Can I use Building Sand Instead of Sharp Sand for a Mortar Mix for Patio? Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[BuilderChad]

I have a load of building sand left over. Can I use this for the mortar mix instead of sharp sand to lay a patio on? Or would it be better if I mix it with ballast?

[welsh brickie]

yes that's fine

[OdgeUK]

Everything I read, when I was doing my Patio, suggested that Sharp Sand was preferred, due to being stronger and less porous (thus less vulnerable to freeze/thaw over the winter). Ants really like burrowing into builder sand mixes as well apparently.

Having said that, my friend who has done MANY more DIY projects than me, has laid his slabs using Building Sand because he said Sharp Sand is much more difficult to work with. As far as I know, none of his bedding has fallen apart so I guess Building Sand does work overall.