Paver Sand Calculator

A 10x10 patio with 1 inch of bedding sand needs about 0.34 cubic yards, or about 19 fifty-pound bags with 10% waste.

Quick answer

A 10x10 patio with 1 inch of bedding sand needs about 0.34 cubic yards, or about 19 fifty-pound bags with 10% waste.

Volume = length × width × (depth ÷ 12), then add waste and divide by the bag yield.

Bedding sand sits under the pavers and is screeded to a consistent 1-inch layer before the pavers are laid.

Joint sand is swept into the gaps after installation. Polymeric sand is best there because it hardens and resists washout.

Set screed rails or pipes to the right depth, spread the sand, then drag a straight board across them.

Do not walk on the finished sand bed. Place pavers from one side and work outward so the bed stays level.

Using play sand, laying pavers on loose sand deeper than 1.5 inches, or forgetting the base are the three most common causes of uneven pavers.

Always compact the gravel base first. Sand is not a substitute for base; it is only a bedding layer.

Note. Use concrete sand for the bedding layer, not play sand. Concrete sand is angular and locks pavers better.

How deep should paver sand be?

About 1 inch after screeding. More than 1.5 inches can make pavers settle unevenly.

How many bags of paver sand do I need?

A 10x10 patio at 1 inch needs about 19 fifty-pound bags with waste.

Can I use play sand for pavers?

No. Play sand is too round and washes out. Use concrete sand or paver base sand.

Do I need sand for the joints too?

Yes, use polymeric sand for joints after the pavers are set. It locks better than plain sand.

Last updated: 2026-10-29