Plastering Sand

What Is Plastering Sand?

Plastering sand is a fine graded sand specifically produced for use in plastering mixes. Unlike sharp sand, which has a coarser texture suited to floor screeds and concrete, plastering sand has a much finer grain that blends smoothly into plaster mixes, helping you achieve the clean, even finish that plastering demands.

It can be clean quarried, blended, or washed depending on the source, and the grade and colour may vary slightly between batches depending on where it has been sourced from. At Timberstore, our plastering sand is typically sourced from Westerham or Leighton Buzzard – both well regarded sources for quality building sand in the South East.

What Can Plastering Sand Be Used For?

Plastering sand is most commonly used for:

• Internal wall plastering – mixed with cement or lime to create a smooth, workable plaster for finishing internal walls and ceilings
• External rendering – with the addition of a suitable waterproofing additive, plastering sand mixes can be used on external walls to create a durable, weather resistant render finish
• Pointing and bedding – fine graded sand is also useful for certain pointing and bedding applications where a smooth mix is required

It is not suitable as a replacement for sharp sand in concreting, screed, or paving work – for those applications you’d want a coarser product.

Understanding Sand Colour and Grading

One thing worth knowing about plastering sand – and indeed most building sands – is that colour and grading can vary depending on where the sand has been quarried or processed. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the performance of the sand in use.

How Much Do I Need?

Plastering sand has a conversion factor of approximately 1.6 tonnes per m³, which is a useful figure when estimating quantities from a mix ratio or volume calculation.

As a rough guide for internal plastering:

• A standard two coat plaster on a wall typically uses a mix ratio of around 1 part cement to 4-5 parts plastering sand by volume
• Always buy slightly more than your calculation suggests – running out mid-job is frustrating and a slight colour variation between batches can be noticeable on a finished wall

If you’re unsure how much you need for your project, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you work it out.

Why Buy in Poly Bags?

Poly bags are ideal when you need a controlled quantity – much easier to handle, store, and move around site. They’re also great for:

• Smaller domestic plastering jobs where a bulk bag or loose delivery would be too much
• Situations where you need to move material into a property without a vehicle having direct yard access
• Jobs where you want to keep the material clean and dry until you’re ready to use it

Conforms to BS EN 13139

This plastering sand conforms to BS EN 13139, the British and European standard for aggregates used in mortar. This gives you confidence that the material meets consistent quality and grading requirements for use in construction.

Order Online With Timberstore

You’ll always get our best price when you order through the Timberstore website. We deliver across South East England using our own fleet, covering Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey, West Sussex, and Hampshire. If you’re outside our delivery area, you’re welcome to click and collect from our yard in Beaconsfield, HP9 2RX.