Coarse Sand — Multi-Purpose Bulk Sand for Drainage, Traction, Footing & Fill
Coarse Sand is the all-purpose, large-grain washed sand for jobs that need bulk sand at value pricing — drainage layers, traction for icy driveways, equestrian arena footing, sandbox base, and general landscape fill. Sold loose by the cubic yard, delivered direct to your driveway or job site across Greater Boston. When the project doesn't need ICPI-spec or ASTM C33, Coarse Sand is the smart, flexible pick.
At a glance
| Material |
Coarse-grain washed sand |
| Grain size |
~0.5mm–2mm (medium to coarse) |
| Coverage |
~100 sq ft at 3" depth |
| Weight |
~2,600–2,800 lbs/yd³ (~1.3–1.4 tons) |
| Also known as |
Utility sand, fill sand, drainage sand, all-purpose sand, washed sand, traction sand |
| Sold by |
The cubic yard, bulk dump truck delivery |
What it's good for
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Drainage layers in yards, around foundations, behind retaining walls, and under shed pads
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Winter traction on icy driveways and walkways — spread alone or mixed with rock salt
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Equestrian arena footing, dog runs, and volleyball courts
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Sandbox base layer (top with finer playground-grade sand for the surface kids play on)
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General landscape fill for grading, leveling, and raising low spots
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Volleyball pits, horseshoe pits, and recreational play surfaces
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Mortar and concrete mixing for non-spec residential projects
How much coarse sand do I need?
For a 10' × 10' sandbox 6" deep, plan on about 1.9 cubic yards. For a 30' × 60' equestrian arena at 4" base depth, you're looking at 22 cubic yards. For winter traction on a typical 50' driveway through the season, 1–2 cubic yards stockpiled is plenty.
Rule of thumb: 1 cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3" depth, or 200 square feet at 1.5". Order 10–15% extra to account for compaction and edge work.
How Coarse Sand compares
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vs. Paver Sand — Paver Sand is the ICPI-spec washed sand sold specifically for the bedding layer under pavers and flagstone. Coarse Sand is the broader-spec, multi-purpose grade for drainage, traction, footing, and general fill. Choose Paver Sand if you're setting hardscape; choose Coarse Sand for everything else.
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vs. Concrete Sand — Concrete Sand is the formal ASTM C33-spec washed sand for ready-mix concrete and structural applications. Coarse Sand is the workhorse alternative when an exact spec sheet isn't required.
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vs. Mason Sand — Mason Sand is finer-grain for mortar joints and the top of sandboxes. Coarse Sand has the bigger grain you want for drainage and fill applications.
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vs. Septic Sand — Septic Sand is MA Title 5-spec for leach fields and mound systems. Don't substitute Coarse Sand for septic work.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Coarse Sand and Paver Sand?
Paver Sand is the ICPI-spec washed sand sold specifically for the bedding layer under pavers and flagstone — a more particular gradation for hardscape work. Coarse Sand is the broader-spec, multi-purpose grade for drainage, traction, footing, and general fill. Paver Sand if you're setting hardscape; Coarse Sand for everything else.
Can I use Coarse Sand under pavers?
For DIY garden paths or stepping stones it works. For a properly-installed paver patio that won't shift over freeze-thaw, use Paver Sand (ICPI-spec) instead.
Is Coarse Sand good for sandboxes?
Yes for the base layer underneath — but top with finer playground-grade sand for the surface kids actually play on. Coarse Sand's grain is too large for comfortable digging.
How much sand for an arena or backyard court?
About 22 cubic yards covers a 30' × 60' arena at 4" base depth. For a backyard volleyball court, plan around 18 cubic yards.
Does Coarse Sand work for winter traction?
Yes — it's a popular cheap alternative to bagged ice melt. Spread alone for traction or mix 50/50 with rock salt. We also sell pre-mixed Salt & Sand 50/50 and Salt & Sand 20/80.
Do you deliver in the Boston area?
Yes — same-day and next-day bulk delivery across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, and Worcester Counties.
Same-day and next-day bulk delivery, no minimum order. We run Coarse Sand across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Essex, Bristol, Barnstable, and Worcester County daily.
Pair with our Dense Pack ¾" to minus for a compactable sub-base, or with Rock Salt for ready-to-spread winter traction.
Order coarse sand today — bulk delivery, no bags, no minimum, the workhorse sand for jobs that don't need a spec sheet.
