Damp sand?

sparrer

I'm making a small paved area in the garden where an old shed stood. The soil is well compacted and reasonably level, but I understand it's advisable to put sharp sand down before paving. I've been given some (1/2 a ton :eek:) but have to collect so am doing it bit by bit. What I've managed to bring home so far is in black plastic sacks, and I don't see me getting the rest for a week or so. (Heavy to load, lil ol' Hyundai, no rels nearby to help). I'm wondering if I should leave it in the sacks until I have it all, or lay it as I get each lot home. Will these winds blow it away as soon as it's laid? Will it go damp/mouldy if left in the sacks? Any advice what to do please.
Sparrer

wallbash

Sharp sand won't blow away ... although its blowing a gale here today.
Won't go mouldy . But I can see the advantage of the sand being the same
in the amount of water it contains.Knowing how heavy it is , won't want to move it more than you have to . Bring it home , leave in sacks , in area of new paving.

27col

I think that you are anticipating problems that do not exist. The only problem that I have ever had with storing sand is to keep the cats out of it.

sparrer

Thank you both. I didn't think it would blow away wallbash but just wanted make sure from someone who knows.

As far as anticipating problems goes 27col, I'd rather cover myself (and the sand if need be) than do all that shovelling, heaving, dragging and pulling either end of a 9 mile drive and risk a grain of it. After all, it was free!

iamcornholio

As others have said for the storage.

When you come to lay the paving, remember that the sand needs to be damp (not soaking or bone dry) for it to tamp down properly. So don't try and keep it dry, and if in sacks, fold the open end down or poke a few small holes in the bottom of the bags so that it does not stay saturated