Can you Add Sand to Self-Levelling Compound?

I am sometimes asked: “Can you add sand to a self-levelling compound?” The answer is yes, but the real question I would ask you back is “why would you want to?”

There are only a few reasons why you would want to add sand to self-levelling compound

1. To bulk it up
2. To save money
3. A combination of the two

I would only ever add sand to self-levelling compound if I needed to build the floor up quite significantly and I was worried about the cost of all those bags of self-levelling compound adding up.

The best thing to do would be, to add some sand to your first pour of self-levelling compound to build up the floor height so that it is somewhere near level. Then I would do a 5mm finishing pour with only self-levelling compound, this would flow a lot better and still leave me with a perfect finish.

I would be saving money on the first pour by using the sand to bulk up the self levelling compound mixture, but I would still be getting a perfectly level and smooth finish at the top.

Next, I’ll discuss the reasons why you might want to add sand to self-levelling compound, what types of sand are suitable, and the pros and cons of doing so. I’ll also provide some tips on how to mix sand into self-levelling compound for the best results.

Why Add Sand to Self-Levelling Compound?

Self-levelling compound is a smooth, pourable mixture of cement, sand, and water. It’s used to create a flat, level surface on a floor, especially over uneven or damaged concrete. However, in some cases, you might want to add sand to the self-levelling compound to improve its properties.

One reason to add sand is to increase the compressive strength of the mixture. The sand acts as a fine aggregate that is very difficult to crush. This is important if you need to support heavy loads, such as in a garage or workshop. Sand can also help to reduce the cost of the self-levelling compound, as it’s often cheaper than the pre-mixed products.

Another reason to add sand is to increase the thickness of the self-levelling compound. This is useful if you need to raise the height of the floor, or if you want to create a thicker, more durable surface.

What Types of Sand are Suitable for Self-Levelling Compound?

When adding sand to self-levelling compound, it’s important to use the right type of sand. Generally, you want to use fine sand, with a grain size of 0.5-1mm. This type of sand is easy to mix into the self-levelling compound and will create a smooth, even surface.

Avoid using coarse sand, as this can create a rough, bumpy surface that’s difficult to walk on. Coarse sand can also make it difficult for the self-levelling compound to set properly, leading to cracks and other problems down the line.

Pros and Cons of Adding Sand to Self-Levelling Compound

There are both advantages and disadvantages to adding sand to self-levelling compound. On the one hand, adding sand can make the mixture stronger, cheaper, and thicker. On the other hand, it can also make the mixture more difficult to mix and spread, and it can increase the risk of cracking if not done correctly.

How to Mix Sand into Self-Levelling Compound

If you’re planning to add sand to self-levelling compound, here are some tips to help you get the best results:

1. Start by mixing the self-levelling compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Gradually add the sand, a little at a time, while mixing the mixture with a drill and paddle.
3. Mix until the sand is fully incorporated and the mixture has a uniform consistency.
4. Pour the mixture onto the floor and spread it evenly with a trowel, making sure to work the mixture into any low spots or cracks.

Adding sand to self-levelling compound can be a useful way to improve its properties and create a stronger, thicker floor. Just be sure to use the right type of sand and to mix it into the self-levelling compound properly for best results.

If you want the best possible finish you can always pour a thin layer of pure self-levelling compound over the top and spread it around the room to get the floor perfectly level.

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