Types of sand for landscaping in Toronto which one is right for your project

Not all sand is interchangeable. Using the wrong type on a patio base, sandbox, or concrete slab can lead to poor drainage, uneven settling, or a surface that simply will not perform the way it should. Knowing which sand fits which job can save a homeowner both time and a second delivery.

Play sand

Play sand is a fine, washed sand designed to be soft and free of sharp particles, which makes it suitable for sandboxes, playground areas, and other spaces where children will be in direct contact with it. It is not intended for structural use since it lacks the coarser particles needed for stability under weight.

Mason sand

Mason sand, sometimes called brick sand, is a fine sand used for laying brick, block, and paving stones, as well as filling joints between pavers. Its texture allows it to settle evenly beneath a paved surface, which helps prevent shifting over time. It is also a common choice for volleyball courts and some pool installations because it compacts well without being overly coarse.

Concrete sand

Concrete sand has a coarser texture than play or mason sand, which gives it the strength needed for mixing concrete, backfilling foundations, and use as a base layer under patios, walkways, and driveways. Its larger particle size improves drainage, which reduces the risk of water pooling beneath a hardscape surface.

In short: Choose play sand for safe, soft recreational areas, mason sand for laying pavers and brick, and concrete sand for structural bases, concrete mixing, and drainage-focused applications.

Matching sand to your project

• Laying patio pavers or interlocking stone: Mason sand for joints, concrete sand for the compacted base layer

• Building a sandbox or play area: Play sand only, since it is screened for safety

• Backfilling a foundation or utility trench: Concrete sand, for stability and drainage

• Mixing concrete on site: Concrete sand, matched to the coarseness the mix requires

• Leveling a low spot in a lawn: A blended approach is often better; our comparison of sand versus gravel for drainage explains when each material makes more sense

Why drainage matters in Toronto and Vaughan

Freeze-thaw cycles are hard on any surface that traps water. A concrete sand base under a driveway or patio allows moisture to move through rather than pooling and expanding when temperatures drop, which is one reason contractors in the GTA favor it for structural bases over finer sand types.

Getting the right amount delivered

Ordering too little sand means a delayed project waiting on a second delivery, while ordering too much means paying for material that goes unused. Our gravel calculator can help estimate the volume needed based on the area and depth of your project, whether it is sand, gravel, or a combination of materials.

Common questions homeowners ask

Can I use play sand under pavers? No, play sand is too fine and does not compact the way mason or concrete sand does, so it will not provide a stable base.

Does concrete sand work for a sandbox? It is too coarse and can contain sharper particles, so it is not recommended for areas where children play directly on the surface.

How deep should a sand base be under a patio? This depends on soil conditions and the paver type, but most residential bases range from one to two inches over a compacted gravel layer.

Not sure which sand you need? We can help 

Choosing the right sand comes down to matching the material's texture and drainage properties to the demands of the project, whether that is a child's play area, a paver patio, or a concrete pour. Getting this right the first time avoids callbacks, uneven settling, and wasted material.

We Deliver Gravel supplies play sand, mason sand, and concrete sand across Toronto, Vaughan, and the Greater Toronto Area, delivered loose and ready to use without bags. You can browse current sand and gravel products online or call 647-868-2447 to confirm the right type and quantity for your project.