Knowing which type is appropriate for your project is crucial, as each type of sand varies in strength, looks, bulk, and price.
Concrete Sand – This type of sand is usually coarse and made of your usual aggregates. As the name suggests, it is the most commonly used type of aggregate to mix with cement. Concrete sand is not just limited to concrete, as it can be used for other things such as bedding pipes and de-icing sand.
Masonry Sand – Also known as white sand and refined sand, masonry sand functions similarly to concrete sand. It is commonly used in the creation of concrete, mortar, and patio-related jobs. Its neat, light colors make it an attractive aggregate to use, and its versatility rivals that of other alternatives.
River Sand – Brownish in color and fine in quality, river sand is naturally obtained from river banks. Its moisture absorption is prized for improving structural integrity. This should not be confused with beach sand, as that material is deemed inferior compared to most types of sand in terms of durability.
Crushed Stone Sand – It looks like gravel and feels like gravel. But unlike gravel, crushed stone sand is a natural but commercially created resource that is made from crushed minerals, such as granite or limestone. Crushed stone sand is commonly used for road construction, and is widely known as a low-cost, high-value commodity.
Utility Sand – This is the kind of sand that is made from quartz and is coarse from the get-go. It is used as a base material for concrete and is also referred to as pipe sand, as it is utilized as a fill-in for holes, walls, pipes, and trenches.