Paver Sand Calculator
Estimated Total Cost (incl. delivery)
$71 – $192
0.8 tons needed • 34 bags (50 lb)
Material Cost
$21 – $42
Delivery Fee
$50 – $150
Sand Needed
0.8 tons
Coverage
200 sq ft
Ordering Tip: Order 10–15% extra sand to account for compaction and uneven surfaces. For 0.8 tons, order at least 1.0 tons.
Concrete Sand: Coarse, angular sand ideal for paver bedding layers. Compacts well and provides excellent drainage. The most commonly used sand for paver installation.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Paver Sand Cost Breakdown
| Sand Type | Cost / Ton | Best For | Coverage at 1″ Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Sand | $25 – $50 | Bedding layers, general use | ~150 sq ft / ton |
| Mason Sand | $30 – $55 | Precision bedding, pools | ~150 sq ft / ton |
| Polymeric Sand | $80 – $150 | Joint filling only | ~600 sq ft / ton (0.25″) |
* Coverage is approximate and varies by sand density and compaction. Delivery fee of $50–$150 applies.
Average Project Costs (Material + Delivery)
| Project | Size | Sand Type & Use | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Patio | 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | Concrete Sand, Bedding | $62 – $175 |
| Standard Patio | 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | Mason Sand, Bedding | $75 – $196 |
| Driveway Base | 25 × 20 ft (500 sq ft) | Concrete Sand, Leveling | $138 – $400 |
| Joint Fill | 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | Polymeric, Joint Fill | $67 – $178 |
How We Calculate
Our paver sand calculator estimates material quantities and costs based on area dimensions, sand type, and application. Sand depth varies by application: 1 inch for bedding, 2 inches for leveling, and 0.25 inches for joint fill.
How the math works: Area = length × width. Tons needed = area × depth (inches) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.35 (sand density factor). Bags needed = tons × 2,000 ÷ 50 (for 50 lb bags). Material cost = tons × cost per ton. Total = material + delivery fee ($50–$150).
Sand Type Comparison
Concrete Sand ($25–$50/ton) is the industry standard for paver bedding. Coarse, angular grains compact tightly and drain well. Also called C-33 sand. The most widely available and affordable option.
Mason Sand ($30–$55/ton) has finer, more uniform grains than concrete sand. Creates a smoother, more precise bedding surface. Preferred by professional installers for high-end paver projects and pools.
Polymeric Sand ($80–$150/ton) contains polymer additives that harden when activated with water. Used exclusively for filling paver joints — not bedding. Prevents weeds, ants, and washout. Significantly more expensive but provides superior long-term performance.
Application Depths
Bedding Layer (1 in): Standard sand bed placed over a compacted gravel base. Provides the final leveling surface that pavers sit on. Must be screeded flat and uniform before laying pavers.
Leveling Base (2 in): Thicker sand layer used when additional grading correction is needed. Used over an existing base that isn’t perfectly level. Not recommended as a substitute for proper gravel base preparation.
Joint Fill (0.25 in): Thin layer of sand swept into gaps between pavers. Uses far less material than bedding. Polymeric sand is recommended for joint filling to prevent erosion and weed growth.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, landscape supply yards, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Sand costs are based on bulk delivery prices. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paver sand do I need? +
Calculate sand tonnage as: length × width × depth (inches) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.35. For a 10×20 ft patio with 1 inch of bedding sand: 200 × 1 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.35 = 0.83 tons (about 17 bags of 50 lb sand). Order 10–15% extra for compaction and uneven surfaces.
How much does paver sand cost? +
Concrete sand costs $25–$50 per ton, mason sand $30–$55 per ton, and polymeric sand $80–$150 per ton. For a 200 sq ft patio with 1 inch bedding, expect $20–$45 in sand material plus $50–$150 for delivery. Buying in bulk by the ton is significantly cheaper than bagged sand from home improvement stores.
What type of sand is best for pavers? +
Concrete sand (also called C-33 sand) is the standard choice for paver bedding layers — it compacts well, drains properly, and provides a stable base. Mason sand is finer and creates a smoother surface, preferred for precision work. Use polymeric sand exclusively for filling joints between pavers — it hardens when wet to prevent weeds and washout.
How thick should the sand base be for pavers? +
A 1-inch bedding layer is standard for most paver installations. Use exactly 1 inch of sand over a compacted gravel base (typically 4–6 inches of crushed stone). A 2-inch leveling base is used when the sub-base needs additional correction. Never exceed 1.5 inches for bedding — thicker sand layers can shift and cause pavers to settle unevenly.
Do I need polymeric sand for pavers? +
Polymeric sand is recommended but not required. It hardens when activated with water, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth, ant hills, and joint washout. It costs $80–$150 per ton vs. $25–$50 for regular sand, but provides significantly better long-term results. For joint filling, you only need about 0.25 inches of depth — far less material than bedding.
Can I use regular sand instead of paver sand? +
For bedding layers, use concrete sand or mason sand — not play sand or all-purpose sand. Play sand is too fine and round, causing pavers to shift. Concrete sand has angular grains that interlock when compacted. For joints, regular sand works but washes out over time. Polymeric sand is the better long-term choice for joints.
How many bags of sand do I need for pavers? +
A 50 lb bag of sand covers roughly 3–4 sq ft at 1 inch depth for bedding. For a 200 sq ft patio bedding layer, you'll need approximately 50–67 bags. Buying bulk sand by the ton is much more cost-effective for projects over 100 sq ft — one ton covers about 150–200 sq ft at 1 inch deep and costs $25–$55 vs. $3–$5 per bag.
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