Types of Sand for Construction: The Ultimate Guide for Builders

Sand is one of the most essential raw materials in construction. Whether you’re building a house, Commercial property, or plastering walls, the type of sand you use can greatly affect the quality, strength, and longevity of your project.

In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of sand used in construction, their properties, applications, and how to choose the right one for your next building project in Mysuru.

Types of Sand for Construction

1. River Sand

Characteristics:

• Naturally obtained from river banks and beds
• Fine, rounded particles
• Light-brown to whitish color
• Smooth texture, less angular

Applications:

• Ideal for plastering and masonry work
• Used in RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete)
• Preferred for its purity and smooth finish

Note: Due to environmental concerns and illegal mining, river sand is becoming less available and more expensive.

 2. Concrete Sand

Characteristics:

• Crushed from granite or gneiss
• Medium to coarse texture
• Gray in color
• Sharp, angular particles for better binding

Applications:

• Used as a key ingredient in concrete mix
• Ideal for slabs, beams, columns, and foundations
• Great for pipe bedding and leveling

3. Pit Sand (Coarse Sand)

Characteristics:

• Extracted from deep pits (10-12 meters below ground)
• Coarse, sharp, and angular grains
• Typically red-orange in color due to iron oxide
• Free from salt and organic matter

Applications:

• Perfect for RCC and foundation works
• Used for creating concrete mix with higher strength
• Not recommended for finishing or plastering

4. M-sand (Manufactured Sand)

Characteristics:

• Artificially manufactured by crushing hard granite stones
• Uniform grain size with angular edges
• Dust-free and consistent quality
• Available in various grades like M-Sand for concrete, M-Sand for plastering, etc.

Applications:                                                                                                     

• Substitute for river sand
• Used in concrete mix, block work, and plastering
• Gaining popularity due to cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits

5. Utility Sand

Characteristics:

• A byproduct of crushed quartz
• Fine, dry texture with good compaction properties
• Often unwashed and may contain impurities

Applications:

• Backfilling around pipes and cables
• Foundation work for outdoor projects
• Not suitable for structural concrete or plastering

6. Fill Sand

Characteristics:

• Combination of various sand types with clay and silt
• Non-uniform grain size
• Low compressive strength

Applications:

• Filling gaps and leveling ground
• Used as a sub-base before laying slabs or tiles
• Not recommended for structural use

Which Sand is Good for House Construction?

For most house construction projects:

• RCC and Concrete Work: M-Sand or Pit Sand (coarse, strong binding)
• Plastering Walls: River Sand or Plastering M-Sand (smooth finish)
• Brickwork: M-Sand or River Sand (depending on budget and availability)
• Filling and leveling: Fill Sand or Utility Sand
• M-Sand is a modern, sustainable alternative preferred by engineers due to its quality control and consistency.

FAQs

Which sand is best for construction?

M-Sand is currently the best option due to its consistent quality, strength, and availability. For plastering, river sand is still preferred when available.

What are the 4 main types of sand?

• River Sand
• M-Sand (Manufactured Sand)
• Pit Sand
• Concrete Sand

What is coarse sand used for?

Coarse sand (like pit sand) is used in:

• RCC
• Foundation
• Concrete mixing
• Bricklaying

Which is better, white sand or S1?

White sand is typically decorative and used in landscaping.S1 sand is fine-grade construction sand suitable for plastering. For structural work, S1 is the better option.

What is the cost of 1 unit of M-Sand?

Prices vary by location. In Mysuru, 1 unit (100 CFT) of M-Sand costs between ₹1,100–₹1,400, depending on grade and quality.

What is S1, S2, and S3 sand?

S1: Fine sand – used for plastering

S2: Medium sand – used for brickwork

S3: Coarse sand – used for RCC and concrete

Which is better: River Sand or M-Sand?

River Sand: Smooth finish, natural, but costly and less available

M-Sand: Affordable, consistent quality, eco-friendly

Verdict: M-Sand is a better option in terms of cost and sustainability.

How much sand is required for a 1200 sq.ft. house?

Rough estimate:

Foundation to roof: 8–10 units of sand

Plastering and finishing: 4–6 units

Total: Around 12–16 units (1,200–1,600 CFT) depending on design, number of floors, and layout.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right type of sand is essential to ensure the durability, safety, and finish of your construction project. At Nammane Construction, we always prioritize quality materials to build strong, reliable, and beautiful homes across Mysuru.