How Much Paver Sand Per Square Foot?
If you are installing pavers, the amount of sand you need depends mainly on the area you are covering and the depth of the sand layer. For most paver projects, a thin layer of sand is used beneath the pavers, while additional polymeric or joint sand may be needed between the pavers.
How Much Paver Sand Do You Need?
A common recommendation is about 1 inch of sand beneath pavers. At this depth, you need approximately:
- 0.0031 cubic yards of sand per square foot
- 0.031 cubic yards per 10 square feet
- 0.31 cubic yards per 100 square feet
- 1 cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep
For example, a 200-square-foot patio would require approximately 0.62 cubic yards of sand for a 1-inch base layer.
Paver Sand Calculation
You can estimate the amount using this formula:
Cubic yards of sand = (Length × Width × Sand Depth in inches) ÷ 324
For example:
20 ft × 10 ft × 1 inch ÷ 324 = 0.62 cubic yards
It is generally a good idea to allow some extra material for uneven surfaces, compaction, and waste.
Don't Forget Joint Sand
The sand underneath your pavers is different from the sand used to fill the joints between pavers. The amount of joint sand depends on the paver size, joint width, and depth, so it cannot be accurately estimated from square footage alone.
If you want a quick estimate based on your project dimensions, use a paver sand calculator to calculate the amount of sand needed for your specific area and depth.