Construction Sand 101: What Builders Need to Know Before They Dig In

When starting any construction or landscaping project, the type of sand you use can make or break your project. Whether you’re laying a foundation, installing pavers, mixing concrete, or designing a decorative landscape, understanding what kind of construction sand you need is essential.

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we’ve been helping contractors, landscapers, and homeowners across Utah for over 40 years, supplying high-quality asphalt materials that hold up to the challenges of local weather and terrain. If you're ready to dig in—literally or figuratively—here’s what you need to know about construction sand and how Kilgore can help.

Understanding Construction Sand: What Is It, and Why Is It Important?

According to the World Economic Forum, sand is the second most-used natural resource after water. But construction sand isn’t just any sand scooped off the ground. It’s a specifically graded material made up of angular or sub-angular particles that interlock well, creating a stable base or component in concrete and mortar mixtures. Unlike soft, fine beach or play sand, construction sand is coarse and textured, providing better compaction and support.

The composition and quality of construction sand and other asphalt products directly affect the strength, drainage, and durability of any structure or surface you’re building. Clean, well-graded sand helps concrete cure properly, prevents shifting under pavers, and improves load-bearing capacity. On the flip side, sand contaminated with silt, clay, or organic materials can weaken concrete, cause uneven settling, or lead to premature structural issues.

Different Types of Sand and Their Common Uses

While most sand may look similar to the untrained eye, there are several distinct types used in construction. Concrete sand, for example, is a coarser sand ideal for mixing with cement and aggregate to create durable concrete. Its grain structure allows for excellent compaction and drainage, making it a go-to for structural applications like slabs, footings, and sidewalks.

Masonry or mortar sand, on the other hand, is finer and more uniform. It’s commonly used in brickwork and stonework where a smooth finish and tight bond are required. Then there’s bedding or base sand, which is very coarse and angular. It’s perfect bedding sand for pavers, roadbeds, or concrete pads where stability is critical.

Landscaping sand can be more refined and is often selected for aesthetic purposes. It also has functional uses in topsoil mixes, leveling surfaces, or creating soft, safe areas like playgrounds. At Kilgore Landscape Center, we carry both construction-grade and landscaping sand, so you can find the right match for your project, no matter the scope.

Utah’s Climate and How It Affects Sand Choice

When you're building in Utah, climate plays a significant role in how materials perform. Our state’s weather ranges from hot, dry summers to cold, snowy winters, especially along the Wasatch Front. These fluctuations create freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on poorly compacted or water-logged construction sand bases. When water gets trapped in sand during the winter and freezes, it expands, damaging concrete or causing pavers to shift.

In the summer, Utah’s low humidity and high temperatures can accelerate the drying of concrete and mortar. This means your sand needs to be properly conditioned to ensure mixes don’t dry out too quickly or cure improperly. 

What Builders Should Check Before Ordering Sand

To avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Ask for gradation specs – How much fine vs. coarse material is present? Consistency is key.
   
   

2. Check for contaminants – Make sure the sand is free of clay, silt, salts, and organic matter. These can reduce strength or interfere with concrete curing.
   
   

3. Local source vs. shipped-in – Local materials save on trucking costs and often match local soil behavior better.
   
   

4. Moisture content – Dry sand can soak up water from mixes, but wet sand increases weight and may complicate volume estimates.
   
   

5. Delivery logistics – Bulk orders need proper trucking and handling. Consider how exposed the stockpiles will be before use, as rain or snow can degrade quality.

How Kilgore Landscape Center Can Help

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we stock a wide range of sands and aggregates to meet the specific needs of Utah’s builders and landscapers. Whether you need coarse construction sand for structural applications or a refined landscaping sand for aesthetic purposes, we’ve got you covered.

We also offer decorative rock, topsoil, and landscaping materials that pair perfectly with our sands. And when winter rolls around, we can help you keep your job site or finished project safe with high-quality bulk road salt and pet-safe, concrete-friendly ice melts designed to minimize surface damage while maintaining accessibility.

Need help choosing the right product? Our knowledgeable team is just a phone call away. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, we can guide you to the right materials and even coordinate bulk delivery directly to your site.

Practical Tips for Using Sand on Your Jobsite

Here are some of the best practices:

• Store excess sand under shelters or tarps to prevent rain or snow from adding unwanted moisture.
  
  

• If you’re mixing concrete or mortar, keep the sand’s temperature and moisture monitored. Hot, dry sand will draw moisture from binds, but very cold or wet sand may slow setting.
  
  

• Compact base/layer sand in lifts (thin layers) rather than dumping a thick mass. This improves stability and prevents settling later.
  
  

• After pouring concrete, use curing techniques for mist, cover, and duration. This is especially important in hot sun or with breezes that could dry surfaces too quickly.

Make Confident Decisions With Kilgore

Construction sand is one of the most fundamental elements of any build. It supports structures, enables drainage, and impacts the durability of everything from driveways to retaining walls. Choosing the right sand—and the right supplier—isn’t just a detail; it’s a decision that affects your entire project.

Kilgore Landscape Center is a trusted name in Utah for construction and landscaping materials. With our dependable delivery services and wide selection of products, we’re here to support your build from the ground up. 

Call us today at (801) 561‑4231 to explore our full product offerings and get your project started right.