Sand & Aggregate Guide for Fresno Concrete & Base Work
Sand and aggregate look simple until you're standing in the yard deciding which pile to buy. Choose wrong and your concrete cracks or your pavers settle. Here's the guide we give Fresno customers every week.
Types of sand
- Concrete sand — coarse, graded for structural concrete and paver bedding.
- All-purpose sand — versatile for backfill, general fill, and small projects.
- Beach/play sand — fine and clean, for play areas and joints, not for structural pours.
Types of aggregate
Aggregate ranges from fine (sand) to coarse (rock). For concrete, common Fresno choices are 3/8" and 1" concrete mix. For under slabs, patios, and pavers, you want base rock — 3/4" blue base or Class 2 base — which compacts into a stable foundation.
Matching material to the job
- Concrete slab or footing: concrete sand + graded aggregate (or a pre-blended mix)
- Paver patio: Class 2 base rock, then a concrete-sand bedding layer
- Drainage/backfill: all-purpose sand or 3/4" minus gravel
See the full concrete and aggregate lineup for current stock.
Ordering the right amount
Both sand and aggregate are sold by the cubic yard. A 4" base layer over a 10' x 10' area needs about 1.24 yards compacted — order a little extra for compaction loss. Our yard staff will help you calculate.
Delivery and self-haul
We deliver throughout Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, and Selma, or you can save on freight with a dump trailer rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between concrete sand and all-purpose sand?
Concrete sand is coarser and graded for structural strength; all-purpose sand is finer and better for fill and general use.
What aggregate goes under pavers?
Class 2 base rock compacted as a foundation, topped with a thin concrete-sand bedding layer.
How is sand and aggregate sold?
By the cubic yard, with delivery or self-haul options across the Fresno area.