Know Exactly How Much A Yard Of Sand Cost Now

How much a yard of sand costs can change a lot, but you can expect to pay anywhere from about $15 to $75 per cubic yard for the sand itself, before delivery. The sand price per cubic yard depends on the kind of sand, where you live, how much you buy, and who you buy it from.

How Much A Yard Of Sand Cost
Image Source: www.cumminlandscapesupply.com

Grasping the Cost of Sand

The price you pay for sand is not just one number. Many things make the price go up or down. Think about these points:

What Kind of Sand? Different jobs need different sands. Sand for concrete costs more than sand for filling a hole.
How Much Do You Need? Buying a lot at once (bulk sand price) is usually cheaper per yard than buying small bags.
Where Are You? Prices change based on where the sand comes from and how far it travels.
Getting It There: The cost of sand delivery can add a lot to the total price, sometimes even more than the sand itself.

Let’s break down these points to see what a yard of sand might cost for your project.

What Is a Cubic Yard?

When people talk about a “yard” of sand, they mean a “cubic yard.” This is a measure of space. Imagine a box that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. That box holds one cubic yard of material.

Sand is sold by the cubic yard because it’s easier than weighing it, especially when it’s wet or loose. But sometimes, knowing the weight is helpful.

How Many Tons Are in a Yard of Sand?

People often ask how many tons in a yard of sand. This number is not always the same. It changes based on the type of sand and how much water is in it.

Dry sand usually weighs less than wet sand.
Different types of sand have different densities.

As a general rule, one cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2,400 to 2,700 pounds. Since there are 2,000 pounds in a ton, one cubic yard of dry sand is usually around 1.2 to 1.35 tons.

Wet sand is heavier. One cubic yard of wet sand can weigh 2,700 to 3,000 pounds or more. This is about 1.35 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.

So, while people buy sand by the yard (volume), the weight (tons) can give you an idea of how heavy the load will be, which matters for delivery and hauling.

Different Types of Sand and Their Prices

Not all sand is the same. Sand is used for many different jobs, and each job might need a special kind of sand. This affects the cost. Here are some common types and their general sand price per cubic yard ranges:

Fill Sand: This is the cheapest kind. It’s not very clean and might have small stones or dirt in it. It’s used to fill large holes, level ground, or build up areas before putting other materials down. The fill sand cost per yard is usually the lowest.
- Typical cost range: $15 to $30 per cubic yard.
Concrete Sand: This sand is washed and screened to be clean and have a specific size of grain. It’s mixed with gravel and cement to make concrete. It needs to be free of clay and other things that can make concrete weak. The concrete sand price per cubic yard is higher than fill sand.
- Typical cost range: $25 to $40 per cubic yard.
Mason Sand (or Mortar Sand): This sand is very fine and clean. It’s used for making mortar to lay bricks or blocks, or for making stucco. It needs to be fine so the mortar is smooth. Mason sand cost is usually similar to or slightly higher than concrete sand because it needs more processing.
- Typical cost range: $30 to $50 per cubic yard.
Landscaping Sand: This is a broad term. It can be used for things like leveling patios, mixing with soil to improve drainage, or putting under pavers. The landscaping sand cost depends on how clean and fine it is. Sometimes it’s a type of washed sand.
- Typical cost range: $25 to $50 per cubic yard.
Play Sand: This is very fine, soft, and clean sand meant for kids’ sandboxes. It’s specially processed and sold in small bags, making it much more expensive per yard than bulk sand. Buying a whole yard of play sand is rare, but if you did, the cost per yard would be very high.
- Typical cost range (if bought in bulk, which is unusual): $50 to $100+ per cubic yard. (Most people buy small bags for $4-$8 each, which is much more per yard).

So, when you ask about the cost of a yard of sand, the first question is: what kind of sand do you need?

