1. What is the Sharp Sand Calculator?

The Sharp Sand Calculator estimates the amount of sharp sand needed for patio tile bedding based on the area to be covered and the desired depth of the sand layer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — The surface area to be covered (in square meters)
• \( Depth \) — The depth of the sand layer (typically 10-30mm or 0.01-0.03m)
• \( 1600 \) — The density of sharp sand (kg/m³)

Explanation: The calculation accounts for the volume of sand needed and converts it to weight using standard density values.

3. Importance of Accurate Sand Calculation

Details: Proper sand quantity is crucial for stable tile bedding, preventing settling, and ensuring proper drainage beneath patio tiles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the area accurately in square meters. Typical depth for patio bedding is 20mm (0.02m). The density is fixed at 1600 kg/m³ for sharp sand.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between sharp sand and building sand?
A: Sharp sand has larger, angular grains that lock together better for bedding, while building sand is finer and used for mortar.

Q2: How deep should the sand layer be for patio tiles?
A: Typically 20-30mm (0.02-0.03m) for most patio applications, but check manufacturer recommendations.

Q3: Should I add extra sand for compaction?
A: The calculation accounts for compacted volume. No need to add extra unless specified in your project requirements.

Q4: Can I use this for other types of sand?
A: Different sands have different densities. For accurate results, use the correct density value for your specific sand type.

Q5: How do I convert the result to bags?
A: Divide the total kg by the bag size (typically 25kg bags). Always round up to whole bags.