Sand in Pittsburgh, PA

Common local choices include concrete sand (for concrete mixes and drainage), sharp/playbed/bedding sand (for paver base and bedding), mason sand (for mortar and finish work), play sand (for playgrounds and sandboxes - washed and rounded), fill sand (cheap, unwashed for grading), and traction sand (coarse sand for temporary winter traction). Suppliers in the Pittsburgh area also offer washed or screened versions - ask which process was used to match your project.

Suppliers price sand by cubic yard, by ton, or by bag. Typical approximate ranges in the Pittsburgh market - subject to change by supplier, quality, and delivery: bulk by cubic yard: roughly $25 - $75 per cubic yard; by ton: roughly $15 - $50 per ton (1 cubic yard is about 1.2-1.4 tons depending on moisture and type); bagged sand (50 lb bags): $3 - $8 per bag. Delivery, special handling, local taxes, and premium washed or specialty sands push prices higher. Always get an itemized quote including delivery and fees.

Common delivery options: large dump trucks for big bulk loads, small dump/mini-dump trucks for 1-3 cubic yards, palletized bagged delivery for small-access sites, and tailgate/drop-off for curbside. Many suppliers - and platforms like Hello Gravel - run free local delivery promotions in select ZIPs; otherwise delivery fees depend on distance, truck type, number of stops, and access complexity. Expect extra charges for long carries, stair carries, use of conveyors, or if a truck must block a street or use special equipment.

Calculate area x depth to get volume: Measure length x width (feet) x depth (inches/12) = cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Example: 20 ft x 10 ft x 2 in = (20x10x(2/12)) = 333.3 cu ft = 12.35 cu yd. Add contingency - usually 5-10% extra for screeding/compaction and waste, up to 15% for irregular areas. Weight estimate: 1 cubic yard of sand typically weighs ~2,500 - 3,000 lbs (about 1.25 - 1.5 tons) depending on moisture and type.

Yes - placing materials or blocking a public right-of-way (street, sidewalk, alley) often requires a permit from the City of Pittsburgh or the relevant municipal authority in Allegheny County. Rules vary by borough and the City Department responsible for streets and mobility. Large deliveries that need street blocking, lane closures, or long-term placement on public property commonly require coordination and permits. Ask your supplier if they handle permits on your behalf or check with your local municipal office before delivery.

Ask whether the sand is washed or screened, and request a gradation/sieve analysis showing percent passing standard sieves. Ask about silt and clay content, organic matter, and if it meets ASTM or local specs for your use (for example ASTM C33 for concrete sand). For playground or sandbox sand ask about silica content and that the sand is clean, free of glass and debris. For paver bedding or joint sand ask about grain shape (angular vs rounded) and fines content.

Winter (snow/ice) can delay deliveries and make access more difficult. Spring thaw and rainy seasons can create soft roads and trigger seasonal weight restrictions on local roads in Pennsylvania - limiting truck sizes or requiring alternate routing. Summer tends to be busiest for landscaping work, so order in advance. Plan deliveries around weather forecasts, allow flexible delivery windows in winter, and confirm that haulers know about any temporary road restrictions.

Yes - most suppliers in Pittsburgh sell sands formulated or commonly used for these applications. Concrete sand for mixes, sharp sand for paver bedding, washed fine sand for playgrounds, and coarse sand or grit for traction. Reputable suppliers can recommend the correct gradation and washing level for each use. If the project has structural or safety requirements (concrete mixes, playground surfacing), ask for written specifications or lab data.

Minimums vary by supplier and delivery method: bagged orders commonly start at a single bag; small-load deliveries often have a 0.5 - 1 cubic yard minimum; large trucks carry many cubic yards so minimums can be higher for truckload-only suppliers. Bulk sand is often non-returnable once delivered because of contamination and handling costs, so plan to order the correct amount and add 5-10% for waste/compaction. Unopened bagged products are usually returnable under the supplier's bag return policy - confirm before ordering.

Options include smaller trucks or mini-dumpers, palletized bag delivery with a hand carry, use of a conveyor system, or placing material at the curb for you to move. Extra fees commonly apply for long carries, stair carries, or if special equipment is required. Before scheduling, share photos and detailed access notes with the supplier so they can quote the correct truck and avoid failed delivery attempts.

Clear a flat drop zone, mark it with cones or flags, remove low-hanging branches or obstacles, and protect sensitive surfaces (lawn, pavers) with plywood if necessary. Ensure there is truck access and a firm place to stand a truck - avoid soft shoulders during wet weather. Mark underground utilities if the truck will drive on private property. Communicate an alternate drop plan in case weather or access forces a curbside delivery.

Keep sand away from storm drains and watercourses to avoid runoff and siltation. Cover piles if rain is expected to reduce erosion and dust. Use dust control - lightly moisten sandy piles before moving to limit airborne dust. Wear PPE when handling sand - gloves, dust mask if dusty, and eye protection. For playground sand, follow recommended depth and surfacing standards for safety and inspect regularly for foreign objects.

Schedule deliveries at least a few days to a couple of weeks in advance for busy seasons (spring-summer) and earlier for large commercial jobs. In winter, confirm 24-48 hours prior because conditions can change. Suppliers commonly accept credit card, ACH, or invoice terms for established contractors. Hello Gravel and other platforms may accept online payment at booking. Ask about cancellation windows and potential fees for cancellations or rescheduling.

Small amounts can be stored on a tarp or used for grading, fill, or future projects. For large leftovers, offer to neighbors, keep for future maintenance, or contact local reuse organizations. Contaminated sand (oil, heavy debris, construction contaminant) must be disposed of according to local waste regulations - contact your municipal waste authority or a licensed disposal service in Allegheny County for guidance.