How to Substitute Sand for Perlite

Concrete may be lighter in weight when made with perlite, but sand is a natural product and is more earth-friendly. Concrete made with perlite is called hypertufa. In hypertufa, perlite is used as a lightweight aggregate. Amounts of sand may be interchanged with perlite in a concrete mixture. Sand actually makes the concrete stronger and heavier.

Sand
Peat moss
Portland cement
Polyfiber mesh
Water
Molds
Plastic bags

Instructions

Substitute Sand for Perlite
- 1
  Find the recipe for making concrete. To make hypertufa, use 3 parts perlite, 3 parts peat moss, 2 parts Portland cement, and 1 small handful of poly fiber mesh. Hypertufa and concrete make garden pots and statues.
- 2
  To use sand in this recipe, use 3 parts sand for the 3 parts perlite.
- 3
  Mix all ingredients to the consistency of thick peanut butter.
- 4
  Pour in a treated mold or line a cardboard box with plastic and pour.
- 5
  Shake the mold to remove air pockets or jab with a long stick. Let concrete set and remove the mold.

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