a specific type of sand, mortar sand is the perfect option. For a lot of commercial and residential projects, it is the ideal mixture of cost and finesse. Mortar is usually made using mortar sand to fill the spaces between brick or stone blocks. Furthermore, you can use fine mortar sand for covering recreational areas such as playgrounds or volleyball courts.

Playground construction undertakings are a surprising use of mortar sand. Parents and guardians typically utilize mortar sand for building sandboxes and other fun zones. When viewed in direct sunlight, beach or white sand may seem more appealing than mortar sand. Nevertheless, mortar sand’s durability and flexibility outweigh white sand.

Mortar sand is a blend of white and concrete sand. Therefore, it is broadly considered as the most versatile sand, perfect for all projects that do not require a special kind of sand.

What Is Mortar Sand Made Of?

Mortar sand (like a lot of commercial sand) is created by crushing rocks in a quarry. The nature of any sand is subject to how and the area in which it has been sourced from. Limestone, quartz, granite, and gneiss are the most typical rocks to make mortar sand.

Processing Mortar Sand

Mortar goes through comprehensive processing to fulfill its hallmark texture and appearance. Following crushing the rocks into sand-sized fragments, it’s washed through a screen. As fine sand grains goes through the screen, larger fragments get filtered and taken out. The filtering process is somewhat like gold or gem panning. Screened mortar sand has equally sized sand grains for a smooth sand setting it apart from other construction sands.

You can create concrete using other materials other than concrete sand. Mortar sand, for example, produces a smoother and tastefully appealing finish than conventional concrete sand.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, including washed concrete sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Mortar Sand, Sand

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

7 October 2024

Cement, Concrete, And Mortar

We have an idea of what they are, however, do we know when to use which one? We share our knowledge concerning concrete, cement, and mortar to emphasize the differences between the three and help you in avoiding any uncertainty or improper purchasing.

Cement

A key element in the metropolitan substructure, cement binds in both concrete and mortar and it is utilized for securing buildings by binding their building blocks.

How cement is made

Composed of limestone, sand or clay, iron ore, and bauxite, cement sets and sticks to building units like stones, tiles, or bricks. The unrefined ingredients are made into powder and heated for forming a rock-hard material which is then ground once more and ready to be actuated with water.

Types of cement

Various types of cement lead to various uses in construction projects. For example, high alumina cement is proper for making concrete for the projects in high-temperature areas, hydro-phobic cement has more resistance against colder temperatures, and acid-resistant cement is utilized in chemical-proof projects.

Sulphate resistant cement, like Lafarge General Purpose Cement, is utilized when the project is susceptible to sulphate attacks. White Cements, like Hanson’s White Portland Cement, is utilized in engineered plans or for filling gaps in wall tiles.

Cement is usually an interchangeable word with concrete; however, they aren’t the same. Cement is an important element in concrete which is why is important to select the correct one for your projects.

Concrete

Concrete comprises of cement, gravel, and sand, or other aggregates. When water is added the cement is actuated and the mix binds collectively producing a solid. Because it begins as a dry mixture which afterwards becomes malleable, concrete can be used in multiple ways, like slabs or countertops, on driveways or patios, or even for the foundation of walls.

The strength degree of concrete is subject to the measurements of sand and gravel added. Different projects require various textures and strengths. Because it becomes an extremely hard material after it sets, concrete can be used, for example, as a reinforcement to mesh on buildings and walls.

How to mix concrete

There are different ways of mixing the ingredients, subject on the strength you want to achieve. A general guide for a conventional concrete mix would consist of one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts aggregates.

Basically, concrete is a material typically used in building and trade, nevertheless, concrete would not exist without cement, its primary binding and hardening ingredient.

Concrete is available readymade or it can be mixed intentionally to be suitable for specific projects.

Mortar

As stated before, mortar also comprises of cement. Whereas concrete comprises of cement, sand, water, and gravel mixed in different measurements, mortar comprises of cement, water, and lime aggregate. Nevertheless, mortar is not as enduring as concrete and is more of an extension to a project, instead of the primary building material.

Mortar is most used between stones, bricks, or blocks and is typically applied as an adhesive. It can also be utilized for molding and ornamental intentions.

How to mix mortar

There are various types of mortar with various purposes. For instance, some might be more appropriate of masonry than others and less inclined to cracking. A lot of the time, mortar is found pre-blended and can be purchased in bags.

Individuals can also create their own mortar mix. Whereas recommendations differ, a normal ratio is three or four parts building sand to one part cement maintaining the mixture a good balance of wetness.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

Concrete Sand, Mortar Sand

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

22 November 2023

Concrete Sand vs. Mason Sand

To a lot of people, sand is a singular product, but there are in fact many different kinds with considerable distinctions. Concrete sand and mortar (mason) sand are two of the most common kinds. Below are a couple of key variations between the two.

What Is Concrete Sand?

Concrete sand is made from rock, like limestone, granite, gneiss, or trap rock. It’s typically broken up and filtered at a rock mine prior to being sent away for sale or use in different projects.

This type of sand is usually used as a base for paver patios, walkways, and swimming pools. It’s also occasionally mixed with landscaping materials such as topsoil or mulch for dressing lawns, commercial landscapes, golf courses, and other natural outside areas.

What Is Mortar Sand?

Mortar (mason) sand is produced likewise to concrete sand. The main difference is that it’s crushed much finer. The crushing method is also more refined, resulting in more consistent granules.

Mortar sand is used for a lot of the same projects as concrete sand. Nevertheless, because it’s a lot smoother to the touch, it’s usually used for things such as a supplement for beach sand or to fill volleyball courts, sandpits, and playgrounds for children.

One other common use for mortar sand is prevention of erosion in gardens and landscapes. As the “powdery” granules allow it to produce a more waterproof impediment.

How to Determine Which Sand Is Right for Your Project

Concrete sand and mortar sand are comparable products, but they can make for quite different outcomes. When deciding between them, the most important aspect to think about is your project’s nature.

Concrete sand is most likely a good option when you need a solid underlayer for walkways or pavers. Nevertheless, when you’re working on a more polished project and need sand for adding to a premium landscaping project, mortar sand is probably the better choice.

Lastly, if you’re using sand that is going to be used, touched, or interacted with, mortar sand is going to be a lot more comfortable than the larger granules of concrete sand. If you’re not sure which kind of sand is right for your project, it’s wise to consult the professionals at A&A Materials.

A&A Materials for Your Concrete or Mortar Sand Needs

The professional team at A&A Materials is more than happy to help you decide which kind of sand is more suitable for your project. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and can inform you of the pros and cons of each kind. Learn more by contacting us today.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Concrete Sand, Mortar Sand, Sand