Types of Construction Sand and Their Uses in Building Projects

Dylan Smith
Nov 30
2 min read

Understanding the Different Types of Construction Sand

Not all sand is created equal. In construction, choosing the right type of sand is essential for achieving strong concrete, smooth plaster finishes, and durable brickwork. Each sand type has specific characteristics that influence how it performs in different applications.

At Hyperbuild Brick and Sand, we supply high-quality river sand, plaster sand, filling sand, silica sand, and building sand, each suited to different stages of construction. Knowing which sand to use can dramatically impact your project's performance, appearance, and long-term durability.

The Main Types of Construction Sand

1. River Sand: The Gold Standard for Concrete

River sand is washed, smooth, and naturally graded,making it one of the most reliable sands for building.

Ideal Uses:

Ready-mix concrete
Floor screeds
Slabs and foundations
Brickmaking in certain applications

Why Contractors Prefer It:

Clean and low in clay content
Perfect grain size for structural strength
Enhances concrete workability

River sand’s natural composition reduces impurities and increases bonding efficiency between cement and aggregates.

2. Plaster Sand: For Smooth, Crack-Free Wall Finishes

Plaster sand is fine, consistent, and free from stones,ideal for creating a smooth, even plaster finish.

Ideal Uses:

Interior and exterior wall plastering
Ceiling finishes
Skimming and decorative work

Benefits:

Ultra-fine texture for polished surfaces
Reduced cracking and peeling
Uniform, easy-to-spread consistency

Quality plaster sand ensures your walls look clean, professional, and long-lasting.

3. Building Sand (Bricklaying Sand): The Backbone of Mortar

Building sand, often referred to as bricklaying sand, has a slightly coarse but workable texture. It is one of the most essential sands in construction.

Ideal Uses:

Bricklaying mortar
General building mixes
Medium-strength plaster applications

Key Advantages:

Excellent binding ability
Good water retention
Makes mortar easy to work with and highly adhesive

This sand helps create strong, consistent mortar ideal for brick and block walls

4. Filling Sand: For Leveling & Bulk Backfilling

Filling sand is unwashed sand used for non-structural purposes where strength is not the main focus.

Ideal Uses:

Backfilling trenches
Leveling uneven ground
Pipe bedding
Sub-base preparation

Benefits:

Affordable and readily available
Compacts well
Ideal for large-volume use

Hyperbuild supplies clean, consistent filling sand perfect for groundwork and site preparation.

5. Silica Sand: For Specialized Applications

Silica sand is a highly pure sand used in specialist environments.

Ideal Uses:

Sports fields and golf bunkers
Industrial filters
Landscaping
Certain construction adhesives and coatings

Benefits:

Clean, white, aesthetically pleasing
High silica content for industrial performance

How to Choose the Right Construction Sand

● Consider the End Application

Concrete - River Sand
Plaster - Plaster Sand
Bricklaying - Building/Bricklaying Sand
Filling - Filling Sand

● Check Cleanliness Sand should be free from clay, silt, and organic matter for maximum strength and bonding.

● Assess Grain Size The finer the sand, the smoother the finish. Coarser sands are better for structural mixes.

● Look for High Grade Consistency Well-graded sand improves strength and reduces the likelihood of cracking.

Why Buy Your Sand From Hyperbuild?

With over 15+ years supplying the construction industry, Hyperbuild Brick and Sand delivers reliable, high-quality sands in bulk or bagged form. We guarantee: