Sand ordered online by the ton. A dump truck delivers to your Alton address and unloads right where you point.
Madison County sees a mix of older homes and new construction, and sand is a material that turns up in both. Alton gets about 44 inches of precipitation a year, so drainage and washout planning matter whether you are setting pavers or bedding a pipe.
Gravel Monkey delivers sand by the ton straight to your address, not to a yard. You choose the grade online, and we drop the load where you mark it.
Each sand type serves a different part of the job. Pick the one that matches your project.
| Product | Best used for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Sand | Mortar, paver joints, fine leveling | A clean, fine sand that works in thin layers and tight joints. |
| Washed Sand | Concrete work and clean fill | Washed to remove silt, so it gives consistent strength in mixes. |
| Playground Sand | Play areas and sandboxes | Screened and free of sharp particles, safe for kids and pets. |
Match the sand grade to the project below. The right choice saves rework.
| Project | What to order | Depth or note |
|---|---|---|
| Paver leveling course | Mason Sand | 1 inch after compaction; keeps pavers from shifting. |
| Pool base | Washed Sand | 2 to 3 inches; provides a firm, level bed for the liner. |
| Sandbox or play area | Playground Sand | 8 to 12 inches depth; clean and soft for digging. |
| Pipe bedding | Washed Sand | 4 to 6 inches around the pipe; supports and protects against rock punctures. |
| Mortar and masonry | Mason Sand | Mixed with cement; fine grain gives a smooth, workable mortar. |
About 72 days a year bring at least a tenth of an inch of rain in Alton. That means scheduling delivery onto firm ground can save you from ruts and a messy site. The ground here freezes roughly 85 days a year, which shortens the work window and can unsettle a base if the sand was not compacted well. Winters are cold enough to move an unsettled base, so compaction is worth the extra pass.
Snowfall averages about 12 inches a year. If you are placing sand in an area that gets plowed, the blade can pull the surface layer loose unless the base is compacted and the sand is topped with something more stable. Frost depth is moderate, so the base layer under any sand surface should account for seasonal heave. Soils mapped in the Alton area are commonly well drained, which means less base stone is needed under the surface layer compared to poorly draining ground.
The soil around Alton takes in water at a moderate rate, so a standard base depth under sand is usually enough for most residential jobs. This is area guidance, not a substitute for checking your own soil conditions.
Sand is sold by the ton, and the volume you need depends on the area and depth of the project. Use our sand calculator to convert square footage and desired depth into tons. Ordering a little extra accounts for compaction and spillage.
You order online by the ton, and delivery is priced by ZIP at checkout. A dump truck brings the load to your address in amounts from 1 to 40 plus tons. Free delivery applies on qualifying orders. Use code FIRSTTIMER50 for $50 off a first order.
Learn more about how Gravel Monkey works, read customer reviews, and check delivery information for window options and site access rules.
Sand often works alongside other bulk materials. These are available for delivery to the same address.
Yes. With about 44 inches of precipitation a year, washout can happen if sand is placed without a proper base or edge restraint. Plan for drainage so the sand stays where you put it.
Yes. Alton sees about 85 days below freezing each year. That freeze-thaw cycle can shift an un-compacted sand base, so choose a sand that compacts well and plan for proper base preparation.
Sand is not stone, but its grain shape matters. Mason sand compacts well for leveling, while washed sand stays looser. None of the grades are as stable as crushed stone, but compaction still improves load bearing.
You pick a delivery date at checkout that is at least 3 business days out. Then choose a morning or afternoon window. You get a confirmation email, then a second email closer to the date with the scheduled window and a photo of the material being loaded. The delivery only goes ahead once you approve that second email.
Order online and have sand dropped at your driveway, backyard, or job site. Visit the Alton delivery hub to start your order.
We also deliver to nearby areas.
See the delivered price for your address and order sand by the ton online. Loads run from 1 to over 40 tons, with free delivery on qualifying orders.
Fill out the form and our sales team will get back to you within the hour.