Whether for small or large jobs, sand is a material that we always need. Before’buy sand, it is of course essential to assess the quantity necessary so as not to end up with a mound in the middle of the lawn which you do not know what to do with, unless you plan to build a playground for the children. You should also know that the price of sand can be indicated per ton or per M3. This is where things get complicated… Let’s take a closer look at how to find your way around.
Sand: an essential element in the construction industry
The construction of a building involves the use of a large amount of sand. Depending on the size of its grain, it is used for different tasks in the field of construction such as the manufacture of concrete or that of mortar. Sand plays a role in the solidity of a structure because, depending on its degree of malleability, it makes the concrete more or less resistant.
In the same way, in order to limit the voids between the aggregates, it is essential that the grains of sand are different in terms of size.
There are two types of sand:
- The natural sand from either flint or quartz,
- The artificial sand obtained from the crushing of blocks of iron minerals or milk blocks from blast furnaces.
Indispensable, sand is used both for major construction work and for simple development work.
Where to get sand?
There are many sand suppliers. Some are more particularly specialized in the supply of large quantities of sand. You can therefore, depending on your needs, buy sand by the ton, by the bucket, in big-bags or in bags. The main supply points are:
- the sand pit,
- The career,
- wholesalers,
- The major DIY stores,
- Garden centers.
Some supermarkets can also market sand in small quantities since it is offered in bags.
Sand in M3 or ton: how to find your way around?
It’s just a conversion story since M3 and Tonne are two different units, but it’s true that it’s a real headache for the occasional DIYer who needs to buy sand to do some renovation or repair work. layout. We must therefore remember the following.
- 1 Ton of sand represents 1000 kg,
- 1 quintal of sand is equal to 100 kg but this unit is very exceptionally used in this area,
- 1 bucket of sand weighs 0.5 T or 500 kg,
- 1 m3 of sand is more or less equivalent to 1.5 T, that is to say 1,500 kg. However, the weight of a cubic meter of sand can vary by around fifty kg depending on the grain size of this building material.
These data really constitute the basis to know when approaching quarries or garden centers in order to order the right quantity of sand and to evaluate the budget to be devoted to its work.
Price of sand per M3
Depending on the suppliers or brands, the price of sand is indicated either per tonne or per M3. It is therefore essential to carry out a small calculation in order to be able to compare prices and to play the competition. This is only possible if we base ourselves on the same unit of measurement.
Sand prices may vary depending on its packaging. But it is also its quality that impacts its price. The criteria to be taken into account are for example:
- Its geographical origin: if it comes from a fairly remote region, it may cost more because its price includes transport costs,
- His color,
- Its quality,
- With granulometry,
- The type of aggregate (natural or artificial),
- The desired quantity: the price of sand being decreasing, the more you buy the cheaper it is. And the difference is really significant.
Here are some examples of price of sand per M3.
- Sold in 35 kg bags, the sand costs a maximum of €260/M3
- Sold by the Ton, the sand costs a maximum of €70/M3 delivery included
- In big bags, sand costs a maximum of €75/M3,
- In bulk, sand costs 20% less than in big bags.
The prices shown above are those found for high quality sand. These are therefore the higher prices. You can see at first glance that it is better to buy it in bulk rather than in a 35 kg bag if you need a small amount of sand.
Before buying sand, it is highly recommended to use a online comparator. The tool is reliable and also allows you to find your way around better if you are a little lost between Tons and M3s.