If your project requires sand, you may need to do more research than expected! With various types of sand available, it’s important to understand the differences between each. Understanding each type will allow you to tackle your project with little to no issues. So what’s first? Take a few minutes to learn about the three most commonly used sand types; Concrete Sand vs. Mason Sand vs. White Sand.

Concrete Sand

Concrete sand is and aggregate sand usually composed of either gneiss, trap rock, limestone or granite. This specific type of sand is normally crushed at the quarry and then washed and screened for quality. This process will make sure that there are no large rocks within the material.
It is most commonly used to as a key ingredient in cement or hot asphalt but can also be used as pipe sand or as a base layer and leveling medium for above ground pools, and patios or walkways made of concrete paving stones.

Mason Sand

Mason sand is created in the same way as concrete sand but is crushed finer. It is also created at the quarry by crushing granite, gneiss, limestone or trap rock then washing it though screens to ensure the uniformity of the grains.
It can be used in cement, particularly for projects like swimming pools and concrete paving stones where the finer grain gives a more finished appearance. Its finer texture also makes it an acceptable replacement for beach sand in applications like sand volleyball courts.

White Sand

White sand is the type of sand most often used in application where it is likely to be seen. It is made of crushed limestone which gives it is distinctive white color and softer, finer texture. It is most often a more expensive type of sand than the other two and is usually only used where its appearance or softer feel will make a difference.
It can be used in cement for mortar or paving stones but most often it is used in sand boxes, volleyball courts and in sand traps at golf courses. White sand is also frequently used to create inland beaches at lakes as well as to replace protective sand dunes along the coast.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing each of these sand types, you now have a better understanding of which material to work with for your specific project. All you need to do now is decide which type best suits your needs and where to purchase it from.
If you still have questions about the different types of sand, you should contact the quarries closest to where you will need the sand delivered. They can offer you helpful advice about which sand is best for your application, how much you are likely to need and how much each type will cost you. Be sure that the quarries you speak to employ experienced drivers because a truckload of sand dumped in the wrong place can lead to disastrous results and/or angry neighbors.
Only after you have gotten all of that information squared away are you ready to set up a delivery site and date. Remember that moving a truckload of sand is not an easy task and so you should arrange to have it delivered as close to where it will be used as possible. Do not arrange for delivery until you are prepared to use the sand because the longer it sits exposed to the elements the harder it will be to move it.