Paver Sand Calculator
A paver sand calculator finds how much sand you need for a paver project: the bedding sand layer (about 1 inch under the pavers) and the joint sand swept between them. Enter your patio area below to get the bedding sand in cubic yards or bags, plus a joint sand estimate.
Enter patio dimensions to see the sand needed.
How Much Sand for Pavers?
Paver sand comes in two roles. Bedding sand is a 1 inch leveling layer under the pavers: for a 200 square foot patio that is about 0.6 cubic yards, or roughly 17 of the 50 pound bags. Joint sand fills the gaps between pavers after laying and is a smaller amount. The calculator estimates both from your patio area, so you buy enough to bed and lock the pavers.
What Is the Difference Between Bedding and Joint Sand?
Bedding sand (often coarse concrete sand) is the leveling layer the pavers sit on, screeded to about 1 inch. Joint sand (often fine or polymeric sand) is swept into the gaps between pavers to lock them and resist weeds and washout. They are different products with different jobs, so the calculator estimates each separately for a complete sand order.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much sand do I need for pavers?
- About 1 inch of bedding sand under the pavers (roughly 0.6 cubic yards per 200 square feet) plus joint sand swept between them. The calculator estimates both.
- What is the difference between bedding and joint sand?
- Bedding sand is the leveling layer under pavers; joint sand fills the gaps between them. They are different products with different jobs.