What Is Masonry Sand? (How To Tell Which Sand is Right For Your Project)

Who would have known there would be so many different applications for different types of sand. Some varieties of sand are better suited for particular projects while others are much lighter, courser, or more useful in construction projects. So what is masonry sand and is it the right type of sand for your project?

 What Is Masonry Sand?

Mason sand is an extremely versatile type of sand that is very uniform, smooth, and clean. Unlike other varieties of sand, mason sand can be applied to many construction or home improvement projects because of its consistency, fineness, and cleanliness. Because this sand is so small, often less than 2 millimeters in diameter, it’s used to control the flow of water particularly in landscape, gardening, and masonry projects.

What Is It Made Out Of?

Masonry sand can come from many places, but more often than not, it is quarry rock such as granite, limestone and even gneiss.

How Is It Processed?

When big boulders of rock are removed from the quarry, they are thrown into large machines that crush the rock and sift through them for large pieces. The large pieces are thrown back in and sifted through once again until they reach a maximum allowable size. 


The process continues over and over again until the rock is pulverized to very fine particles of sand. Since masonry sand is much finer than concrete sand, the process is more rigorous and repetitive.

What Is It Used For?

This sand is extremely versatile and has many uses, but most often you’ll see the sand being used in outdoor volley ball courts, infill purposes, masonry projects both large and small, foundation for swimming pools, and even playgrounds. Masonry sand is very useful in landscaping, hardscaping, and gardening projects when trying to control erosion as well as the finer particles of sand act like clay and create a tighter waterproof barrier.

Most common types of washed and screened sands

Once you have the necessary load information, it's time to calculate the load on the lintel. This involves understanding the various forces acting on the lintel, such as dead load (permanent weight of the structure), live load (temporary or moving loads), and environmental factors like wind and seismic loads. These calculations will help you determine the maximum load the lintel must support.

Fill Sand

this sand is great to use in projects around the house and has an extremely high compaction rating. You’ll need to be really purposeful when using this sand because it’s great for promoting drainage due to large particle sizes, but this sand does not hold it’s shape well.



You wouldn’t want to use this sand to lay a patio, for example, but it would be very well suited for septic tanks or for filling in trenches.

Concrete Sand

this sand is just as versatile as masonry sand but the differentiator is the level of drainage. Its often used in trenching, bedding, and septic tanks, but it’s also used in the winter time to improve icy road conditions or act as top dressing in golf courses.

Mason Sand

extremely fine and consistent sand, this material often gets used when you’re trying to slow down drainage or where you’re looking for something “nicer”. Common applications include outdoor volleyball courts, swimming pool foundations, masonry projects, laying down pavers for patios or driveways, etc.

Topdressing Sand

the most common application for this sand is in the landscaping space where you want to level out a lawn. Many golf courses use this sand to keep the grass level while also promoting proper drainage, reducing thatch and organic material.

What is another name for masonry sand?

Another name for masonry sand is "brick sand" or "construction sand." It's a type of sand commonly used in construction and masonry projects, such as laying bricks, blocks, and stone.

Is builders sand the same as masonry sand?

"Builder's sand" and "masonry sand" are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there can be some differences based on the region and supplier. Generally, both types of sand are used in construction and masonry projects, such as bricklaying and concrete work. They both have properties that make them suitable for these purposes, including good workability and the ability to bind with cement to create a solid structure.


That being said, there might be slight variations in particle size and texture between builder's sand and masonry sand, depending on the source. It's always a good idea to check with your local suppliers or contractors to understand the specific properties of the sand they offer and ensure it meets the requirements of your project.

lintel-sizing

Can masonry sand get wet?

We’ve previously mentioned that masonry sand can be used to control the flow of erosion as it’s a much finer sand than it’s varieties, but because it’s so fine, it can act as clay. Masonry sand can get wet. In fact, masonry sand is often mixed with water and other materials to create mortar, which is used to bind bricks, stones, or concrete blocks together in construction projects.


Masonry sand itself can also become wet due to weather conditions, such as rain or exposure to moisture. It's important to note that if masonry sand becomes excessively wet or waterlogged, it can affect the quality of the mortar it's used to create. Too much moisture can alter the consistency of the mortar, making it difficult to work with and compromising its strength.

How much does masonry sand cost?

On average, masonry sand tends to be more affordable than specialized sands like play sand or silica sand. In the Chicago, the cost of masonry sand can range from $25 to $50 per ton (2,000 pounds), but keep in mind that prices can vary significantly depending on your region. If you're purchasing smaller quantities, like bags from a home improvement store, the cost per bag could be around $5 to $10.



For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it's best to contact a local building supply stores, landscaping suppliers, or construction material vendors in your area. They can provide you with specific pricing information based on your location and the quantity you need.

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