Table: Estimated Sand Prices Per Cubic Yard (Material Only)

Sand Type	Common Use Cases	Estimated Cost Per Cubic Yard	Notes
Fill Sand	Filling holes, leveling ground, base layer	$15 – $30	Cheapest, may contain impurities
Concrete Sand	Mixing concrete, under pavers	$25 – $40	Washed and screened
Mason Sand	Making mortar, stucco, sandboxes (sometimes)	$30 – $50	Fine and clean
Landscaping Sand	Soil amendment, leveling, under pavers, decorative	$25 – $50	Varies based on type and quality
Play Sand	Sandboxes (usually sold in bags)	$50 – $100+ (if bulk)	Very fine and clean, high cost per yd

Note: These are estimates. Actual prices will vary based on your location and supplier.

Comprehending Bulk Sand Price

Buying sand in bulk means buying a large amount at once, typically one cubic yard or more. Suppliers often give a better bulk sand price per cubic yard when you buy larger quantities.

Small Amounts: If you only need a few wheelbarrows full, you might buy sand in bags from a home improvement store. This is the most expensive way to buy sand per yard. A 50-pound bag is only a tiny fraction of a cubic yard.
Medium Amounts: For projects needing 1 to 5 cubic yards, you’ll buy from a local landscape supply yard or quarry. The price per yard might be the standard rate.
Large Amounts: For big projects needing 10, 20, or even 100+ cubic yards, the supplier might offer a lower price per yard. They might also charge less for delivery per yard because they are bringing a full truckload.

Buying in bulk makes sense if you need a lot of sand. It saves you money on the material cost per yard and often makes delivery more cost-effective.

Deciphering the Cost of Sand Delivery

The cost of sand delivery is a big part of the total price you pay. Sometimes, the delivery cost can be more than the sand itself, especially if you live far from the supplier.

Delivery costs depend on:

Distance: How far is your home or job site from the sand supplier (quarry or supply yard)? Delivery fees often have a base rate plus a charge per mile.
Amount of Sand: How many cubic yards are you ordering? Suppliers have trucks of different sizes. It’s cheaper to deliver 10 yards in one large truck trip than to deliver 2 yards in five small truck trips. There might be a minimum order for delivery (like 1 or 2 yards).
Truck Size and Type: A small dump truck carries less but can get into tighter spots. A large tri-axle or tractor-trailer carries many yards but needs good access. The cost of running these trucks and paying the driver adds to the fee.
Time: Some places might charge more for weekend delivery or if they have to wait a long time at your site.
Drop-off Location: Can the truck easily dump the sand where you want it? Or do they need special access? This can affect the price.

Typical Delivery Cost Factors:

Base Fee: There is usually a flat fee just for sending the truck out. This could be anywhere from $50 to $150 or more.
Distance Charge: On top of the base fee, they might charge a fee per mile or a higher rate for zones farther away. This could add $2 to $5 (or more) per mile.
Minimum Charge: Some suppliers have a minimum delivery charge even if you order a small amount.
Load Size: Delivering a full truckload (e.g., 10-15 cubic yards) often means the delivery cost per yard is lower than for a half-load.

Let’s look at an example. If a supplier charges a $75 base fee and $3 per mile, and you are 10 miles away:
* Base Fee: $75
* Mileage: 10 miles * $3/mile = $30
* Total Delivery Cost: $75 + $30 = $105

If you ordered 5 yards of sand at $30/yard ($150 total), your total cost would be $150 (sand) + $105 (delivery) = $255. The delivery is a big part of the total!

If you ordered 15 yards of sand at $30/yard ($450 total) with the same delivery fee, your total cost would be $450 (sand) + $105 (delivery) = $555. The delivery cost per yard is much lower ($105 / 15 yards = $7 per yard) when you buy more.

Saving on Delivery

Buy More: If you need sand for a few projects, try to get it all delivered at once.
Choose a Nearby Supplier: Find a sand and gravel supplier or quarry close to your project.
Pick Up Yourself: If you only need a small amount (maybe 1-2 yards) and have a truck or can rent one, picking it up yourself can save you the delivery fee. Make sure your vehicle can handle the weight! Remember, 1 yard of sand is over 1 ton.

