Sand Archives - A&A Materials Inc

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

29 May 2025

Pros and Cons of Mulch

Mulch is a material you put over the garden soil to keep sunlight away from directly hitting it and decrease moisture loss via evaporation. Nevertheless, when utilizing this material in your landscape, it brings both good and bad impacts to the soil underneath the covering of mulch.

Which Mulch Is Right for You?

Mulch is the ace in the hole of gardening gladiators. Following the completion of a new landscaping project or removal of weeds out of gardens, placing mulch over the soil has a multitude of benefits: it hinders weeds, subsides evaporation, and creates an orderly, unified appearance to the landscape. Many mulches also enhance soil composition and fertility.

You have a lot of mulches to choose from. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of different mulches. Consider your location and your garden’s requirements and then spread some “mulch” needed love!

Fallen Leaves

Pros: No cost! Cut them up using a lawnmower or a weed trimmer or allow them to dry into a crumbly condition. On the other hand, place them in a pile and allow them to decompose for a year or so prior to use.
Cons: If they are wet and not shredded, they are going to mat and fester. When they are really light and dry, they are inclined to being blown away. Some leaves (for instance black walnut) release toxins and have detrimental impacts on some plants.

Grass Clippings

Pros: No cost!! Adds nitrogen to the soil.
Cons: Required to be dried before applying to prevent matting and festering. Break down rapidly. Do not use clippings from chemically treated lawns, particularly on vegetables intended to be consumed.

Pine Needles

Pros: No cost! Good weed suppression; remains in place well; great on slopes; slowly breaks down; increased acidity, which benefits some plants (rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, and some kinds of conifers).
Cons: Spiny to work with; acidification of soil.

Straw

Pros: Appealing color, good coverage, outlasts grass clippings or leaves.
Cons: Inclined to weed seeds, which could cause more issues than it solves.

Compost

Pros: Dark color sets plants off magnificently; quickly enriches soil; low cost, particularly if you create your own.
Cons: Breaks down fast; very short duration weed suppressor.

Shredded Bark

Pros: Low cost; readily available; breaks down somewhat slowly; stays in place on inclines; sometimes an eco-friendly use of wood industry byproducts.
Cons: Can consume nitrogen content from soil when it decomposes.

Wood Chips

Pros: Usually free from local horticulturists or electric companies.
Cons: Might be acidic; may contain species harmful to plants (like black walnuts) or harmful to humans (like poison ivy). Raw chips can drain nitrogen.

Pine Bark Nuggets

Pros: Long-duration (larger nuggets last longer); good weed suppressor; appealing.
Cons: Susceptible to tumbling down inclines or washing away in rainstorms.

Cocoa Hulls

Pros: Smells like chocolate! Fine texture, appealing color. Not prone to waning.
Cons: Easily blown away by wind; harmful to pets; may develop mold in hot humid climates. costly.

Rock And Gravel

Pros: Long duration doesn’t break down.
Cons: Long duration, doesn’t improve soil; difficult to remove or grow plants in.

Landscape Materials in Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers landscaping materials for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials, Mulch, Sand, Top Soil

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

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

Regular Post

Written by Brian B

17 August 2020

Landscape – Sand

The importance of using sand and other aggregates in your next landscaping venture cannot be overstated. Not only is sand aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the material serves a very vital role to the structure of your project. Along with clay, gravel and stone, sand can be found at most of Arizona’s landscaping suppliers. Here is a look at some of the best types of sand available in the area.

Mortar Sand

Mortar sand is a very popular foundational piece for bricks and block walls. Mortar is a mixture of sand, water and cements, which is perfect for home construction. The three components are used to hold the cement mix in place, ensuring a sound structure. Typically, mortar is not as strong as concrete, but the mortar mix is much thicker than the aforementioned concrete.

Washed Concrete Sand

Much like mortar sand, washed concrete sand serves many purposes when it comes to construction. Washed concrete sand seemingly has no limitations; being used as a foundation in horse arenas and base under pavers. This mix can be used anywhere coarse-textured sand is specified and called for. Washed concrete sand is stronger than mortar sand.

Fill Sand

Fill sand is commonly used for both residential and commercial construction projects. Fill sand is essentially an assortment of very fine particles of rocks. Depending on the source, these particles have either been crushed down by machinery or broken down naturally over time. Fill sand is especially useful in Arizona due to its resistance of moisture, which creates a natural drainage area. In the desert, fill sand is more popular than fill dirt, for obvious reasons. One of the only drawbacks to fill sand is its inability to maintain its shape or remain sturdy for long periods of time.

Screen Silt Sand

Screen silt sand may be the perfect balance between clay and sand mixtures. Silt generally retains a large amount of water, but releases the water when plants seek moisture. This is one of the more fine sands commonly used in landscaping projects. Screen silt sand has certainly carved out of niche inside the Arizona landscaping world.

All Purpose Sand

All purpose sand is exactly what it sounds like. This is a general-purpose substance used for an array of landscaping duties. Whether it is used for a foundation, traction or for grease absorption, all purpose sand is the ideal filler for your next project. This sand is washed, dried and sanitized for personal and commercial use. This all purpose sand can also be found in gardens, sandboxes and even cat litter boxes.

Sand can be used as fill under concrete or pavers. Call A & A Materials, Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona, at 480-990-0557 for more information on our fill sand.

Landscape, Sand

all purpose sand, fill sand, gardening, landscape, mortar sand, sand, screen silt sand, washed concrete sand