Playground sand plays a critical role in the safety and enjoyment of any playground. It provides a soft surface for kids to fall on, helping to prevent serious injuries. Sand also helps to keep playgrounds cooler in the summer months, making them more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Unfortunately, playground sand is not like ordinary sand since it’s specially manufactured not to harm your little ones.
So, where can I buy playground sand? Luckily, there are a few places you can get it without having to break the bank. They include Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and Menards. You can also purchase non-toxic playground sand on Global Industrial, US Silica, Ace Hardware, or at your local playground equipment store. While most of these options sell playground sand online and ship to different parts of the world, others have both an online and in-store presence.
This blog post discusses the ten best places to buy playground sand. It includes a mix of online and offline options, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Read on to learn more.
What Is Playground Sand?
Before we get into the different places where you can buy playground sand, let s first answer the question: what is it?
In short, playground sand is a type of sand that is specifically designed for use in playgrounds. It is usually made from quartz or another type of rock that has been ground down into fine particles. The sand is then washed and screened to remove any impurities.
Playground sand is different from regular sand in a few ways. First, it is much finer and softer, which makes it more comfortable for kids to play on. Second, it is non-toxic and safe for kids to ingest (although we still don t recommend eating it).
Finally, playground sand is less likely to compact and pack down, meaning it will stay soft and springy for longer.
Are There Any Health Concerns Related to Playground Sand?
You will most likely come across some alarming health concerns related to sand when looking for playground sand. However, you must remember that playground sand is child-friendly and has been thoroughly tested for safety.
There have been no reports of any serious health concerns arising from the use of playground sand. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified it as a low-hazard product.
Some argue that playground sand contains quartz sand grains that may harm your little ones. But that is not true since the amount of quartz sand grains contained in playground sand is the same as that in typical beach sand.
Some brands remove all quartz and silica from the sand but sell their product at a relatively higher price.
In fact, any warnings on playground sand labels are meant for people like industrial workers who tend to experience prolonged daily exposure for many years and not short periods of play on a playground.
You only need to be concerned about the amount of sand your child ingests. Eating too much sand can cause an upset stomach or constipation. If your child does ingest some sand, make sure they drink plenty of fluids and monitor them for any signs of discomfort.
Other than that, no health concerns are associated with using playground sand.
How Much Sand Should I Buy?
The amount of sand you need to purchase will vary depending on the size of your playground and how deep you want the sand to be.
Generally, we recommend buying 10-20 pounds of sand per square foot of playground area. So, if your playground is 100 square feet, you should buy 1,000-2,000 pounds (or 4-9 cubic yards) of sand.
Of course, this is just a guideline. You may need more or less sand depending on the depth you want and the size of the playground area.
If you are buying sand for a sandbox, you will need less sand than if you are buying it for a larger playground. A standard sandbox requires about 50 pounds of sand, while a larger sandbox may require up to 200 pounds.
Take time to assess your needs before purchasing so that you don’t end up with too much or too little sand.
Where Can I Buy Playground Sand?
Now that we have answered some common questions about playground sand, let s get into our list of the best places to buy it.
1. Amazon
If you want to buy playground sand without leaving the comfort of your home, then Amazon is the place to go. They sell a wide variety of playground sand, from white sandbox sand to colored kinetic sand. Prices start at around $10 per bag and go up to $30 for a larger bag.
Amazon ships playground sand straight to your door, so you don t have to worry about lugging it home from the store. Just make sure you have enough room to store it until you are ready to use it.
If you choose to purchase your playground sand from Amazon, ensure that you read the reviews before making a purchase. This will help you find a high-quality product suitable for your needs.
2. Home Depot
If you prefer to buy your playground sand in person, head to your local Home Depot store. They sell bags of sandbox sand and playsand, a type of sand meant for use in children s play areas.
Prices start at around $15 per 50-pound bag and go up to $50 for a larger bag. Home Depot also offers bulk discounts, so the more sand you buy, the cheaper it will be.
Before heading to the store, call them to check if they have the type of sand you want in stock. This will save you a trip if they don t have what you are looking for.
3. Lowe’s
Like Home Depot, Lowe’s is another hardware store that sells playground sand. They sell bags of sandbox sand and playsand, a type of sand meant for use in children’s play areas.
Prices start at around $16 per 50-pound bag and go up to $55 for a larger bag. Lowe’s also offers bulk discounts, so the more sand you buy, the cheaper it will be.
Before heading to the store, call them to check if they have the type of sand you want in stock. This will save you a trip if they don t have what you are looking for.
4. Walmart
Walmart is another great place to buy playground sand. They sell bags of both sandbox sand and Playsand.
Prices start at around $15 per 50-pound bag and go up to $40 for a larger bag. Walmart also offers bulk discounts, so the more sand you buy, the cheaper it will be.
However, we recommend you call them before heading to the store to check if they have the type of sand you want in stock.
5. US Silica
If you are in the United States and want to buy playground sand in bulk, the best place to go is US Silica.
They sell both silica sand and quartz sand, which is a perfect option for those who want to use it in different ways. For instance, quartz sand is often used in sandboxes because it doesn’t retain heat like silica sand does.
A 50-pound bag of silica sand costs around $25, while a 50-pound bag of quartz sand costs around $30. If you want to buy in bulk, they offer discounts for quantities over 2000 pounds.
6. Target
If you have a Target store nearby, they are also worth checking out for playground sand. They sell bags of sandbox sand and Playsand, a type of sand meant for use in children’s play areas.
The prices here vary depending on the type and amount of sand you want. Target also offers bulk discounts, so the more sand you buy, the cheaper it will be.
Before heading to the store, give them a call to check if they have the type of sand you want in stock. This will save you a trip if they don’t have what you are looking for.
7. Kmart
If you have a Kmart nearby, they also sell playground sand. The prices here vary depending on the type and amount of sand you want to buy. Kmart also offers bulk discounts, so the more sand you buy, the relatively cheaper it will be.
Summary
As you can see, there are many places where you can buy playground sand. If you want to buy it in person, your best bet is to head to a local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you want to buy playground sand in bulk, then the best place to go is US Silica.
Just be sure to call the store before heading over to see if they have the type of sand you want in stock. And, if you are buying online, be sure to factor in the shipping cost when comparing prices.
Last update on 2023-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
