In the dynamic landscape of construction in Nigeria, the role of building materials cannot be overstated. Among these, sand and stones play a pivotal role, constituting a significant portion of construction projects across the country. This blog post delves into the types of sand and stones, their sources, prices in 2023, and essential considerations for optimal construction materials.
Understanding the Building Blocks:
Sand and Stones Sand, a versatile building material, makes up approximately 75% of most constructions in Nigeria. It finds applications in molding blocks, earth filling, laying blocks, wall plastering, and various other construction processes. On the other hand, stones or chippings, coarse aggregates with a diameter exceeding 4.75 mm, are crucial components in concrete and mortar mixes.
Price Overview for 2023:
To facilitate your construction planning, here’s a breakdown of the current prices for sand and stones in Nigeria as of 2023:
Price of Sharp Sand 2023
- 1 Ton: ₦4,000
- 5 Tons: ₦18,000
- 10 Tons: ₦35,000
- 20 Tons: ₦70,000
- 30 Tons: ₦105,000
Price of Plaster/Filling Sand 2023
- 1 Ton: ₦2,000
- 5 Tons: ₦10,000
- 10 Tons: ₦20,000
- 20 Tons: ₦40,000
- 30 Tons: ₦60,000
Price of Soft Sand 2023
- 1 Ton: ₦4,000
- 5 Tons: ₦18,000
- 10 Tons: ₦35,000
- 20 Tons: ₦70,000
- 30 Tons: ₦105,000
Price of Granite Stones 2023
- 1 Ton: ₦7,500
- 5 Tons: ₦38,000
- 10 Tons: ₦90,000
- 20 Tons: ₦180,000
- 30 Tons: ₦270,000
Price of Gravel Stones 2023
- 1 Ton: ₦6,000
- 5 Tons: ₦30,000
- 10 Tons: ₦60,000
- 20 Tons: ₦120,000
- 30 Tons: ₦180,000
Price of Stone Dust/Hardcore
- 1 Ton: ₦8,000
- 5 Tons: ₦42,000
- 10 Tons: ₦84,000
- 20 Tons: ₦168,000
- 30 Tons: ₦250,000
Note: Transportation costs may influence the overall price, varying by location.
Classifying Sand and Stones Based on Sources:
Understanding the source of aggregates is crucial. Here are the primary classifications:
- River or Sharp Sand:
- High-quality sand with properties suitable for construction.
- Prohibited in some areas due to environmental concerns.
- Quarry or Manufactured Sand:
- Artificial sand produced by crushing stones.
- Uniform grain shapes with rigorous quality control.
- Red Earth (Pit Sand):
- Deposited on river banks or earth surfaces due to erosion.
- Used in traditional construction and road building.
- Gravel Stones:
- Crushed stone from various rocks like sandstone, basalt, and limestone.
- Extracted from gravel pits.
- Granite Stones:
- Hard rocks of igneous origin, sourced from quartz, feldspar, or mica.
- Predominantly used in building and civil engineering works.
What Makes Sand Fit for Construction?
For optimal construction purposes, sand should meet the following criteria:
- Silt content less than 3% by weight.
- Absence of harmful impurities like salts, pyrites, coal, iron, alkalies, etc.
Conclusion:
Navigating the construction materials market in Nigeria requires a comprehensive understanding of the types, prices, and sources of sand and stones. By considering these factors, builders can make informed decisions for successful construction projects.