Recently I mixed a batch of mortar for building and was unsure if the hardware provided me with building sand or plaster sand..
What are the properties that differentiate the two? and are there any scenarios where its fine to use them interchangeably?
It's all about particle size, which is classified using the Wentworth scale or The Krumbein phi (φ) scale.
Sharp Sand, also known as Concrete Sand is a coarse sand with larger particles. This type of sand is typically used in concrete.
φ scale - 1 to 0
Size range - 1/2 to 1 mm (0.020–0.039 in)
Builder's Sand, also known as Plasterer's, Mason, or Bricklayer's Sand is a finer grade sand with smaller particles. It's often mixed with water and cement to make mortar for laying bricks/blocks.
φ scale - 3 to 2
Size range - 125–250 µm (0.0049–0.010 in)
Jointing Sand, also known as Beach Sand is very fine sand with very small particles. This type of sand is used for grouting joints in paving or patio slabs.
φ scale - 4 to 3
Size range - 62.5–125 µm (0.0025–0.0049 in)