Interpreting Aggregate Prices: Sand, Gravel, and More

Sand is one type of aggregate. Aggregates are materials like sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete. They are used a lot in building and landscaping.

When looking at gravel and sand prices, you’ll notice they are often in a similar range, but they can vary.

Gravel: Prices for gravel also depend on the type (size, color, shape) and where it comes from. Crushed gravel for driveways might be cheaper than decorative river rock. Gravel prices per cubic yard can range from $20 to $70 or more, similar to sand, but specific types might be higher or lower.
Crushed Stone: Used for bases under roads, patios, or buildings. Prices are often in a similar range to sand and gravel, perhaps $25 to $50 per cubic yard.
Topsoil/Dirt: This is different from sand or gravel. Its price varies a lot based on quality. Good screened topsoil can cost more per yard than sand, perhaps $30 to $60+. Fill dirt (similar to fill sand but with more soil) might be cheaper, maybe $10 to $25 per yard.

Comparing aggregate prices helps you budget if you need different materials for a project. Sand is a common and often cost-effective aggregate, but its price depends on its quality and intended use. The overall aggregate prices in your area are influenced by local quarries and transportation costs.

Factors That Change the Price of Sand

We’ve touched on these, but let’s list the main things that make the price of sand go up or down:

Type of Sand: As discussed, fill sand is cheapest, mason or play sand are often the most expensive per yard (especially play sand in bags).
Quantity: Buying in bulk lowers the bulk sand price per cubic yard.
Location: Prices vary by state, region, and how close you are to a source (like a quarry or river). Areas with many sources might have lower prices due to competition. Areas that have to import sand might pay more.
Supplier: Different companies (quarries, landscape yards, building supply stores) will have different prices based on their costs and business model.
Quality/Processing: Washed and screened sand (like concrete or mason sand) costs more because it requires more work to produce. Clean, pure sand is more valuable for specific jobs.
Time of Year: Demand for sand might be higher during peak building or landscaping seasons, which could slightly affect prices.
Fuel Costs: Since sand is heavy and needs to be transported, the price of fuel directly impacts delivery costs and overall material prices.

Fathoming Your Total Sand Cost

To figure out your total cost for a yard of sand (or several yards), you need to add the material cost and the delivery cost.

Total Cost = (Sand Price Per Cubic Yard * Number of Cubic Yards) + Delivery Cost

Example:
You need 3 cubic yards of concrete sand.
The supplier sells concrete sand for $35 per cubic yard.
The delivery fee is $80.

Total Cost = ($35/yard * 3 yards) + $80
Total Cost = $105 + $80
Total Cost = $185

So, 3 yards of concrete sand delivered would cost $185 in this example. The cost per yard delivered in this case is $185 / 3 yards = $61.67 per yard. This shows how much delivery adds to the cost per yard, especially for smaller orders.

If you needed 10 cubic yards of the same sand, and the delivery was still $80 (because it fits on one truck), the math changes:

Total Cost = ($35/yard * 10 yards) + $80
Total Cost = $350 + $80
Total Cost = $430

For 10 yards delivered, the cost per yard delivered is $430 / 10 yards = $43 per yard. This shows the saving per yard when buying in bulk and splitting the delivery cost over more material.

Tips for Finding the Best Sand Price

Here are some ways to get the sand you need without spending too much:

