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How Much Fill Sand Do I Need?
Assumes Fill Sand ≈ 19 ft³ per ton (unwashed, unscreened). Coverage varies with moisture & compaction.
Sales tax (varies by county) is added at checkout.
About Fill Sand
Fill Sand is a low-cost, natural material used primarily for filling voids, raising grades, and backfilling excavations. Unlike masonry sand or river sand, Fill Sand is neither washed nor screened. It is dug directly from natural deposits and trucked to job sites without additional processing.
Because of its raw state, Fill Sand may contain stones, small shells, roots, or twigs that pass through during excavation. These inclusions do not affect its utility as fill but make it unsuitable for finish grading, athletic use, or applications where uniformity is critical.
In Upstate South Carolina, Fill Sand is widely used by contractors and homeowners for non-structural purposes. It provides an inexpensive option to fill low areas, backfill utility lines, or bring sites up to grade prior to compacting with a more stable base material. While Fill Sand can be compacted to some degree, it does not lock together like Crusher Run or support loads like engineered structural fill. As such, it is not recommended for driveways, road bases, or building pads.
This material is best viewed as a “bulk filler” to take up volume where strength is not critical. For structural needs, alternatives such as Crusher Run, Fill Dirt (clay soil), or engineered compactable sands should be considered.
Local Applications – Fill Sand (Upstate SC)
Utility Backfill: Commonly placed around water lines, sewer laterals, and other shallow utilities. Provides quick coverage and is easy to work with.
Site Raising: Used to fill in low areas of a property before capping with topsoil, gravel, or asphalt.
Void Filling: Helps fill abandoned pits, depressions, or eroded areas where stability is less important.
Temporary Construction Pads: Sometimes used as an inexpensive temporary surface on construction sites, though prone to rutting under heavy equipment.
Pool or Pond Backfill: May be used to backfill the exterior of pools or pond edges where precise grading is not needed.
Grading Under Landscaping: Helps bring areas up to grade before placing sod, mulch, or decorative stone.
Each of these uses is non-structural. Contractors across Spartanburg, Greenville, and Cherokee counties order Fill Sand for projects where economy and volume matter more than strength or finish quality.
Coverage & Density – Fill Sand
Density: ~21–23 cubic feet per ton (varies with moisture)
Coverage: ~100 sq ft/ton at 2″ depth; ~65–70 sq ft/ton at 3″ depth (before settling)
Note: Because Fill Sand contains fines and organic material, compaction is limited and some settling over time should be expected. Contractors often plan for overfill or topping with a more stable material.
Comparison to Other Materials
Masonry Sand: Clean, washed, and fine; used for mortar, play sand, and finish applications. Fill Sand is cheaper but far less uniform.
River Sand: Washed and free-draining; ideal for arenas, septic fields, and drainage. Fill Sand retains water and compacts irregularly.
Fill Dirt (Clay Soil): Better compaction and strength than Fill Sand but slower to drain. Preferred for berms, embankments, or under pads.
Crusher Run: Provides strong, compactable base for roads and pads. Fill Sand cannot substitute for Crusher Run in structural bases.
Local Performance – Fill Sand in Upstate SC
Residential Sites: Frequently used to fill depressions or level backyards prior to topsoil application.
Utility Contractors: Use Fill Sand for trench backfill where pipe bedding is not required to meet spec.
Erosion Repair: Placed to fill gullies or eroded sections on rural properties, often capped with clay or stone.
Cost Savings: In Spartanburg and Greenville, Fill Sand is often the cheapest bulk material per ton, making it attractive for large fill volumes.
Moisture Variability: Loads in wet weather can be heavier with less coverage; contractors typically account for this in project planning.
FAQ – Fill Sand (Upstate South Carolina)
What is Fill Sand?
A raw, unscreened, and unwashed sand product containing fines, small stones, and organic debris.
How is it different from Masonry Sand?
Masonry Sand is washed and uniform, while Fill Sand is unprocessed and may contain stones, shells, or roots.
Can Fill Sand be used for driveways?
No. It does not compact into a stable base. Use Crusher Run for driveways.
Is Fill Sand good for drainage?
Not reliably. Organic matter and fines cause it to hold water. For drainage, use River Sand or #57 Stone.
Will Fill Sand compact?
It will settle but does not achieve dense, load-bearing compaction. For compaction, use Fill Dirt or Crusher Run.
Can Fill Sand be used in septic systems?
No. South Carolina code requires washed sand (like River Sand) in drain fields.
What about horse arenas?
Not recommended. Fill Sand contains debris and fines that make footing inconsistent. Use River Sand instead.
Does Fill Sand support heavy equipment?
Not long term. It ruts easily. For equipment yards, Crusher Run or Surge Stone should be used.
Can it be used as pool backfill?
Yes, but only outside pool walls. Not suitable as base material under concrete decks.
How much does a load cover?
~100 sq ft/ton at 2″ depth; ~65–70 sq ft/ton at 3″ depth.
What is the minimum delivery?
15–20 ton loads only. Free delivery applies at 15+ tons.
Does it contain rocks or sticks?
Yes. As an unscreened material, twigs, roots, and small stones are common.
Where is Fill Sand sourced?
Locally from natural deposits, rivers, and sand pits in Upstate SC.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
Not required if clear instructions and access are provided.
Is Fill Sand eco-friendly?
Yes in the sense that it is a natural, minimally processed material with very low environmental impact compared to quarried rock.
Disclaimer
Natural products vary in size, color, and texture. Quantities are approximate. Fill Sand is unscreened and may contain organic matter, shells, stones, or debris. See our Disclaimer & Terms of Delivery page for full details.
