How Much Landscape Sand Do You Need for 850 Square Feet: Calculating the Right Amount of Sand for Your Landscaping Project

Calculating the amount of landscape sand required for your 850 square feet project depends primarily on how deep you want the sand layer to be. The standard recommendations for landscape projects, such as laying pavers or creating a sand base, are typically to spread sand at a depth ranging from 1 inch (about 0.083 feet) to 2 inches (about 0.167 feet).

Here's how you can estimate the volume needed:

1. Area: 850 square feet
2. Depth Options: 1 inch = 0.083 feet, 2 inches = 0.167 feet

Volume Formula: Area × Depth = Volume (in cubic feet)

1. For 1 inch depth: 850 sq ft × 0.083 ft ≈ 70.6 cubic feet
2. For 2 inches depth: 850 sq ft × 0.167 ft ≈ 141.95 cubic feet

Landscape sand is often sold by the cubic yard (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).

1. For 1 inch depth: 70.6 / 27 ≈ 2.62 cubic yards
2. For 2 inches depth: 141.95 / 27 ≈ 5.26 cubic yards

You will need approximately 2.6 to 5.3 cubic yards of sand for an 850-square-foot area, depending on your desired layer thickness. Make sure to round up to account for compaction and minor miscalculations.

As a designer, I always recommend accounting for final compaction, which can sometimes reduce the depth of loose sand by up to 10%. Also, consider the intended use—walkways often need a deeper, more stable base, while areas for light use might suffice with a thinner layer. Incorporating accurate calculations into your backyard or garden plans is as important as ensuring that your layout planning stays cohesive and functional, avoiding costly shortages or wastage.

Tips 1:

Order a bit more sand than your calculations suggest (usually 5-10% extra) to ensure you have enough for the whole project, especially if your ground isn’t perfectly level or there’s any compaction during installation.

FAQ

Q: How do I convert cubic yards of sand to tons?

A: The weight varies by type and moisture, but generally, 1 cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.25 tons. For this project, 2.6 to 5.3 cubic yards would be roughly 3.25 to 6.6 tons.

Q: Can I use play sand for landscaping?

A: While play sand can work in small decorative spaces, landscaping projects, especially under pavers, require construction-grade sand for stability and drainage.

Q: How deep should sand be under pavers?

A: Typically, a 1–2 inch layer is used, ensuring even support and drainage.

Q: Do I need to compact the sand before laying pavers?

A: Yes, always compact the sand to prevent shifting and settling in the future.

Q: Is landscape sand suitable for lawns or gardens?

A: Yes, but apply it sparingly; it’s often used to improve soil drainage when mixed into clay-heavy soil, not as a thick top layer.