The Cost of Sandbags

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

You may not know this, but sandbags are made of polypropylene material and come in different sizes. They can be filled with soil or sand depending on the purpose they are used for.

Sandbags can be used in different ways for a variety of needs. They were often utilized by military personnel as makeshift fortifications, absorbing some pressure from incoming hostile fire. Sandbags have also been used to control floods and prevent large areas from overflowing during past disasters like hurricanes. Plus, they make an excellent weight training tool when attached to weights.

How much do sandbags cost?

There are many different types of sandbags and they can be purchased from a variety of retailers. Normally, empty polypropylene sandbags cost somewhere between $25 and $70 per 50 pack but it all depends on the type you want, the capacity needed, and where you purchase them from.

For example, Lowe’s sells them for about $20 which is considered an economy option whereas Home Depot has options for up to $60 with their Hercules brand.

The cost of a filled sandbag delivered locally will be about $4 to $6 per bag, plus the delivery fee if you don’t pick it up yourself.

Sandbags made with heavy canvas material designed specifically for gunfire can be expensive; ten packs typically cost between $65 and $85. For example, the Sandbag Store retails a 10 pack for about $75.

In general, used for weight training and not typically found in a traditional gym setting, smaller sandbags can cost about $6 to $8 each or about $45 per 10 pack.

You can purchase bulk bags that can hold up to 3,000 pounds for about $35-$45 each unfilled.

A new type of sandbag, the “sandless” variety, can be just as effective at blocking an unwanted wave or leak without any need for securing it with soil. A single six-pack typically costs around $45 and will last for months when fully inflated. The Quick Dam is one such example that retails for about $30 per 10 feet and has been proven reliable in stopping water.

Sandbag details

One common misconception about sandbags is that they’re made out of plastic. However, many bags will instead use burlap as their natural fiber because it has excellent strength properties while remaining lightweight. There are many different types of bags available on the market today and each bag will be woven tight enough to contain sand inside. The user can place a large amount of sand in the bag and then use drawstrings or other closure mechanisms.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a ton of sand, normal gravel, or class 5 gravel.

Sandbags are a cost-effective way to keep your home and property safe from flooding. They can be purchased filled with soil or sand, which prevents you from the headache of having to buy online both separately for an inflated price.

You can either fill your sandbags with soil or sand up to 45 to 65 pounds. Bulk bags are more than three times the size of regular and they hold up to 3,000 pounds.

You can find sandbags at most home improvement stores or online in packages of 10, 25, 50, or 100.

What are the extra costs?

While purchasing empty sandbags can save time and money, you will need to buy the soil separately. A 50-pound bag of sand usually costs between $25 and $60 but if you purchase more than 500 pounds at once bulk prices are cut drastically.

You must consider shipping and transportation costs before you purchase, as they will be calculated based on the number of items ordered. Some stores may waive these fees if a minimum amount is purchased.

Important things to consider

Sandbags are a great way to protect your home from flooding, but the material can degrade over time. If you plan on using sandbags for more than just a few months, then it’s best to purchase one made out of synthetic materials or sandless bags since they won’t biodegrade and will last longer as well.

Sandbags have a variety of uses and can be found in all different environments. Besides the fact that they serve as flood barriers during natural disasters to minimize the damage caused by flooding, they are also often used for target shooting, camping, yoga, or horseback riding.

It’s highly recommended that people don’t have other types of bags used as sandbags. Even though some think that feed bags could make a replacement because they are made from the same material, they won’t have enough space for handling and stacking them.

How can I save money?

As with other items, with sandbags the more you purchase in bulk, the cheaper your per-unit price will be.

If you are living in an area where flooding represents a real concern, it may be wise to call or visit your local police or fire department website for information on obtaining emergency bags.