Sand, delivered by the trip
Sand does two different jobs on a building site, and using the wrong one wastes money. Pit sand (sharp sand) is the workhorse for blockwork, concrete and mortar. Smooth or plastering sand is finer and cleaner, used where the finish shows — plastering and rendering.
What it’s used for
- Pit sand: mixing concrete for foundations, columns and slabs
- Pit sand: laying blocks and general mortar work
- Smooth/plastering sand: plastering walls inside and out
- Smooth/plastering sand: rendering and fine finishing coats
How far one trip goes
A 20-ton tipper trip of sand is roughly 14–15 cubic metres. As a rule of thumb that lays in the region of 1,500–2,000 blocks' worth of mortar, or plasters a modest single-storey house — your mason will confirm for your exact mix.
Current delivered prices
How to spot good material
- Good pit sand feels gritty and falls apart when you squeeze a wet handful — sand that cakes has too much clay and weakens concrete.
- Plastering sand should look uniform and pale, without stones or leaves. Dark streaks usually mean organic matter that stains the finish.
Common questions
What's the difference between pit sand and plastering sand?
Pit sand is coarse and sharp — it locks together and makes strong concrete and mortar. Plastering sand is finer and smoother, giving a clean finish on walls. Most builds need both: pit sand for the structure, plastering sand near the end.
How much does a trip of sand cost delivered?
One delivered price per trip: the material plus haulage for your distance. Current material prices are on our prices page, and dropping your pin on the order page shows your exact delivered price instantly.
How many blocks can one trip of sand lay?
Roughly 1,500–2,000 blocks' worth of mortar from one 20-ton trip, depending on your mix and joint sizes. Ask your mason to check against the plan before ordering the whole job.
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