How Much Does Sand Delivery Cost? [2025 Data]
The average sand delivery cost is $850, with most homeowners paying between $200 and $650. Main factors include sand type, quantity, delivery distance, and labor.
Sand delivery brings bulk sand directly to your home or work site for landscaping, construction, or play areas.
Sand delivery cost factors include sand type, quantity, delivery distance, and labor fees for unloading or spreading.
Investing in quality sand and professional delivery can support long-lasting landscaping or construction results.
Completing sand delivery ensures your project stays on schedule and avoids delays from sourcing or transporting materials yourself.
Preparing your site in advance and bundling installation with delivery can help minimize extra labor or handling charges.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Sand delivery cost averages $850, with most homeowners paying between $200 and $650. Your price depends on the type of sand, order size, delivery distance, and labor needs. Expect to pay $15 to $50 per ton or $30 to $70 per cubic yard, plus delivery fees. Understanding these factors helps you confidently budget for your sand delivery project.
Let’s explore what goes into sand delivery cost and how to get the best value for your next landscaping or construction job.
Sand Delivery Cost Factors
A few core cost drivers shape every sand delivery project. Let’s break down how sand type, order size, materials, labor, prep, tipping, and other variables affect what you’ll pay.
Types
Choosing the right sand is the first—and often most significant—factor affecting your total sand delivery cost. Common options include mason sand for mortar work, concrete sand for mixing, play sand for playgrounds, fill sand for leveling, and specialized blends for pavers or decorative jobs. Each type serves a different purpose and carries its own price tag.
Higher-quality sands, such as washed or graded varieties, cost more but offer better consistency and fewer impurities. Specialty sands, like colored or silica sand, can increase the delivery price further due to sourcing and processing.
| Sand Type | Use | Average Cost per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Mason sand | Mortar, masonry work | $40–$60 |
| Concrete sand | Mixing concrete | $35–$55 |
| Play sand | Playgrounds, sandboxes | $50–$70 |
| Fill sand | Leveling, backfill | $30–$45 |
| Paver sand | Paver bases, patios | $40–$65 |
| Specialty sand | Decorative, filtration | $75–$150 |
Size
The amount of sand you order—measured in tons, cubic yards, or full truckloads—directly impacts your sand delivery cost. Most suppliers offer lower rates per unit for bulk orders, though minimum order requirements often apply. Small deliveries tend to cost more per yard due to flat delivery fees and less efficient logistics.
| Order Size (Tons or Yards) | Average Cost per Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ton / 1 cubic yard | $100–$200 | Minimum order, higher per-unit cost |
| 5 tons / 3–4 cubic yards | $250–$400 | Standard residential delivery |
| 10 tons / 7–8 cubic yards | $400–$650 | Lower per-unit, suitable for driveways |
| Full truckload (20+ tons) | $700–$1,200 | Bulk discount, best value |
Materials
Not all sand is created equal. The material’s source (local vs. imported), quality (washed, screened, or unwashed), and intended use influence the final sand delivery cost. Washed or graded sand is cleaner and more consistent but costs more. Specialty blends, including eco-friendly or decorative options, command premium rates due to added processing or transport.
| Material Type | Description | Average Cost per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Washed sand | Cleaned, few impurities | $25–$50 per ton |
| Unwashed sand | Basic, may contain clay or debris | $15–$30 per ton |
| Graded sand | Consistent particle size | $30–$60 per ton |
| Specialty blend | Decorative, colored, or silica-based | $40–$100 per ton |
Labor
Labor is a significant component of sand delivery cost, especially if unloading, spreading, or installation is included. Your total may cover the driver, additional laborers, or equipment operators. Labor rates vary by region, project size, and site accessibility. Inaccessible sites or complex projects can increase costs due to extra time or special equipment.
Labor for unloading or spreading sand often ranges from $30 to $60 per hour. If installation or grading is needed, expect higher labor charges or bundled service fees.
