Dry sand weighs about 2,600–2,700 lb per cubic yard (~1,600 kg/m³) and covers about 100 sq ft at a 3″ depth. Sand type matters: coarse concrete sand suits paver bedding, polymeric sand fills paver joints, masonry sand works in mortar, and washed, screened play sand is used in sandboxes.
Choose the right sand for pavers, mortar, or bedding and estimate the load accurately.
Weight
Weight
~2,600–2,700 lb per cubic yard (dry)
Density
95–105 lb/ft³
Coverage
1 cubic yard of sand covers ~100 sq ft at 3″ depth. Paver bedding at 1″ covers ~300 sq ft.
How do I calculate how much sand I need?
Dry sand weighs about 2,600–2,700 lb per cubic yard (~1,600 kg/m³). Wet sand can push past 3,200 lb, so always specify dry weight when ordering.
For paver installations, use coarse concrete sand as bedding (1″ layer) and polymeric sand in the joints. Play sand is washed and screened to remove sharp particles.
What is sand used for?
- Paver bedding and joint fill
- Mortar and concrete mixes
- Sandboxes and playgrounds
- Traction on icy walkways
- Backfill around utilities
Which types of sand are there?
Concrete sand
Coarse, washed. Paver bedding and concrete mixes.
Masonry sand
Finer, uniform. Mortar for brick and block.
Play sand
Washed and screened. Non-toxic for sandboxes.
Polymeric sand
Contains binders that harden with water. Paver joints.
Fill sand
Unwashed. Backfill and rough grading.
What else do people ask about sand?
How much does a yard of sand weigh?
About 2,600–2,700 lb dry, or up to 3,200 lb wet.
What sand goes under pavers?
Coarse concrete sand for the 1″ bedding layer, polymeric sand in the joints.
How thick should sand be under pavers?
1 inch of screeded concrete sand over a compacted 4–6″ gravel base.