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Many of us think about sand as something you find at the beach, when in reality, that is only one of the many places it can be found. In fact, sand can be used for a wide range of landscaping and construction projects. To give you a better understanding of sand, we wanted to explain the different kinds of sand we offer as well as their specific uses. We will be going over concrete sand, mason sand and equestrian sand.
What is Concrete Sand?
In simple terms, concrete sand is a type of aggregate. It is composed of limestone, trap rock, gneiss, or granite. What makes this sand different from other varieties is the fact that it is washed and screened. The sand must go through a screening process to ensure there are no large rock fragments within the sand. Washing the sand adds to the quality.
What is Concrete Sand Used for?
In general, concrete sand is used with asphalt products. Concrete sand is naturally occurring which makes it great for filtration. Below is our list of uses for concrete sand. If you want to learn more about application or uses, check out this page for more in-depth tutorials!
Mixed with cement
Used to level land
Walkways
Used with concrete blocks / paving stone
Septic systems
C-33 Concrete / Septic Sand
C-33 approved concrete sand can be specifically used for spec jobs such as septic systems that require this rating. This sand is tested and approved in a lab to ensure it's of the highest quality. This kind of sand allows for better drainage. It is essential this sand is graded properly or else the system could fail in the future.
Be aware of using manufactured sand. Manufactured sand is made by crushing stone into smaller particles. It should only be used for compacting purposes and should never be used for septic systems, beaches, or anywhere else where drainage is important.
What is Mason Sand?
The next type of sand we will be discussing is mason sand. Mason sand is an "all purpose" sand. It has a variety of different uses. This variety of sand possesses much finer grains then the concrete sand does, leading to a better appearance for decorative jobs where the mix may be seen. Mason sand is also used by some as a cheaper alternative to beach sand.
Where is Mason Sand Used?
Mason sand can be used for a variety of projects, we have listed a few below!
Beaches / volleyball courts
Masonry work
As a base for pools
Mortar mixes
Play sand
Equestrian Sand
The last type of sand we offer is called equestrian sand. This sand is specifically tailored for horses. It is perfect for a horse's footing, durable yet soft. Equestrian sand needs to be firm enough to provide support and it must have good traction.
By using other kinds of sand, the horse may lose traction and have serious damage. In using a more loose and soft sand you can also pose the risk for sand colic. Sand colic is when a horse ingests to much sand or dirt causing major intestinal problems. This can happen with any kind of sand, but in using an equestrian specific sand, you can compact the area better.
In some cases, different quarry's may not know what you are referring to when you mention equestrian sand, so it is important you explain your exact needs. Below is our checklist of what exactly you should be looking for.
Traction and Support
It will compact to provide a firm footing
Small particle size / fine sand
High clay and silt contents
How much product will I need?
Now that you have a better understanding of the different kinds of sands we offer, you may be wondering how much you will need. It is important to note that 1 cubic yard of sand is equal to 1.35 tons. Use this calculator to find out how much sand you will need!
Conclusion
The 3 main kinds of sand we offer at DeFeo Materials are concrete, mason and equestrian sand. It is important you understand what each kind of sand is used for so you know what would work best for your project. No matter what your needs may be, we have a solution for you. For questions regarding sand contact our experts today and we can further assist you.