Prep
Site preparation ensures your sand delivery goes smoothly and safely. Prep work might include clearing debris, grading, or leveling the delivery area. If your site is hard to access—think steep slopes or narrow gates—extra prep or equipment rental (like skid steers or wheelbarrows) may be needed. Prep costs are often billed separately or as part of a flat setup fee, depending on your provider.
Tipping
Tipping is not always required, but it’s a thoughtful way to thank your delivery team for careful, timely service. For sand delivery, tips often range from $10 to $25 per delivery or 5% of the total labor cost. Consider tipping more for heavy loads, tricky sites, or if the crew goes above and beyond.
Additional Cost Factors
A few extra variables can affect your final sand delivery cost:
Permits: Large deliveries or street placement may require a city permit, which can add $25 to $100.
Cleanup: Post-delivery cleanup or debris removal may add $50 to $200, depending on scope.
Disposal: Removing excess or old sand incurs disposal fees, often $20 to $50 per load.
Add-ons: Rush delivery, after-hours service, or special handling each come with additional charges.
Decorative or specialty sand can increase costs due to sourcing and handling.
Sand Delivery Ongoing Costs
Let’s look at what you might spend on sand after the initial delivery, including maintenance, operating, repairs, and insurance.
Maintenance
Sand installations sometimes need topping off, especially for playgrounds, sports fields, or paver bases. Replenishing sand can cost $50 to $200 per year, depending on usage and weather. Erosion control and weed management may require periodic sand replacement, especially after heavy rains or storms.
Operating Costs
Moving or spreading sand after delivery often requires equipment like compactors or spreaders. Renting this equipment costs $50 to $150 per day. If your site is remote or hard to access, additional delivery fuel charges can add $20 to $75 per trip. These operating expenses are important for larger or ongoing projects.
Repairs
Occasional repairs help maintain the safety and appearance of sand installations. Fixing uneven surfaces, adding replacement sand, or correcting drainage issues can cost $100 to $400, depending on severity. If sand becomes contaminated or installation is done incorrectly, you may pay extra for removal and replacement.
Insurance
Large sand delivery projects sometimes require special insurance. Most reputable sand delivery companies carry liability insurance to cover property damage during delivery. For major jobs, you can request proof of insurance or ask about optional warranty coverage. Homeowners rarely need separate insurance unless the delivery is unusually large or complex.
DIY Sand Delivery Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re considering a DIY approach, it’s crucial to weigh the costs, time, and risks against hiring a professional. DIY sand delivery involves renting a truck ($75 to $150 per day), purchasing sand at retail rates, and renting equipment for unloading or spreading ($50 to $100 per day). Add fuel and your own labor, and the total can approach or even exceed professional delivery fees for small jobs.
DIY offers potential savings for large, straightforward projects—especially if you already own equipment and have help. However, it requires physical effort, planning, and skill to avoid mistakes or property damage. Hiring a sand and rock delivery professional in your area brings expertise, efficiency, and insurance, reducing the risk of costly errors.
Cost of Common Sand Delivery Add-Ons
Many homeowners choose to bundle extra services with their sand delivery for convenience and better results. Popular add-ons include:
Spreading or installation service: $50 to $150 per load
Weed barrier installation: $40 to $100 per 100 square feet
Gravel or base layer delivery: $50 to $200 per load
Decorative sand upgrades: $40 to $100 per ton
Erosion control products: $30 to $75 per 100 square feet
Bundling these services with your sand delivery can streamline your project and sometimes lower the total cost compared to booking each separately.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Managing Sand Delivery Costs
Need to get sand delivered? Don’t let costs stop you. Here are a few tips to keep costs down:
Order in bulk to secure volume discounts.
Schedule deliveries during off-peak times to avoid rush fees.
Prepare the site in advance to reduce labor charges.
Compare multiple quotes from local suppliers.
Choose the right sand type for your project to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Bundle delivery with installation or other landscaping services.
Opt for local sand sources to minimize transportation costs.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
