The prices are for 1 kilogram of construction sand, suitable for preparing concrete and mortar. The prices are collected from the largest hardware stores for each country.
Supply Chain Considerations
The supplier – each retailer sets the price of sand; there will be quite a difference between retailers. As long as you know prices of different retailers, using the more expensive ones only makes sense for convenience when you need small quantities. For bigger projects, go directly to suppliers with quarry sites, as those offer the best deals.
Considering some areas have scarce sand and gravel, your location affects the price. The process sand has to go through to be commercially available affects its price. Extraction, sifting, washing, hauling, loading, transporting, permits, taxes take part in its cost.
Natural sand costs less than specialty sand. Screened sand costs about $15 to $20 per cubic yard for paving. Manufactured sand ranges $26 to $29 derived from crushed rock. Silica sand has economic value for glass and as frac sand used by oil industry for its crush resistance. Calculate quantity by taking total square feet measured then dividing by coverage rate.
- Sand price per kg in India ranges Rs 2 – 2.5 depending on quality and location.
- Per tractor ranges 3500 to 5500 rupees depending on type and policies.
- Per cubic foot ranges 40 to 50 rupees.
- For aquariums, live sand costs $35 to $55 per 20 pounds.
Average Costs and Factors
How much does sand cost? The average cost of sand is anywhere from $10 to $40 per ton. Costs may greatly vary depending on location, type of sand, and where purchased. Sand can also be purchased per cubic yard, usually costing $15 to $50.
Companies typically do not include delivery fees in initial quote. Delivery of sand usually costs $50 to $150 depending on distance between storage/site and destination. Sellers may waive shipping charges for bulk orders, but most have minimum order requirements to qualify for free shipping.
A cubic yard of sand weighs around 3,000 pounds; a gallon weighs 12.45 pounds.
Additional costs like delivery fees usually not included in price listed unless specified. Delivery fees range $50 to $100 depending on distance from storage/quarry site.
In United States in 2021, average price of construction sand/gravel was $9.90 per metric ton. Price factors include availability, quality, delivery, and bulk discounts. Comparing prices from multiple suppliers recommended before deciding.
Environmental Impact and Costs
Why is sand so expensive? Our entire society is built on sand. It is the primary raw material in modern cities. Mining sand is destructive. Sand for construction often mined from rivers, causing ecological damage.
The sand we need locks together well. It comes from rivers, lakes, and beaches. Demand is so high that these places are being stripped bare.
Beach sand cannot be used in construction. It lacks strength and absorbs moisture. Desert sand is too smooth and rounded to bind.
River sand costs about $15 to $20 per ton but is not used in construction due to high salt.content.
In 2021, U.S. construction sand cost $9.90 per metric ton. Price depends on availability, delivery, and bulk discounts. Comparing prices from multiple suppliers is recommended.