Concrete Sand (40 lb. bag)

40 Pound Bag of Concrete Sand 

Concrete sand, also frequently called coarse sand or washed concrete sand, is a clean, sharp-edged aggregate used in high-strength masonry and structural concrete applications. Because it is washed to remove fine silts and clays, this material provides the mechanical strength needed when mixing heavy-duty concrete, filling joints in stone installations, or as a reliable drainage-friendly base for heavy-traffic hardscape projects.

It provides a high-density, structural filler that resists settling, making it the preferred choice for contractors and homeowners building concrete foundations, stone wall projects, or patio setups where structural integrity is the priority.

This is not play sand. It is designed for structural applications.

Applying concrete sand correctly ensures that your structural projects remain level and solid. Follow these straightforward beginner installation rules:

1. Calculate Your Need: Measure the square footage of your project area. For most structural concrete base applications, calculate your needed volume based on a 2 to 4-inch depth. Use our convenient cubic yard calculator at the bottom of this section to determine your exact order size.
2. Sub-Base Preparation: Ensure your primary base layer (road base or crushed limestone) is compacted thoroughly. Place your concrete sand layer directly over this stabilized sub-base to provide a consistent, high-density setting bed.
3. Screeding for Level: Pull the sand across your base area using a flat board or custom screed tool to create a perfectly level plane. Ensure the sand is packed down slightly to reach the required elevation.
4. Concrete and Masonry Mixing: When using this material for concrete, mix it with high-quality Portland cement and water at the manufacturer-recommended ratios. The clean, washed nature of this sand ensures the mix maintains its structural design strength.

Not recommended for playground use.

Cubic Yard Coverage Estimate

• 1 Cubic Yard: Covers roughly 160 square feet at a 2-inch depth.
• 1 Cubic Yard: Covers roughly 100 square feet at a 3-inch depth.
• 1 Cubic Yard: Covers roughly 80 square feet at a 4-inch depth.

Concrete sand is a specialized, industrial-grade aggregate built for projects requiring structural strength and consistent drainage:

1. Concrete Mixing: Acts as the primary aggregate in standard concrete mixes for sidewalks, slabs, driveways, and footings.
2. Heavy-Traffic Hardscape Bases: Provides a high-density setting bed for heavy stone pavers and retaining wall blocks where settling must be eliminated.
3. Joint Filling for Large Stone: Used to fill wider joints in stone or paver projects where standard masonry sand might be too fine.
4. Drainage-Sensitive Fill: Its washed, coarse texture allows water to move through the material more reliably than standard fill dirt, making it ideal for bedding around utility pipes or drainage systems.

Managing a structural sand layer focuses on preventing surface erosion and maintaining the integrity of the base:

1. Preventing Washout: In outdoor exposed areas, ensure your finished paver or stone project is properly edged with steel, stone, or concrete borders to lock the sand base in place.
2. Compaction Monitoring: If your sand base is exposed to rain before the stones or concrete are installed, lightly re-compact the area to ensure the surface has not shifted or developed low pockets.
3. Joint Maintenance: If using this as a setting bed, ensure the stones are placed immediately after screeding to prevent wind or rain from disrupting your level surface.

Not recommended for playground use.

Material Type: Washed, industrial-grade coarse concrete sand.

Common Names: Concrete Sand, Coarse Sand, Washed Sand.

Texture Profile: Sharp, angular, and coarse-grained particles washed to remove fine silts and clays.

Application Suitability: Ideal for concrete mixing, heavy-duty paver bases, and structural drainage applications.

Local Logistics: Available for home and commercial jobsite delivery throughout Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, and surrounding ZIP codes. Can be bundled onto a single delivery order with loose gravels, mulches, or cut hardscape stone blocks.

Concrete sand locks together when compacted, providing strong support.

What is Concrete Sand?
Concrete sand, or coarse sand, is a washed, angular sand aggregate used in high-strength construction. It is preferred for mixing structural concrete, bedding heavy pavers, and providing a stable, drainage-friendly base for stone projects.

How much concrete sand do I need?
To figure out your material requirements, multiply the total length of your area by the total width to establish your square footage. Once you know your measurements, the easiest and most precise way to find your volume requirement is to plug your numbers directly into our convenient cubic yard calculator at the top of this page. It automatically calculates the exact volume based on your preferred project depth.

Can I use this for playground sand or sandboxes?
 No. This material is designed for construction and structural use. It is too coarse and sharp for play areas. We recommend purchasing dedicated playground sand, which is specifically washed and rounded to be safe and soft for children's play.

Can I order bulk concrete sand along with pavers or limestone for the same delivery?
Yes! Yards Direct makes it easy to bundle your landscape materials online. You can place your order for concrete sand on this page and add our limestone chop blocks, pavers, or natural flagstones to your cart for a single, coordinated delivery straight to your property.