Can you use play sand as joint sand?

click fraud protection
Play sand as joint sand

Paved areas and paths give structure to the property. After laying the paving slabs becomes sand swept in or smothered. Alternatively, can the cheaper play sand be used as joint sand?

video tip

In a nutshell

  • Play sand not suitable as joint sand
  • Sand qualities differ in the size and composition of the grains
  • consist mainly of quartz
  • Play sand processed several times
  • offers different qualities than joint sand

Table of Contents

  • joint sand
  • play sand
  • frequently asked Questions

joint sand

The paved terrace or the path laid out with paving slabs gets the finishing touch by sweeping in joint sand. The right joint material has a decisive influence on the durability and stability of the surface.

Sweeping in joint sand

The joint sand is a special composition. High-quality joint sand consists of very hard materials such as granite and quartz. The rock was broken or crushed. The resulting fine sand can be excellently compacted.

The joint material has the tasks,

  • to ensure stability
  • Closing gaps between cobblestones
  • to allow water drainage
  • to prevent weed growth
  • to achieve a decorative effect

Tip: Today joint sand is also available in different colors. Dark qualities are created by adding basalt powder. You can also achieve exciting effects with colored sand.

play sand

Child plays in a sandbox with play sand

Play sand is also quartz sand, but it is not suitable for filling pavement joints and is therefore not an alternative to joint sand. Because before sand is offered for sale as play sand, it is processed several times. There are completely different requirements for the game material:

1. exclusion of injuries

Children are allowed to Play in the sandbox do not injure yourself, so that the sharp-edged joint sand is ruled out for use in the sandbox. Finally, children come into contact with the material through their skin. Now and then, especially with smaller children, some sand gets in their mouths. Play sand is very fine, the grains are round. Its grain is about two millimeters.

2. removability from clothing

An additional requirement for the popular material is that it should be easy to remove from clothing. Because of the round grains, play sand can be easily shaken off.

3. Fast drying

Play sand must be able to dry quickly after the rain. It should also not dust.

grit on paving stones

Tip: A good alternative to joint sand is grit with a grain size between one and three millimeters. The rough, edgy material hooks up perfectly and forms stable connections. It does not wash out easily when it rains and inhibits weed and moss colonization.

frequently asked Questions

When is particularly fine joint sand used?

Joint sand is available in different grain sizes. Particularly fine joint sand is suitable for narrow joints. The wider the joints, the coarser the joint material should be.

Is it better to sweep or muddy the joint sand?

Both techniques have their advantages. The stop is uncomplicated and can be repeated at any time. On the other hand, you can achieve greater stability by embedding.

How can weeds be prevented from growing between the joints?

When sweeping or muddying the sand, make sure that no organic materials such as grass or leaves get between the joints. They would rot and provide the basis for weeds to settle.

Can desert sand be used as a building material?

There is sand in abundance in the desert regions. It cannot be used in the construction industry because the grains have been worn down by the wind and can no longer get caught due to the lack of corners and edges.