Shop Around: Call a few different suppliers in your area. Get quotes for the specific type and amount of sand you need, including the delivery cost. Don’t assume the first place you call is the cheapest. Ask about their sand price per cubic yard.
Ask About Delivery Fees: Be clear about the delivery cost. Ask if there’s a base fee, a per-mile charge, or a flat rate for your area. Find out if buying more sand reduces the delivery cost per yard. Ask if there is a minimum order quantity for delivery.
Consider Local Quarries: Buying directly from a quarry (where the sand is dug up) can sometimes be cheaper than buying from a landscape supply yard, but they might have higher minimum purchase amounts or different delivery areas/fees. Ask about their bulk sand price.
Verify Sand Type: Make sure you are comparing prices for the same type of sand. Fill sand is cheaper than mason sand for a reason – they are different products for different uses.
Calculate Total Cost: Don’t just look at the sand price per cubic yard. Add the sand cost and the delivery cost together to get the true total cost for your project.
Timing: If possible, plan your project for the off-season when suppliers might be less busy.
Check for Sales/Discounts: Sometimes suppliers have specials or offer discounts for large orders.
Coordinate Orders: If neighbors also need aggregate materials (sand, gravel, etc.), see if you can combine your orders to split a delivery fee or get a better bulk price. This is especially true for gravel and sand prices.

Potential Extra Costs

Beyond the material and delivery, consider if there might be other costs:

Spreading/Labor: Will you be moving the sand yourself with a shovel and wheelbarrow? Or will you need to rent equipment (like a skid steer) or hire help? This labor adds to your project cost.
Permits: For very large projects, you might need permits, though this is less likely to affect the direct sand cost.
Site Prep: Do you need to prepare the area before the sand is delivered? Clearing the space or making sure a heavy truck can access the spot are things to think about.

Thinking about these extra costs helps you budget accurately for your project, not just the sand itself.

Sand Use Cases and Typical Quantities

How much sand you need and what kind depends entirely on your project.

Filling a Hole: Need to fill a low spot or an old swimming pool? This needs fill sand. The amount depends on the size and depth of the hole. Measure the length, width, and depth in feet. Multiply them together to get cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet) to find the cubic yards needed.
Leveling Under a Patio/Walkway: You’ll need concrete sand or washed sand to create a level base before laying pavers or stones. A common depth is 1-2 inches. For a 10ft x 10ft patio (100 sq ft), 2 inches deep:
- Area: 10 ft * 10 ft = 100 sq ft
- Depth in feet: 2 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.167 feet
- Volume in cubic feet: 100 sq ft * 0.167 ft = 16.7 cubic feet
- Volume in cubic yards: 16.7 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard ≈ 0.62 cubic yards.
  You’d likely round up and order 1 cubic yard to be safe.
Mixing Concrete/Mortar: The amount of concrete sand or mason sand needed depends on how much concrete or mortar you are making. A standard concrete mix might use roughly 0.5 to 0.7 cubic yards of sand per cubic yard of finished concrete.
Sandboxes: Even a large sandbox might only need a few bags of play sand, not a full cubic yard. A common sandbox (4ft x 4ft x 6 inches deep) needs:
- Area: 4 ft * 4 ft = 16 sq ft
- Depth in feet: 6 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.5 feet
- Volume in cubic feet: 16 sq ft * 0.5 ft = 8 cubic feet
- Volume in cubic yards: 8 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard ≈ 0.3 cubic yards.
  This small amount is why play sand is usually bought by the bag.

Always measure your project area carefully and calculate the needed volume in cubic yards before ordering. Most suppliers can help you estimate if you give them the project dimensions and depth.

Comparing Suppliers: Quarries vs. Supply Yards

Where you buy sand can affect the price and how easy it is to get.

Quarries or Pits: These are where the sand is mined or dug up. Buying directly from a quarry often means lower sand price per cubic yard because you are cutting out a middleman. However, they might have higher minimum order sizes (like 5 or 10 yards for delivery) and might be located further away, increasing delivery costs. Their hours might be more focused on commercial customers.
Landscape Supply Yards: These yards buy materials in bulk from quarries and sell them in smaller quantities to homeowners and contractors. They are often more conveniently located, have flexible hours, and might allow you to buy just one or two yards. Their per-yard price for sand might be a little higher than a quarry, but lower minimums and potentially shorter delivery distances can make the total cost less for smaller projects. They usually offer a wider range of aggregate prices, including gravel and sand prices, topsoil, mulch, etc.
Big Box Home Improvement Stores: These stores sell sand in bags (usually 50-pound bags). This is the most expensive way to buy sand per cubic yard, but it’s convenient for very small jobs that only need a few bags.

