Help with sandpit please!

[The Mrs]

I have a wee lad who loves digging up my garden, so have decided to build him a sandpit to stop me from pulling my hair out! The only thing is, the cost of sandpit sand is exorbitant!
I was just wondering if I could buy some sand from a builders merchants instead. If so,could someone give me a recommendation of which type?
Thanks in advance!
The Mrs!

 

[Burnerman]

Sure, I can't see any reason why not.....builders sand should be fine, occasionally the colour varies a bit which is no problem - sharp sand has a coarser grain and shell particles.
Do cover the pit over though when not in use, it will prevent contamination.
John

 

[SFK]

Wickes sell Kiln Dried sand which is perfect for a kids sand pit.
25g bag is about £4.50.
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Tarmac-Pla...Lbv_tD4dzZjzLiGt92yYgZltOAoGeTrIaAuC1EALw_wcB

Do not use Sharp Sand.

Builders sand is okay but might have other things in and not much cheaper than above.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I think ordinary builders sand will have alsorts of chemicals and whatever to help it bond with concrete etc, wickes do a sandpit sand, £4.50 for 25kg.

 

[Burnerman]

Fair comment guys, I assumed that 'washed' builders sand was exactly that.
John

 

[Tigercubrider]

Building sand dies everything yellow. Your kid will look like a Simpson.
Make a lid

 

[Mottie]

Make a lid

...Otherwise it will become a public toilet for every cat in the neighbourhood!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Without a lid, the local cats will love it.

Andy

 

[Mottie]

Without a lid, the local cats will love it.

Andy

Copy cat!

 

[lostinthelight]

https://diy.stackexchange.com/quest...erence-between-building-sand-and-plaster-sand

 

[Burnerman]

For sure, I've no comment to make regarding added chemicals or colouring etc.....
In my dad's building business (1921 - 1985) I used to play in and form it from the late 50's, and collect it from the washing plant in ancient Bedford 3 tonners after that.
The sand either came from high dunes - where there was no salt - or river beds. The particle size was particularly uniform - I was told - and didn't need further crushing as a rule.
John

 

[lostinthelight]

I use ready mixed lime pointing mortar and company said the different colours were obtained by using sand from various parts of the country /areas as dyes were not reliable

 

[The Mrs]

Thanks very much for the replies!
A lid will certainly be built, I don't want the neighbours cats having another reason to come in and dig up the garden!!
I'll take a look at the wicks website now