What it is
Fine washed masonry sand, sold by the ton. Cleaner and finer than paver leveling sand, with rounder grain shape — the right material for mortar, brick joints, and finish-work bedding.
What it is for
- Mortar mixing. Cement + lime + masonry sand + water = mortar. The standard mix for brick walls, stone veneer, chimney repair, retaining-wall caps.
- Stucco mixing. Base coat and finish coat stucco both use masonry sand as the aggregate.
- Paver-set bedding for narrow-joint installs. Where joints are too tight for concrete sand.
- Joint sand for brick paving. Sweep into tight brick-paver joints (not pavers with wider joints — those want polymeric).
- Riding-ring footing mix. Combined with infield clay for proper cushion and drainage.
- Playground sand box fill. Cleaner and safer than industrial sand.
Masonry sand vs concrete sand vs play sand
| Masonry Sand | Concrete Sand | Play Sand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain size | Fine | Coarse | Very fine |
| Grain shape | Rounded | Angular | Rounded |
| Use | Mortar, finish work | Paver bedding, structural | Sand boxes only |
| Cost per ton | Moderate | Moderate | Higher (bagged premium) |
For pavers and flagstone bedding (the 1" leveling course), you want concrete sand, not masonry. Concrete sand's angular grains lock together; masonry sand will let pavers wobble.
How much do I need
| Application | Math |
|---|---|
| Mortar mixing | ~1 ton per 100 brick installed |
| Stucco base coat | ~1 ton per 200 sq ft wall |
| Riding ring footing (60% sand) | ~10-20 tons for residential ring |
| Sand box fill | ~0.5 ton for 4x6 ft × 12" deep |
Buying tips
- Bulk delivery only — minimum 1 ton.
- Store covered. Wet sand changes mortar mix ratios.
- For sand-box applications, our masonry sand is washed (cleaner than ag sand). Still rinse and screen before kids play in it if you're particular.
- Don't substitute play sand from a big-box store for mortar mixing — usually too fine, too clean, and your mortar will be weak.
Contractor notes
Volume pricing at 10+ tons. Same-day pickup before noon.