When laying a slab, one of the more common concerns centers around the frame and concrete, but a lot of people forget that a concrete slab requires its own foundation for stability. That is why we put together a list of the 3 best sand for laying slabs reviews, highlighting who each option is for.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Bulk Sand  | Ashby Harrington Sharp Sand bulk bag
| Check Price |
Best for Small Project  | JT Atkinson Sharp Sand
| Check Price |
Best Contractor Sand  | Akor Building Products Sharp Grit Sand
| Check Price |
Ashby Harrington Store – Best Bulk Sand for Laying Slabs
The Ashby Harrington Store store might have the name of an older, more experienced company, but it has only been around for a few years. That said, this company at least specializes in building materials for construction projects, though it centers more around different types of timber than sand.
Still, the Ashby Harrington Store Sand makes it a point to appeal to professional contractors who have large projects that require plenty of material. While not necessarily the largest amount that we saw, this sand for laying slabs still comes in anywhere from 800 to 1000 kg sacks which can be difficult to carry by yourself.
This also means that if you do not need a large amount of sand for a larger project, then the Ashby Harrington Store Sand may not be the best option for you. This sand for laying slabs more than lives up to that title as sharp sand which comes in larger, coarser grains to resist wind and serve as a solid foundation.
However, the Ashby Harrington Store Sand works well for a wider range of options than just serving as the foundation for a slab. You can use this sand for anything from mixing concrete to planting beds to keeping buried components like pipes and tubing secured without worry that time will shift the foundation.
PROS
- Good for large projects
- Is sharp sand
- Can be used for mixing concrete
- Can be used for planting
CONS
- Not for small projects
JT Atkinson & Son – Best Small Project Sand for Laying Slabs
JT Atkinson & Son Builders Merchant is not only the oldest company on this list but arguably one of the oldest continuously operating companies you are liable to encounter with over 160 years of experience behind it. It is also worth noting that JT Atkinson & Son specializes in construction materials, though it started with wood.
Still, this focus allows the JT Atkinson & Son Sand plenty of advantages, though they are arguably better for your average consumer than professionals. A big part of why comes down to how it is sold with this sand for laying slabs sold exclusively in 25 kg bags which is perfect if you have a smaller project.
Of course, if you have a larger project, it can be a bit onerous to have to purchase so many different bags that you cannot keep track of them all. Still, the JT Atkinson & Son Sand is a sharp sand that is heavy enough to resist being blown away by the wind and serves as a good foundation for building projects.
Even better, this and for laying slabs is one of the few to offer functional information with this product’s grains coming in sizes up to 4 mm. On top of that, the JT Atkinson & Son Sand can be used for a variety of different purposes including mixed with concrete to form mortar or for filling in planting beds.
PROS
- Good for small projects
- Is sharp sand
- Up to 4 mm grains
- Is versatile sand
CONS
- Sand arrives moist
- Not for large projects
Akor Building Products – Best Contractor Sand for Laying Slabs
The Akor Building Products Sand is not that functionally different from the other sands reviewed, except there is a dearth of information on which to base your decision. That said, there are a couple of different known qualities that can help us make our decision with the first being the amount purchased.
Unlike the other sand for laying slabs on this list, the Akor Building Products Sand comes in a wide variety of different amounts – in the end at least. Initially, it comes in a 25 kg bag like most others which, if the delivery person is not careful, can get wet and give you the impression that you are paying more for water than sand.
However, you have the option to purchase multiple bags at once with anywhere from 1 to 50 bags purchased in a single instance. The ability to purchase not only varying amounts but up to 1250 kg of sand makes this option better for professional contractors than most as it allows you to choose how much you need for the job.
Outside of that, the Akor Building Products Sand is sharp sand that provides larger grains that both stay down in windier conditions and work well as a foundation. On top of that, this sand for laying slabs also has the added benefit of killing moss or slime on the pavement to reduce slipperiness.
PROS
- Good for all size projects
- Kills moss and slime
- Comes in multiple amounts
- Is sharp sand
CONS
- Requires more preparation
Conclusion
In the end, there is not really one type of sand that works universally better for all people given that they are relatively similar in most appreciable ways. Of course, if you have multiple large projects and no you need copious amounts of sand for laying slabs, the Ashby Harrington Store Sand is a good bet.
On the other hand, if you are not a professional contractor and just need enough sand for a smaller project without wanting to worry about storing the excess, the JT Atkinson & Son might work better for you. Finally, if you are a professional contractor who regularly requires different amounts of sand at different times, the Akor Building Products Sand has you covered.
