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At Advanced, we sell mason sand by the yard, bag or bucket

Common Questions about Masonry Sand

What is Masonry Sand?

Similar to bank sand, masonry sand is our second grade sand that is still very fine and soft to the touch. It also has been washed and screened to guarantee consistency. The main difference between these two sands is how you use them. Bank sand is much softer for recreational use such as a play sand box, volleyball court or a playground while mason sand is more commonly used for bricklaying and combining with concrete for mortar. Though most common, mason sand is very versatile in it’s functions and can also be substituted for similar uses to bank sand such as filling a volleyball court or laying underneath a pool.

What can I use Masonry Sand for?

Though the best way to use masonry sand is for bricklaying or other construction uses, mason sand has multiple functions and can overlap in some uses of other fine sands. Since it has a fine texture and typically is not mixed with many small particles, it can be used for your volleyball court, playground or chicken coop. As far as more industrial use, mason sand is great for paving stone, tuckpointing, landscaping or grass leveling,  making mortar for bricklaying or brick facade, and much more.

 

Should my Mason Sand be Screened?

If you are using mason sand for landscaping or any project where you need finer sand, then make sure it is screened. This process will remove all small rocks, pebbles and particles to ensure that there is no damage to the tools you are using from the sand.

Bricklaying with Masonry Sand

Why use masonry sand in your bricklaying? The purpose of masonry sand in your bricklaying project is to hold together your mortar mixture. Combining cement and mason sand will make a durable bond in the mixture that will lead to mortar with a strong hold and less likely to crack. Together the sand and cement will create a single substance that you can use between bricks or stone blocks. When you are mixing the two together, a tip is to make sure that your mason sand is dry first. If it is wet, there is less of a chance that the mortar mix will stick together properly, resulting in cracking in the mortar.

Is Masonry Sand the Same as Concrete Sand?

No, but very similar. The main reason that masonry sand differs from concrete sand is because mason sand  goes through a process that concrete sand does not go through. In this process, the mason sand is washed and screened. This allows the sand to not only be more clean and particle-free, but it creates more uniform grains in the sand. Because of this process, mason sand is softer and finer, while allowing it to have more uses beyond the industrial use of concrete sand. Concrete sand remains to have larger particles in it such as rocks or pebbles and should not be used for the same functions as mason sand such as the base for a playground.

Is Masonry Sand Safe for a Chicken Coop?

Yes. When designing your chicken coop, there are many available options for the flooring. Sand is a great resource to use for the chickens and masonry or bank sand would both be suitable. Since there are not big particles of sharp objects blended in the sand, it is a comfortable surface for the chicken’s feet. If you do decide to use sand, be aware of the amount of sun that is shining on your chicken coop, and be sure to frequently check the sand’s temperature. If it is a very sunny day, be sure to move the sand around or wet it often to keep the sand’s temperature cool for the chicken.

*Wetting mason sand does not result in the sand hardening.

Leveling your Lawn with Sand

When you are ready to level out your lawn, make sure to start by cutting your grass. Use your mower to cut it down, not too short, and then begin to dethatch it with a rake or dethatcher. After you have dethatched your entire area of grass, make sure to tend to any areas that need extra care such as very low, sunken areas. If you plan on using mason sand alone then get your sand ready in a convenient spot by the grass. Otherwise, you can prepare your mix of sand with topsoil. While you are distributing sand on to the grass make sure to spread evenly, adding extra sand to areas that sink lower. After all the needed sand is distributed, make sure the lawn is even with a rake then go ahead and water it. Once dried, it could take a day, re-add your soil and maintain care as usual.