Get the Right Type of Sand for Your Landscapes, Patios & Kid’s Play Areas

Keeping a bag or two of multi-purpose sand on hand is a good idea for any homeowner. In the summertime you can use it to landscape your yard, condition your garden soil, or to mop up grease spills on the driveway. It can also be used to make custom, cement-based mixes for masonry projects, or to fill sandbags for flood prevention. In wintertime you can sprinkle multi-purpose sand on icy paths and walkways for added traction. Play sand is specifically formulated for use in sandboxes and children’s play areas. The fine granulation is ideal for building sandcastles and will also provide a soft cushion under swings and slides.

If you’re installing or repairing a patio you’ll want polymeric sand, a compound made by mixing fine sand with silica and other additives. Also known as jointing sand, it’s ideal for filling the empty spaces between pavers, tiles, or natural stone. Unlike regular sand, it allows the joints to expand and contract the changing seasons. Polymeric sand also serves to bond your pavers together to help suppress weeds and prevent insects from burrowing between the slabs.