Grain size is the whole difference: concrete sand is coarser — for mixes, paver bedding, and drainage — while mason sand is finer and softer, for joints, sandboxes, and fine leveling. Rub them between your fingers and you'll feel it: concrete sand is gritty, mason sand is almost silky. Neither is a swap for the other: coarse grains lock and drain, fine grains pack smooth and tight.
Which sand for which job
| Concrete Sand | Concrete mixes, 1" paver bedding layers, drainage backfill |
| Mason Sand | Mortar work, joint sweeping, sandboxes, smooth topdressing |
Both deliver up to 6 yards per truck. Compare Concrete Sand and Mason Sand, For paver work, figure the bedding layer at about 1 inch deep, and check quantities with the material calculator.
