Got a new parasol and base coming soon. If anyone has got a base that they filled with sand could they tell me what sand they used? I was in B&Q this morning and the guy there told me to use sharp sand but it looks very damp and not very pourable.
Parasol Base Sand
- Thread starter zom247
- Start date
There's 4 parts to it and I'm not sure how much each section holds. I'll take a look at that sand tomorrow.
Sharp sand is fine, it's just going to get damp in the base anyway.
It may not poor brilliantly but you'll manage to get it in (a garden cane can help) unless the opening is really small, in which case you could open the bag of sharp sand up and leave it in the sun for day whilst it's hot to let it dry out more.
If you're not going to move the base once it's down, you could fill it will concrete/cement which would make it heavier (get a bag or two or ready mix and pour it in) but more much harder to move later on as you can't just empty it.
It may not poor brilliantly but you'll manage to get it in (a garden cane can help) unless the opening is really small, in which case you could open the bag of sharp sand up and leave it in the sun for day whilst it's hot to let it dry out more.
If you're not going to move the base once it's down, you could fill it will concrete/cement which would make it heavier (get a bag or two or ready mix and pour it in) but more much harder to move later on as you can't just empty it.
And builders sand is £2.50.
Soldato
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Pea shingle (10mm) is almost the same weight density as sand but far easier to manipulate. I would probably use that personally.
Sharp sand if in a "sealed" container will typically weigh more than dry sand (water fills in the gaps), but again not by much
As said a bag of sharp sand tip it on its end, slice open the top to leave it in the sun and make sure there are some small holes in the rest (typically they are microperforated now anyways)
Sharp sand if in a "sealed" container will typically weigh more than dry sand (water fills in the gaps), but again not by much
As said a bag of sharp sand tip it on its end, slice open the top to leave it in the sun and make sure there are some small holes in the rest (typically they are microperforated now anyways)
Good god! A whole £3.50 less?!? Wooooooh!
Yep. Easy saving.
Soldato
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Sharp sand will come out again when you want to transport it. Builders sand will clog right up inside I reckon. I'd go sharp.
just dry it your self in this heat or head to the beach and get some free sand
It's been baking in the sun all day so should be ready for insertion later on
Associate
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Pea shingle every time, easir to pour in, just as easy to get out
I left mine in, hardly seems worth the bother taking it out
Plus it doesnt absorb water like sand
But use what ever you want and your wallet wil bear
I left mine in, hardly seems worth the bother taking it out
Plus it doesnt absorb water like sand
But use what ever you want and your wallet wil bear
I just bought the cheapest sand from Wickes does the trick nicely.
Finally done but thanks for all the suggestions although I hope to never fill them again!
I opened 2 bags of sharp sand and left them in the sun all day yesterday. By 5pm one bag was completley dry and took about 10 mins to pour in using my home made funnel. The other bag was still slightly wet and took about 30 mins to pour in, topped up my tan and drank beer so win win
I opened 2 bags of sharp sand and left them in the sun all day yesterday. By 5pm one bag was completley dry and took about 10 mins to pour in using my home made funnel. The other bag was still slightly wet and took about 30 mins to pour in, topped up my tan and drank beer so win win
Sand is heavier than water though