Beatsons Premium Washed Building Sand

Beatsons Premium Washed Building Sand is a fine, soft sand for mixing bricklaying and pointing mortar. Washing removes the clay, silt and organic debris that cause mortar to shrink, crack and weaken, so joints stay tight and look cleaner for longer. Its fine, consistent grain blends easily with cement and water for a smooth, workable mix that holds well on the trowel. It is ideal for brickwork, blockwork, pointing, masonry repairs and general building work on domestic and trade projects. It is available in approx. 850kg bulk bags, covering around 10m² at 50mm depth, or handy 20kg small bags for quick repairs. Choose direct site delivery or Click & Collect.

Beatsons Premium Washed Building Sand

Cracked, crumbling or powdery mortar joints are one of the most common problems in brickwork and pointing, and the sand is often the cause. Unwashed sand carries clay, silt and organic matter that make mortar shrink as it cures, leading to hairline cracks, weak joints and patchy finishes. Beatsons Premium Washed Building Sand is washed to strip out these impurities, giving you a clean, fine sand that mixes into a smooth, workable mortar you can rely on.

Its fine, consistent grain blends easily with cement and water to produce a mortar that spreads well, holds to the trowel and bonds cleanly to bricks and blocks. It is suited to laying bricks and blocks, repointing, general masonry repairs and everyday building work on both domestic and commercial projects.

Key Features

• Washed for cleaner mortar: Clay, silt and organic debris are removed to reduce shrinkage cracking as the mortar cures.
• Fine, consistent grain: Mixes easily and gives a smooth, workable mortar for neat joints.
• Bag sizes: Approx. 850kg bulk bags, or approx. 20kg small bags for repairs and small jobs.
• Versatile: Suitable for bricklaying, blockwork, pointing, masonry repairs and general building work.
• Flexible delivery: Direct site delivery or Click & Collect from your local Beatsons branch.

Which Bag Size Do I Need?

A bulk bag of approx. 850kg covers around 10m² at a depth of 50mm (2 inches), making it the most economical choice for extensions, garden walls and larger projects. The approx. 20kg small bag is easy to carry and store, which makes it ideal for repointing, small repairs and one-off jobs. Coverage is approximate and depends on moisture content and compaction.

Colour and Consistency

This is a natural sand, so its colour can vary slightly between batches, which may affect the final colour of your mortar joints. For a consistent finish across a whole wall or project, order all the sand you need in one delivery.

Mixing and Use

Mix building sand with cement and water to make mortar. Ratios typically range from around 3 parts sand to 1 part cement for stronger mixes to 6:1 for softer mixes, depending on the bricks or blocks being laid and the exposure of the wall. Always check the brick manufacturer's guidance for the correct mix. A mortar plasticiser can be added to improve workability. For older, solid-walled or listed properties, a natural hydraulic lime mortar may be more appropriate than cement.

Storage

Keep bulk bags covered to protect the sand from rain, leaves and debris. Very wet sand changes how much water your mix needs, so adjust the water added to keep your mortar consistent from batch to batch.

Safety Information

• Dust: Avoid creating dust when handling dry sand, and wear suitable respiratory protection (FFP3) when cutting, grinding or raking out set mortar.
• Wet mortar: Once mixed with cement and water, mortar can cause skin burns and serious eye damage. Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection, and wash any splashes off skin immediately.
• Manual handling: Small bags weigh approx. 20kg. Lift with care and get help where needed.
• Bulk bags: Bulk bags are delivered by hiab lorry and weigh approx. 850kg, so make sure the drop-off point is firm, level and accessible.

Technical Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bulk bag of building sand cover?

An 850kg bulk bag of washed building sand covers approximately 10m² at 50mm (2 inches) deep. Actual coverage varies slightly with the sand's moisture content and how firmly it is compacted.

What is the best sand to cement ratio for bricklaying mortar?

Most general brickwork uses between 4 and 5 parts building sand to 1 part cement, with stronger 3:1 mixes for exposed or below-ground work. Always follow the brick manufacturer's recommendation, as mortar that is too strong can crack softer bricks.

Can I use building sand to lay a patio?

Building sand can be used in a mortar bed for paving, but on its own it is too soft to give a firm, stable base. For patio bedding, sharp sand mixed with cement is usually the better choice.

Technical Specifications Table

Please note all prices are website prices only! They may vary from the branches.

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