Guide: How Much Is Sand Per Yard & Why Costs Vary

How much does sand cost per yard? The cost of sand per cubic yard usually falls between $15 and $50. This is for basic types like fill sand when bought in bulk. Where can you buy sand in bulk? You can buy bulk sand from places like local quarries, landscape supply yards, or even some large home improvement stores for smaller bulk amounts. The exact sand price per cubic yard changes based on many things. We will look at what makes the cost go up or down.

How Much Is Sand Per Yard
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Grasping the Basic Sand Price

When you need a lot of sand, you usually buy it by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall. It holds a good amount of sand. Buying this way is called buying in bulk. The bulk sand cost is almost always cheaper per yard than buying small bags.

Think of a cubic yard like about 27 standard 1-cubic-foot bags of sand. If bags cost $5 each, 27 bags would cost $135. But a cubic yard might only cost $30 or $40 when you buy in bulk. This shows why buying in bulk is better for bigger jobs.

The starting price range of $15 to $50 is a general idea. Simple sands cost less. Special sands cost more. We will talk more about different types of sand later.

Why Sand Costs Don’t Stay the Same: Key Factors

The sand price per cubic yard is not set in stone. Many things make the price change. Knowing these factors helps you understand the final bulk sand cost for your project.

Here are the main reasons why sand costs vary:

What kind of sand you need: Different sands are made for different jobs. Play sand is soft. Concrete sand is coarse. These differences mean different prices. This is a big part of types of sand prices.
How much sand you buy: Buying a lot usually means a lower sand price per cubic yard.
Where you are located: How far the sand has to travel from where it is dug up (the quarry) to your place matters.
If you need delivery: Getting the sand delivered adds a cost. This sand delivery cost can be a large part of the total price.
Where you buy it: Quaries, supply yards, and stores have different prices.
How the sand is made ready: Washed and screened sand costs more than basic fill sand.

We will look at each of these things closely.

Deciphering Different Types of Sand and Their Prices

Not all sand is the same. The kind of sand you need depends on your project. Different types have different sand price per cubic yard. This is what we mean by types of sand prices.

Here are common types and why their costs differ:

H4: Fill Sand Cost Per Yard

What it is: This is the cheapest type of sand. It often has small stones, dirt, or clay mixed in. It’s not clean or uniform.
What it’s used for: Filling large holes, leveling ground before putting down topsoil or gravel, backfilling trenches. You wouldn’t use it for concrete or in a sandbox.
Typical Cost: The fill sand cost per yard is usually at the low end of the price range, maybe $15 to $30 per cubic yard. Its low cost makes it good for big fill jobs.

H4: Concrete Sand Price

What it is: This sand is coarse. It has larger grains than other sands. It is washed to remove fine particles and clay. This makes it good for mixing with cement and gravel to make concrete.
What it’s used for: Making concrete mixes, paver base (sometimes), some drainage projects.
Typical Cost: The concrete sand price is usually higher than fill sand. It might be $30 to $50 per cubic yard. Washing and screening add to the cost.

H4: Masonry Sand

What it is: Also called fine sand or mortar sand. It is very fine and clean. It looks nice and feels soft. It’s often light in color. It is carefully screened and washed.
What it’s used for: Making mortar for bricks, blocks, or stone. Used for plastering, sometimes in sandboxes, or as a fine top dressing.
Typical Cost: Masonry sand costs more than concrete sand because it needs more processing. It can be $40 to $60 per cubic yard or even higher for very fine types.

H4: Play Sand

What it is: This sand is extra fine and clean. It is washed and often dried and screened carefully to be safe and nice for kids to play in. It feels soft.
What it’s used for: Sandboxes and children’s play areas.
Typical Cost: Play sand is sold more often in bags than bulk. When you find it in bulk, the sand price per cubic yard can be $30 to $50 or more. The cost per cubic foot in bags is much higher than the bulk price.

H4: Landscape Sand Cost

What it is: This is a general term. It can mean different things depending on the supplier. It might be similar to concrete sand for paver bases, or a decorative sand, or even a screened fill sand for leveling.
What it’s used for: Paver base, mixing with soil for drainage, leveling ground in gardens or under sod.
Typical Cost: The landscape sand cost varies a lot. It depends on what kind of sand the supplier calls “landscape sand.” It could be anywhere from $20 to $50 per cubic yard.

H4: Other Sands

There are other types too:

Paver Base Sand: Often similar to concrete sand or a mix of sand and gravel. Used under patios and walkways. Price is like concrete sand price.
Beach Sand: A specific look and feel. Can be costly if it’s not local.
Specialty Sands: Colored sands, filter sands, industrial sands cost much more.

Knowing the job helps you pick the right sand. Picking the wrong sand can cause problems later. And it might not be the cheapest option in the end.

