Can Sharp Sand be used for Pointing Patios?

Usually, sharp sand isn’t preferred to make the mortar mix for pointing the patios and many professionals don’t use and recommend sharp sand for pointing.

I saw a video from B&Q on how to lay a patio in which they used sharp sand in the ratio of 5:1 to point the patio and their explanation to using sharp sand was mixing it with cement and water makes it usable mortar to point the patios.

Sharp sand can be used for pointing patios as it wouldn’t cause any problem while pointing but will notice a different texture and finish after it has been dried compared to building sand. The pointing with sharp sand will give a rough finish and it will not look as good as building sand which will give a smooth and even finish to the pointing.

So you can point a patio with the mortar made up of completely sharp sand and cement but it will not look the same as building sand and you may not like the look of it.

If you want to use sharp sand anyway, because maybe you have some leftover sharp sand or mortar which is made of sharp sand or for any other reason, you can point with making a mortar mix or existing mortar mix made up of sharp sand if you’re ok with how it will look.

If not, one thing you can do is use half sharp sand and half building or soft sand for the mortar mix which will give a less harsh or rough look to the pointing once it’s dried out.

In an existing mortar, add building sand in the approximate quantity as the sharp sand present in the mortar, add cement and water accordingly.

For example, if you prefer a 5:1 ratio for the pointing mortar, to make fresh mortar out of the sharp and building sand, use 2&½ parts sharp sand, 2&½ parts building sand, 1 part cement and you’re good to go.

One thing to remember is what you call “sharp sand” in your area can be different from sharp sand in other places.

Can you use Sharp Sand in a Mortar Gun?

Most pointing guns are recommended to use only with soft sand and you must also use soft sand if you don’t want any trouble while using the gun.

If you’re using a mortar gun or pointing a gun for pointing the patio, sharp sand should be avoided in any case because it will block the gun, no matter how smooth and creamy do you make the mortar for how much plasticiser you add. To make the mortar mix that will not block the pointing gun, sharp sand must be avoided.

Read my complete guide on the best mortar mix for mortar guns if you want the mortar mix for the pointing gun that works without any problem.