For projects needing one or more cubic yards, comparing prices from local quarries and landscape supply yards is usually the best approach to find a good bulk sand price and manage delivery costs.

Getting Quotes and Placing Your Order

When you are ready to buy sand, contact a few local suppliers. Be prepared to tell them:

What type of sand do you need? (e.g., fill sand, concrete sand, mason sand, washed sand, etc.) If you’re not sure, describe your project, and they can help you decide.
How many cubic yards do you need? Have your calculated volume ready.
Where do you need it delivered? Give them your address. They will use this to figure out the delivery cost.
When do you need it? Ask about their availability and lead times.

Ask for the sand price per cubic yard for the type and quantity you need and the total cost of delivery to your location. Write down the total price from each supplier to compare easily.

Once you choose a supplier, confirm the total price, the delivery date and time, and any specific instructions for where to dump the sand. Make sure the delivery location is clear and accessible for a large truck.

Final Considerations for Your Sand Project

Measure Twice, Order Once: Double-check your measurements and volume calculations. Ordering too little means paying another delivery fee for a small amount later. Ordering too much means wasted material and money.
Account for Compaction: Sand can compact (settle and become denser) after it’s placed and worked. You might need to order slightly more than your exact calculated volume, especially for base layers. Suppliers can often advise on a percentage to add (maybe 5-10%).
Accessibility: Ensure the delivery truck can safely reach the desired dump spot. Look for overhead wires, narrow driveways, soft ground, or sharp turns. If the truck can’t dump where you want, you’ll have to move the sand by hand or machine, adding labor time and cost.

Knowing the factors that influence the sand price per cubic yard, how to calculate the amount you need, and how to account for the cost of sand delivery will help you budget accurately and get the right amount of the right kind of sand for your project. Comparing bulk sand prices from different suppliers is key to finding the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a yard of sand weigh?

A yard of sand, which is a cubic yard, weighs about 1.2 to 1.5 tons (2,400 to 3,000 pounds), depending on how dry or wet it is. Dry sand is lighter than wet sand.

What is the cheapest type of sand?

Fill sand is usually the cheapest type because it’s less processed and might contain small rocks or clay. It’s mainly used for filling large areas or leveling ground.

Is it cheaper to buy sand in bulk or bags?

It is much cheaper to buy sand in bulk (by the cubic yard) if you need one yard or more. Buying sand in small bags from a store is convenient for small jobs but costs much more per yard.

How is sand delivered?

Sand is typically delivered by dump truck. The truck backs up to your desired location and lifts the front of its bed to slide the sand out.

Can I pick up sand myself?

Yes, if you have a truck or can rent one, you can often pick up sand from a quarry or landscape supply yard. Make sure your vehicle can handle the weight of the sand. One cubic yard of sand weighs over a ton.

Does delivery cost more if I live further away?

Yes, delivery costs usually increase with distance from the supplier. There is often a base fee plus a per-mile charge or higher rates for different delivery zones.

What is the difference between concrete sand and mason sand?

Concrete sand is washed and screened and has grain sizes good for mixing concrete. Mason sand is very fine and clean and is used for making mortar or stucco. Their concrete sand price per cubic yard and mason sand cost are often different due to the processing.

Do gravel and sand prices vary much?

Gravel and sand prices are often in a similar range per cubic yard, but the exact cost depends on the specific type and quality of the material. Other aggregate prices like crushed stone or topsoil also vary.

How do I figure out how much sand I need?

Measure the length, width, and depth of the area you need to fill in feet. Multiply these numbers to get the volume in cubic feet. Divide the cubic feet by 27 to convert it into cubic yards.

Does the amount of sand I buy affect the price per yard?

Yes, generally, the more sand you buy at once (bulk purchase), the lower the bulk sand price per cubic yard will be. You also spread the delivery cost over more material, making the delivered cost per yard lower.