How Much Sand You Buy Changes the Bulk Sand Cost

The more sand you buy, the less you pay per cubic yard. Suppliers want to sell larger amounts. It costs them less per yard to handle a big pile than many small piles. This is why the bulk sand cost is better than buying bags.

Small amounts: If you need less than a few cubic yards, the sand price per cubic yard might be a bit higher. Some places have a minimum charge for small orders.
Medium amounts (5-15 yards): You start seeing better bulk sand cost prices in this range.
Large amounts (20+ yards): This is where you get the best sand price per cubic yard. You might even get a small discount from some suppliers.

Think about your project size. If it’s small, bags from a local store might be easier, even if more costly per cubic foot. If it’s big, bulk sand delivery is the way to go.

Sand Delivery Cost: A Major Part of the Price

Getting sand from the supplier to your house or job site costs money. This sand delivery cost is a big part of the total bulk sand cost.

How delivery cost is figured out:

Distance: The biggest factor is how far you are from the supplier. They charge for the truck time and fuel. This might be a set rate per mile or based on zones.
Quantity: Some suppliers charge a flat fee per delivery, no matter how much sand is on the truck (up to the truck’s limit). Others might charge more for smaller loads. There’s often a minimum delivery amount (e.g., 3 or 5 cubic yards). If you need less than the minimum, you might still pay for the minimum quantity or a higher delivery fee.
Type of Truck: Different trucks carry different amounts. A large dump truck costs more to run than a smaller one.
Access: If your location is hard to get to, or the place you want the sand dumped is tricky, it could add to the cost or even prevent delivery.

The sand delivery cost can sometimes be more than the cost of the sand itself, especially if you live far away or only need a few cubic yards. Always ask about the total cost, including delivery, when getting prices.

Example:

Let’s say concrete sand price is $40 per yard.
You need 5 cubic yards. Sand cost = 5 * $40 = $200.
Delivery fee is $75.
Total cost = $200 + $75 = $275.
Your real sand price per cubic yard including delivery is $275 / 5 yards = $55 per yard.

If you needed 10 yards:
Sand cost = 10 * $40 = $400.
Delivery fee is still $75 (if it’s a flat fee).
Total cost = $400 + $75 = $475.
Your real sand price per cubic yard including delivery is $475 / 10 yards = $47.50 per yard.

This shows how delivery makes smaller orders more expensive per yard.

Contemplating Sand Price Per Ton

Sometimes, sand is sold by weight, not volume. This is common in some areas or for specific types of sand. The unit used is the sand price per ton. A short ton is 2000 pounds.

How does sand price per ton relate to sand price per cubic yard?

It depends on the density of the sand. Density means how heavy a certain amount of sand is.
* Dry sand is lighter than wet sand.
* Sand with more clay or dirt (like fill sand) is often heavier than clean, washed sand.
* Concrete sand (coarse, washed) is generally heavier than fine masonry sand.

A rough rule of thumb is that one cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2,400 to 2,700 pounds (1.2 to 1.35 tons).
A cubic yard of wet sand can weigh 3,000 pounds (1.5 tons) or more.

So, if the sand price per ton is $30, the cost per cubic yard might be:
* Dry sand: 1.2 tons * $30/ton = $36 per yard
* Wet sand: 1.5 tons * $30/ton = $45 per yard

If you get a price in tons, ask the supplier how many tons they estimate are in a cubic yard of the sand you want. Or, if you need a certain volume (cubic yards), ask for the price for that volume directly. Most suppliers who sell bulk sand can give you a sand price per cubic yard even if their scale weighs it in tons.

Calculating How Much Sand You Need: Using a Cubic Yard Sand Calculator Concept

Before you buy bulk sand, you need to know how many cubic yards you need. This helps you get the right amount and figure out the total cost.

Here’s how to figure it out:

Measure the Area: Get the length, width, and depth (or thickness) of the area you want to fill with sand. Use feet for your measurements.
- Length: ____ feet
- Width: ____ feet
- Depth: ____ inches
Convert Depth to Feet: If your depth is in inches, divide by 12 to get feet.
- Depth in feet: _ inches / 12 = _ feet
Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply length by width by depth (in feet).
- Volume in cubic feet: Length * Width * Depth (in feet) = ____ cubic feet
Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft * 3 ft * 3 ft = 27 cubic feet). Divide your volume in cubic feet by 27.
- Volume in cubic yards: _ cubic feet / 27 = _ cubic yards

This gives you the amount of sand you need in cubic yards. Always add a little extra (maybe 10%) for settling, waste, or miscalculations.

Example:
You want to cover an area 20 feet long by 10 feet wide with landscape sand 4 inches deep for a paver base.

