Sand & Sub-Base Calculator
Adjust the parameters below to compute materials and estimate project costs.
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Guidelines & Field Recommendations
• Under pools: 2 inches of fine washed masonry sand.
• Under pavers: 1 inch of coarse concrete sand.
• Sandboxes: Screened washed play sand (safe for children).
Calculation Formulas & Steps
Cubic Yards = Area × Depth (ft) ÷ 27. Bag Count (0.5 cu ft bags) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 0.5.
Worked Example (Step-by-Step Math)
Multiply area by depth, then divide by 27.
10 ft × 10 ft × (2/12) ft ÷ 27 = 0.62 cu ydConvert volume to cubic feet and divide by bag size (0.5 cu ft).
16.67 cu ft ÷ 0.5 = 34 bagsSand Applications
Proper sand selection based on use.
| Project Condition | Reference Metric |
|---|---|
| Paver Bedding | Coarse concrete sand (sharp edges pack together) |
| Sandbox / Play Areas | Washed, screened play sand (safe for kids) |
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- !Mistake 1: Using play sand under pavers, which turns into sludge when wet.
- !Mistake 2: Compacting bedding sand before placing pavers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand is recommended under an above ground pool?
We recommend a flat 2-inch layer of clean, fine masonry sand under an above-ground pool liner. This sand bed cushions the heavy water weight, prevents small stones or roots from puncturing the vinyl liner, and provides a smooth pool floor.
What is the difference between coarse concrete sand and play sand for pavers?
Always use coarse concrete sand (sometimes called sharp sand) for paving stones. Its jagged, angular grains lock together to form a stable base. Smooth play sand has rounded grains that roll like tiny ball bearings, causing pavers to shift and sink.
Can you use standard play sand as a base under pavers?
No. Play sand is made of rounded grains that roll against each other. Under pavers, play sand shifts constantly, causing blocks to sink and wobble. Always use coarse concrete sand.
How many bags of play sand are needed for a 10x10 sandbox?
For a 10x10 foot sandbox filled to a depth of 6 inches, you need 50 cubic feet of play sand. Since standard retail play sand bags are 0.5 cubic feet, you will need exactly 100 bags of play sand.
What kind of sand should be used for locking paver joints?
Use polymeric joint sand. Unlike standard sand which washes away in rain, polymeric sand contains water-activated binders that dry hard, locking pavers together and blocking weed roots.
How many bags of sand does it take to make a cubic yard?
Since a yard is 27 cu ft, and retail sand bags are 0.5 cubic feet, it takes 54 bags of sand to make one yard.
How much does a cubic yard of dry sand weigh?
Standard dry sand weighs about 2,700 to 3,000 lbs (approx. 1.4 to 1.5 tons) per yard.
Complete Tools Checklist
- Screed Board
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Trowel