Sand Archives - A&A Materials Inc

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.

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.

Concrete Sand vs. Mason Sand