Plastering sand for concrete

[Philip Spence]

Hi
I need to mix a load of concrete for fence posts. My local building supplier ran out of building sand and delivered plastering sand instead. Will this be OK for using in a concrete mix (with aggregate and cement). Thanks in advance.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Not really, no. For your application you'll get away with it but your builders merchant needs to give you a hefty discount (50% would do)

 

[^woody^]

Building sand is too soft for making concrete!
Plastering sand will do.

 

[23vc]

Have they run out of sharp sand then?

 

[HawkEye244]

No, and it's easy to tell the difference, so whoever signed it off on your site needs to explain themselves. Get it returned and get the right stuff.

 

[noseall]

Plastering sand will be ok but you will need slightly more cement to achieve the same strength as you would with sharp sand.

Building sand is a no-no.