If you're doing a landscaping job, paving or pouring concrete, it is very important which sand you choose-selecting the right type can significantly alter the outcome of your finished product. When it comes to sand, two of the most popular sold items are river sand and paving sand. While you might think that they look exactly the same, they don't perform the same once you use them.
At Formula Transport, we deliver both river sand & paving sand throughout Perth and often get asked the same question – "which one do I need?" Below is the answer so you know exactly which product you'll need to order before your next delivery.
What Is River Sand?
River sand is natural sand that is excavated from the beds of rivers and floodplains. River sand has been rounded in shape due to the ongoing action of water; the individual granules have a very smooth surface, and the overall texture of the sand is very fine and uniform. The gentle erosion occurring in the natural state is responsible for the pale tones in color, which are usually a pale brown or grey.
Due to the high versatility of the river sand, it has various uses including:
- Mixing concrete because it helps produce a very smooth, workable mix due to its fine texture
- Renders & Plasters are consistent in grain size
- Garden landscaping and soil blending, if you want to achieve a more natural appearance
- Backfilling around pipes and cables, as it is self compacting and doesn't contain the sharp edges that would tear materials
Since with river sand, the grains are rather more rounded rather than angular, they do not interlock between each other quite as tightly as some other sand types. This makes it fantastic for mixing between, but not so suitable if you're looking for good stability of underfoot, e.g. Heavy paving.
What Is Paving Sand?
Paving sand (sometimes known as bedding sand or paver's sand) is made for laying pavers, bricks and blocks. It is generally a sharper, coarser sand with angular particles which grip each other tightly when compacted. This gripping effect is what makes it very useful as a bedding layer.
Paving sand is the go-to choice for:
- Constructing a firm and stable bedding course below paving or block paving
- Completing the joints in the paving rather than just filling with wash away after laying, to help lock into place.
- Driveways, patios and pathways used on a daily basis by cars, footfalls or families
- Landscaping projects that require drainage and long-term stability
Unlike river sand, paving sand is selected for its extra tight, dense properties. Once laid, tamped and pressed down it will remain compact and solid, offering a firm, stable base that won't shift even when large furniture or cars are to drive over it.
Key Differences between River Sand and Paving Sand
- Grain Shape and Texture
River sand is rounded, and has been naturally eroded by the water and has a soft feel to it. Paving sand is sharp and coarser in its grains as they allow the material to tightly grip & lock together, as it is essential for a paving base to remain up right.
- Compaction and Stability
The paving sand sets extremely well as it is more angular than river sand and locks in really well when applying pressure to it. River sand is rounded so the individual grains are less permanent and move more when pressure is applied; this is ok as you are mixing it in with the concrete but not suitable if you require a weight bearing.
- Drainage
Paving sand is normally graded to drain correctly underneath a paved area to avoid water pooling and possible erosion beneath the pavers. River sand though does drain as well but isn't graded specifically for draining.
- Common Applications
River sand: The all-rounder for concrete, rendering and landscaping. Paving sand: For laying and jointing of pavers, bricks and pathways.
- Finish and Appearance
The natural, fine grain of river sand lends itself to ornamental or mixed uses – topping up garden beds, exposed aggregate slabs. Paving sand is a utility product and not so concerned with aesthetics.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right sand for your project is really a function of building:
Installing a driveway, patio, or path with pavers or blocks? Use paving sand to create a firm, durable foundation or fill between joints.
Are you mixing concrete, rendering or plastering? River sand will provide a finer, more consistent mixture because of its finer, smoother texture.
Are you landscaped garden beds or that soil mixed? The appearance and texture of River Sand stones make it very attractive.
When backfilling around pipes or underground cables? Using rounded river sands minimize the risk of damages to laying materials.
If you're unsure which sand will match your particular job, consider asking your builder, landscaper or supplier first. Picking the incorrect sand can cause problems in that it won't compact correctly, will not drain well, or won't set uniformly.
Why Sand Quality and Delivery Matter?
No matter how much of it you buy, if your sand is of poor quality, contaminated with organic material or not evenly graded then it won't be suitable for your project. By ordering your paving or river sand from a reputable supplier you will get consistent, quality material when you need it, delivered to site and saving you numerous journeys to and from the yard.
Formula Transport supplies and delivers to you checked river sand and paving sand for numerous applications – whether you just want to do up your backyard or you are doing a big commercial construction. The team can also advise you on the type of that and quantity required so you don’t end up doing the wrong thing.
Final Thoughts
Although the two may look the same river sand and paving sand are not the same and are used for quite different reasons. River sand is a finer material used for concrete, rendering and landscaping whereas paving sand is a coarser material with angular grains for greater strength under pavers, bricks or driveways.
Picking the perfect sand for your project is not only about completing the job but ensuring the long lasting qualities. If you're about to lay your next paving, concreting or landscaping project contact Formula Transport for professional sand supply and delivery.
FAQs
What's the main difference between river sand and paving sand?
River Sand: Rounded and smooth grained suitable for use in concrete, rendering & landscaping, Paving Sand: Coarser & angular shaped grains that pack tightly and are used as a bedding material for pavers with joints filled:
Can I use river sand under pavers instead of paving sand?
Don't use river sand. Rounded and smooth grains of river sand do not lock together to prevent pavers from moving, sinking or becoming uneven as sand may settle. Angular grains of paving sand are needed to seal in the pavers.
Is paving sand suitable for mixing concrete?
Paving sand is not really suitable for concrete mixing. The texture tends to be rough and angular, which can influence the handling and finishing of the concrete. River sand is dust fine and often has a more even and regular grain size.
Why does paving sand compact better than river sand?
Because of the angular shape, paving sand compacts tightly. River sand's rounded grains shift more freely, so this does not compact as firmly.
Which sand is better for garden landscaping?
Generally, river sand is used in landscaping. Its smooth and natural colour tapers seamlessly into garden beds and soil mixtures to produce a softer, more natural overall effect.
Does paving sand help with drainage under pavers?
Yes. With paved areas, paving sand is normally graded to drain. This limits the chance of water pooling under the paved surface and stabilizes the pavers against erosion.
Can river sand be used for filling paver joints?
River sand isn't suitable for the joint filling because it doesn't hold the pavers in position as well as paving sand. Paving sand is specifically developed for the purpose of jointing. Work helps to keep the pavers in position and in line.
What is the quantity of sand I need to order?
The amount of sand required will vary according to the scope of the job, depth of installation and the intended finish. Formula Transport will determine the quantity of sand required and suggest whether river or paving sand should be used.
