09/03/2026
In construction, we sometimes see these two sands being used for foundation filling like the one in this picture.
On the left is sharp sand (coarse sand), while on the right is filling sand (laterite).
But the real question is, which is the best and what influences people's decisions on which one to use.
The simple answer here is;
In terms of the best, it's sharp sand. In terms of cost, laterite is cheaper.
Sharp sand is better, laterite is cheaper, and that's why you'd mostly see laterite being used in building and even roads filling.
Now, what are the simple properties that differentiate these two sands and how does it affect your structure?
— Sharp sand compact very well.
— It Drains water very well
—It's stable and minimizes foundation settlement.
Perfect properties for a structure.
While on the other hand;
— Laterite contains clay (which is why it is often used for molding things like pot, from where you have clay pot)
—It holds back water
—It's unstable as it expands when wet and contracts when dry.
—It compacts poorly as well.
So, how does all these affect your structure?
A laterite when not well compacted can shrink or contract with time, undergoing further settlement which can lead to differential settlements of your structure.
The most suitable is sharp sand, but it's more expensive, one of the reasons why people settle for laterite.
Another thing is, if you are building bin a termite-infested area, laterite is an asset for termite survival. They'll stay there for longer and cause you trouble.
Is laterite bad? No! Just ensure you follow the due process while using it and you have nothing to worry about.