Horticultural Sand vs. Building Sand for Turf Leveling: Don't Layer

Laying turf. Supplier has only soft washed building sand, not horticultural sand. Thin layer (15mm) planned. Safe?

Layering Problem

Sand over soil (or soil over sand) creates sharp texture interface → drainage & rooting issues. Water hangs at boundary; roots won't cross.

Better: Match Existing Soil

• Use screened topsoil similar to site soil.
• Blend compost if organic matter low.
• Level with that mix.

Horticultural sand is for golf greens (sand-based rootzones), not soil-based lawns. Building sand is worse—variable, may contain salts/clay.

Don't create a layer cake. Match the medium.