How Much Does a Ton of Sand Cost?

Last Updated on January 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Sand is one of the most useful and versatile landscaping materials. Whether you need sand for a children’s playground, patio construction, or other outdoor project, knowing sand prices per ton will ensure you get the best value.

In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect the cost of a ton of sand so you can budget for your next sand purchase and delivery.

Key Takeaways on Sand Prices Per Ton

A few important things to remember about buying sand by the ton:

• Sand costs $15 to $55 per ton on average depending on type
• Delivery fees, minimum orders, and sales tax can add $15 to $45 per ton
• Order in 10+ ton increments to get the best per-ton rate
• Compare quotes from multiple suppliers to find the most competitive pricing
• Calculate the area you need to cover at the required depth to estimate tons
• Pick the appropriate sand for your project like utility sand, play sand, or bunker sand
• Sand weight approximately 1.5 to 1.8 tons per cubic yard on average

How Much Does a Ton of Sand Cost?

A ton of sand costs anywhere from $15 to $40 or more, depending on the type of sand. Masonry sand and concrete sand cost about $25 per ton on average. The cost increases to $40 or more per ton for colored sand or specialty sand like play sand or golf bunker sand.

Location and delivery fees can also add $10 or more per ton. When estimating how many tons you need, remember that a cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.5 to 1.8 tons. Many professionals use dump trucks to deliver the sand from the quarry to your location.

Websites selling Sand

Sand comes in many varieties, each with their own price point based on particle size, quality, and composition. Here are some typical costs:

All-Purpose Sand

• Concrete Sand – $25 to $40 per ton Used for concrete work, brick patios, and landscaping. Concrete sand is coarse with granules up to 0.375 inches.
• Utility Sand – $15 to $35 per ton A general utility sand with more fine particles than concrete sand. Used for masonry, fill, and landscaping.

Specialty Sands

• Play Sand – $30 to $50 per ton Fine soft sand molded into playgrounds and sandboxes. May have a colored tint.
• Golf Bunker Sand – $35 to $50 per ton Very fine white sand with uniform soil granules around 0.03 inches. Provides excellent drainage.
• Brick Sand – $30 to $50 per ton Mixed with cement and water to make mortar for laying bricks and concrete blocks.
• Fill Sand – $25 to $40 per ton A silty fill sand dug from the earth, used for landscaping, mulch, and filling projects.
• Washed Sand – $30 to $50 per ton Washed of silt and clay, leaving only clean rock fragments ideal for concrete, landscaping, and bedding pipes.
• Colored Sands – $35 to $55 per ton Tinted sands in colors like red or tan for decorative landscaping applications.

Other Sand Types

• Glass Sand – $25 to $50 per ton Made from recycled glass bottles and jars crushed into a fine sand.
• Pool Filter Sand – $25 to $50 per ton Very finely screened sand for use in swimming pool filters.
• Traction Sand – $30 to $60 per ton Sand mixed with salt to provide extra traction on icy roads and walkways.

Shop around to find the most competitive pricing on the specific type of sand your project requires. Quotes from multiple suppliers can save you $5 to $10 or more per ton.

What are Additional Sand Delivery Costs?

Beyond the per-ton price of the sand itself, additional fees for delivery and sales tax can add to the total cost. Here are some potential extra charges:

• Delivery fees – $10 to $30 per load depending on mileage
• Fuel surcharge – $5 to $15 per delivery when gas prices are high
• Environmental fee – Small charge per ton, around $1 to $5
• Minimum load requirement – Some suppliers require 10+ tons per delivery
• Sales tax – Varies by state, expect around 5% to 10% of total

Ask suppliers for a complete price quote including tax and delivery to avoid surprises. Renting a truck and picking up the sand yourself can sometimes save on delivery costs for small projects.

What Affects the Cost per Ton of Sand?

Several variables affect the per-ton pricing for sand, including:

• Type of sand: The specific use and qualities like grain size, uniformity, and composition impact the base price. Concrete sand costs less than play sand.
• Supplier location: Delivery distance and fuel costs mean sand prices can vary significantly by region.
• Order size: Bulk orders of 10 tons or more can save $5 per ton or more compared to buying by the ton.
• Delivery fees: Delivery costs depend on mileage and minimum load requirements.
• Sales tax: Sand is taxable so remember to factor this in.

Knowing these cost factors will help you budget accurately and get the most competitive sand price.

What Does a Ton of Sand Cover?

To estimate how much sand you need, first calculate the area you want to cover. One ton of sand covers:

• 80 to 100 square feet at a 4-inch depth
• 50 to 60 square feet at 6 inches deep
• 35 to 45 square feet at 9 inches deep

Use this rough guide to estimate tons, but remember depth may vary based on sand compaction, drainage needs, and the type of project.

You might also like our articles about the cost of sand in general, to build a house, and to dig a well.

How to Get the Best Price Per Ton of Sand

Here are some tips for getting the lowest price when you purchase bulk loads of sand:

• Get quotes from multiple suppliers – Prices can vary significantly between vendors.
• Ask about discounts for 10+ ton orders – You may get $5+ off per ton for larger purchases.
• Inquire about non-peak delivery – Weekday and non-summer delivery often costs less.
• See if they offer screened sand – Screening on-site avoids a middleman markup.
• Check for a first-time customer deal – Some places offer 5% to 10% off your first order.
• Use a contractor account – Accounts for trade professionals often get discounted rates.
• Pay attention to specials and sales – Stock up if they offer periodic bargains or coupons.

With some smart shopping, you can find the sand you need at the best possible per-ton price. Make sure to calculate required tons accurately to get the right amount for your project.

Different Sand Types and Their Uses

Choosing the right type of sand for the job is essential. Here are some common sand varieties and their best uses:

• Concrete Sand – Strong, angular sand particles are ideal for concrete mixing. Use as an underlayment for brick pavers or flagstone.
• Play Sand – Non-toxic, fine grains molded into playgrounds or sandboxes for kids. May have a safety certified seal.
• Utility Sand – All-purpose sand used beneath pavers or bricks, for trenches, or to backfill plants and trees.
• Golf Bunker Sand – Pure white sand that provides optimal drainage on golf courses, often imported.
• Fill Dirt – A sandy loam fill dirt that contains clay, silt, and sand for filling holes or low areas.
• Washed Concrete Sand – Has been screened and washed to remove silt and clay particles, leaving only sand.
• Brick Sand – Mix with cement and water to make the mortar for laying bricks and concrete blocks.
• Colored Sands – Available in vibrant hues like red, brown, black, pink, or white for decorative landscaping.
• Traction Sand – Sand mixed with salt to prevent slipping on icy sidewalks, driveways, and roads.

Make sure to get a sand variety suitable to your specific needs. The right sand ensures optimal performance on the job.

Final Words

Knowing what goes into the per-ton price of sand will help you get the load you need within your budget, whether it’s for a sandbox, golf course, or construction project. With some smart shopping and accurate calculations, you can find affordable sand prices for your next outdoor venture or landscaping task.