Area dimensions
Sand depth
1 inch of compacted sand is standard under pavers. Use coarse builder’s sand, not play sand.
Sand type
Coarse builder’s sand for structural base work under pavers and slabs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring for Sand
How much sand do I need?
To find how much sand you need, multiply the area’s length and width in feet by the depth in feet (divide inches by 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Sand is often sold by the ton, and one cubic yard of sand weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons, so multiply cubic yards by about 1.4 to estimate tonnage. For example, a 100 square foot area at 2 inches deep is about 0.6 cubic yards. Our Sand Calculator returns cubic yards and tons.
What type of sand should I use for my project?
Different projects call for different sand. Use bedding or ‘paver’ sand under and between pavers; masonry sand for mortar and brick-laying; play sand (washed and screened) for sandboxes; coarse ‘sharp’ or concrete sand mixed into concrete; and fill sand for backfilling and leveling large areas. Polymeric sand is a special joint sand that hardens when wet to lock pavers in place. Match the sand type to the job, since the wrong sand can compromise drainage or strength.
What’s the difference between polymeric sand and regular sand?
Polymeric sand contains additives that, once swept into paver joints and activated with water, harden into a firm binder that locks pavers together, resists weeds and insects, and stays in place during rain and washing. Regular joint or bedding sand is loose, can wash out over time, and allows more weed growth between pavers. Polymeric costs more and requires careful installation (the surface must be dry and the excess fully cleaned off), but it produces a longer-lasting, lower-maintenance paver surface.
How deep should the sand layer be under pavers?
Under pavers, spread a bedding sand layer about 1 inch thick (no more than 1.5 inches) over a compacted gravel base—too thick a sand layer lets pavers shift and settle unevenly. This 1 inch leveling course sits on top of the base, not in place of it. After laying pavers, sweep polymeric or joint sand into the gaps and compact. Calculate the 1 inch sand layer separately from your base gravel when estimating materials.
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons (roughly 2,600 to 3,000 pounds), depending on the type of sand and how wet it is. Wet sand weighs more than dry sand. Since suppliers often sell by the ton while you calculate volume in cubic yards, multiply your cubic yards by about 1.4 to estimate the tons to order. Always confirm the specific weight with your supplier, as fine masonry sand and coarse sand differ slightly.