What can I use builder's sand for?

[vicky whitworth]

We have several bags of what it says on the bag is builder's sand - it's very fine stuff, and for the life of us we can't remember why we got it. Anyway the bags have all decomposed and I'm fed up with the view from the cottage looking like a builder's yard so I'd like to use it for something. Can I use it to make concrete? Or is it too fine? If I can we'd probably use it to concrete in some posts and the rose arch.
Thanks, Vicky

 

[Penners]

If what you have is soft sand and you just want to use it for concreting in posts, etc. then I don't see a problem using it for that - BUT, you'll need to add some gravel. I would use a mix of 1 cement : 2 sand : 4 gravel.

For a high quality concrete you're better to use sharp sand.

 

[vicky whitworth]

Thanks, Penners. Yes, I think it's soft sand. Well, it is pretty soft to touch. I have loads of gravel too, as I am taking out the stuff where the french drain is as it got covered with lime when the walls were done. Not all of it out but just the top layer as it's sort of formed a 'pan' over the surface impeding the drainage. Oh, and the plants won't like it. Damn, did I suggest that I grow plants in the french drain! Women

 

[CatherineB]

Got any friends who want to build a sand pit?!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

What's your soil like? If very wet and heavy, then the sand will help lighten it for growing stuff I guess.

Alternatively, a triple-jump track and pit in the garden?

 

[vicky whitworth]

Thank you. I think we will use it mixed with gravel to make some shoddy concrete to anchor the wire at the bottom of the chicken run where we have sunk it into the ground - it might deter Mr Fox a bit. If we have any left over we'll put it on the garden. We have plenty of wet soil here - it's Devon

 

[stuart45]

Thank you. I think we will use it mixed with gravel to make some shoddy concrete to anchor the wire at the bottom of the chicken run where we have sunk it into the ground - it might deter Mr Fox a bit. If we have any left over we'll put it on the garden. We have plenty of wet soil here - it's Devon

Good idea, the fox got into our duck run where the chicken wire had rotted away in the ground.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Chickens love a sand- bath. I'd try to put it under a clear plastic roof so it could be sunny and dry.

Electric poultry netting is the cheapest and best solution to the fox, though it must be checked daily.

 

[Penners]

Electric poultry netting is the cheapest and best solution to the fox

What a brilliant idea! Deter the fox and grill your chicken, both at the same time.

Isn't science amazing?

 

[JoceAndChris]

Grr! My babies are not for grilling.

I've trained mine to live by the back door in the daytime so I can hear any trouble. The electric poultry netting keeps them safe at night after they've been tucked up on fresh newspaper, had a bedtime story and their Cath Kidston curtains drawn.