Length = 20 feet
Width = 10 feet
Depth = 4 inches
Depth in feet = 4 / 12 = 0.33 feet (about)
Volume in cubic feet = 20 ft * 10 ft * 0.33 ft = 66 cubic feet
Volume in cubic yards = 66 cubic feet / 27 = 2.44 cubic yards.

You would likely round up to 3 cubic yards when ordering to be safe.

Many websites offer a cubic yard sand calculator. You just put in your measurements, and it does the math for you. Searching online for “cubic yard calculator” will help you find one. Make sure the calculator is for volume (length x width x depth).

Where to Buy Sand Bulk: Your Options

Knowing where to buy sand bulk is key to getting a good bulk sand cost. Different places offer different prices and services.

Here are the usual places:

Quarries or Gravel Pits: These are where sand is dug out of the ground. Buying straight from a quarry is often the cheapest option per cubic yard.
- Pros: Lowest sand price per cubic yard. Large amounts available.
- Cons: Usually need your own truck or need to arrange delivery separately (which they might or might not do). Can be dusty and less convenient.
Landscape Supply Yards: These businesses buy materials like sand, gravel, mulch, and soil from quarries and mines and sell them to the public. They are very common where to buy sand bulk.
- Pros: Offer many types of sand. Convenient for homeowners and contractors. Often provide sand delivery cost as part of the service. You can see the sand before buying.
- Cons: Prices are usually higher than a quarry but lower than big box stores.
Concrete / Masonry Suppliers: These places specialize in materials for building with cement and stone. They will definitely have concrete sand and masonry sand in bulk.
- Pros: High quality sand for specific building uses. Knowledgeable staff about these sands.
- Cons: May not carry other types of sand like fill sand or play sand. Might have contractor-focused service.
Big Box Home Improvement Stores (like Home Depot, Lowe’s): These stores mostly sell sand in small bags. They sometimes have limited bulk sand options or partner with local suppliers for delivery.
- Pros: Easy to find and access for small projects (buying bags).
- Cons: Bulk sand cost per yard is much higher if available. Limited types of sand in bulk. Delivery options vary greatly.
Online Material Suppliers: Some companies operate online and arrange delivery from local pits or yards.
- Pros: Can compare prices easily. Convenient ordering.
- Cons: You can’t see the sand before it arrives. Rely on their description and photos. Sand delivery cost is a key part of their price model.

For most home projects needing more than a truck bed full, a local landscape supply yard is the most common and convenient where to buy sand bulk. Always call ahead to check what types of sand they have and their current sand price per cubic yard and sand delivery cost.

Comparing Sand Price Per Cubic Yard: Getting the Best Deal

To get the best bulk sand cost, it pays to do some checking around. Don’t just go with the first place you find.

Here are tips for comparing prices:

Know Exactly What You Need: Specify the type of sand (e.g., concrete sand, fill sand, masonry sand, play sand, landscape sand). The job determines the sand. Don’t just ask for “sand.”
State the Quantity: Tell them how many cubic yards you need. The price per yard can change with quantity.
Ask for the Total Delivered Cost: This is very important. Don’t just get the sand price per cubic yard. Ask for the price including sand delivery cost to your exact address. This gives you the real final price. Get this total price from everyone you call.
Check for Hidden Fees: Ask about minimum order sizes or extra fees for dumping in a specific spot (though this is less common).
Ask About Quality: While hard to judge over the phone, you can ask if the sand is washed, screened, etc. This ties back to the types of sand prices. A very low price for concrete sand might mean it’s not properly washed.
Consider Availability: Is the sand in stock? When can it be delivered? Sometimes the cheapest option has a long wait.

Create a simple table to compare quotes from different suppliers.

Supplier Name	Sand Type Requested	Quantity (Cubic Yards)	Price Per Yard (Sand Only)	Delivery Cost	Total Cost Delivered
Supplier A	Concrete Sand	5 yards	$45	$80	$305
Supplier B	Concrete Sand	5 yards	$40	$100	$300
Supplier C	Concrete Sand	5 yards	$50	$60	$310

In this example, Supplier B is slightly cheaper overall, even though their delivery fee is higher than Supplier C. Supplier A has a higher sand price. Comparing the total delivered cost is key.

Sand Costs for Specific Projects

Let’s look at how sand price per cubic yard and related costs add up for common projects.

Small Sandbox: You might need 1-2 cubic yards of play sand. Buying this in bags is common. Bags are expensive per cubic foot. 27 bags is about 1 yard. At $5/bag, that’s $135 for 1 yard. If play sand in bulk was $40/yard + $75 delivery, total is $115. Bulk might still be cheaper even for smaller amounts if delivery isn’t too high or you can pick it up.
Patio Base: A 10ft x 10ft patio with a 4-inch sand base needs about 1.2 cubic yards (using the calculator method above). You’ll need landscape sand or concrete sand. You’d likely order 2 cubic yards. If landscape sand cost is $35/yard and delivery is $75, total is (2 * $35) + $75 = $70 + $75 = $145.
Leveling a Yard: Leveling a large bumpy yard might need many yards of fill sand. Let’s say you need 10 cubic yards. If fill sand cost per yard is $20 and delivery is $75, total is (10 * $20) + $75 = $200 + $75 = $275. The low fill sand cost per yard makes this job more affordable.
Mixing Concrete: If you need concrete sand for a big job, you might need 5 cubic yards. If concrete sand price is $40/yard and delivery is $75, total is (5 * $40) + $75 = $200 + $75 = $275.

These examples show that the total cost depends heavily on the type of sand and the sand delivery cost, especially for smaller amounts.

Other Things to Think About

Besides the price of the sand and delivery, keep these in mind:

Truck Access: Can a large, heavy dump truck safely drive onto your driveway and reach the spot you want the sand? Are there overhead wires or trees? Sloped driveways? Uneven ground? Make sure the delivery truck can get in and out easily.
Dumping Location: The truck will dump the sand in one big pile. Choose a spot that is easy for the truck to access and easy for you to move the sand from (close to the project). The weight of the sand can damage driveways or soft ground. Lay down plywood if needed.
Minimum Orders: As mentioned, suppliers often have minimum bulk order sizes for delivery (e.g., 3-5 cubic yards). If you need less, you might still pay the minimum quantity price plus delivery.
Time: Ordering bulk sand and having it delivered takes time. Plan ahead. It might take a day or two, or longer during busy seasons.
Effort: Moving a pile of sand by hand is hard work! Be ready for digging, wheelbarrowing, and spreading.

Thinking about these things helps your project go smoother and avoids unexpected issues or costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Costs

Here are some common questions people ask about buying sand:

H4: Is sand sold by weight or volume?
Sand can be sold by either weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards). It depends on the supplier and the type of sand. Most bulk sand for landscaping and small projects is sold by the cubic yard. If it’s sold by the sand price per ton, ask how many tons are in a cubic yard for that specific sand.

H4: How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2400-2700 pounds (1.2-1.35 tons). Wet sand weighs more, around 3000 pounds (1.5 tons) or even up to 3600 pounds (1.8 tons) depending on moisture content and type. This weight is important for delivery truck limits and figuring out the sand price per ton if needed.

H4: Can I pick up bulk sand myself?
Yes, if you have a truck and go to a quarry or landscape yard that allows customer pickups. Be aware of your truck’s weight limit. A half-ton pickup truck (like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500) can usually only safely carry about 0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards of sand due to its weight. A 1-ton truck can carry more. Don’t overload your truck; it’s dangerous and possibly illegal. Picking up yourself saves the sand delivery cost.

H4: How can I estimate the sand needed for a project?
Measure the length, width, and desired depth of the area in feet. Multiply these three numbers together to get the volume in cubic feet. Divide the cubic feet total by 27 to get the amount in cubic yards. Using an online cubic yard sand calculator is also helpful. Always order a little extra.

H4: Why is bagged sand so much more expensive per cubic foot than bulk sand?
Bags cost more because of the extra steps: drying the sand, special screening for consistent quality, packaging, handling, and retail markup. Buying in bulk cuts out most of these steps, resulting in a much lower bulk sand cost per cubic yard.

H4: What is the cheapest type of sand?
Generally, fill sand is the cheapest type of sand. It is the least processed and may contain impurities like pebbles or clay. Its low fill sand cost per yard makes it good for large filling or leveling jobs where appearance and purity don’t matter.

H4: Does the color of sand affect the price?
Sometimes. Standard sand colors (grays, browns, tans) from local sources are usually priced based on type and processing. However, specialty sands, like bright white play sand from specific locations (like certain beaches) or colored decorative sands, will cost more due to their unique properties or added dyes.

In Summary

Finding the sand price per cubic yard means looking at several things. The base price can be anywhere from $15 to $50 per cubic yard for bulk sand. But the final cost is much more than that.

Key factors that change the price are the type of sand you need (like fill sand cost per yard, concrete sand price, landscape sand cost, play sand), the amount you buy (bulk sand cost is lower per yard for more), where you live compared to the supplier, and the all-important sand delivery cost.

You can buy bulk sand from quarries, landscape yards (where to buy sand bulk), and sometimes big stores or online. Always compare the total delivered price from different suppliers using the exact types of sand prices you need.

Remember to calculate how much sand you need using measurements or a cubic yard sand calculator. Also, consider the sand price per ton if applicable, but usually focus on the sand price per cubic yard.

By understanding these factors, you can get the right sand for your project without paying more than you should. Getting quotes and planning for delivery and site access will save you time and money.