Which Australian sand suppliers offer bulk river sand near me for a garden project?

There are many sand varieties available in Australia, but which is the right one? How much should you buy? And where can you get it from? We’re here to answer all your sand-related questions to make your build a breeze.

Soilworx is a proud Australian company supplying bulk foundation materials, including sand and soil, across a wide range of infrastructure projects. With high-grade materials, a reputable online store to purchase from, and sand delivery in Melbourne, we have everything you need to fast-track your project.

We’re using our four decades of experience to share our expert advice on all things river sand and answer common questions in this guide.

What is river sand and what is it used for? 

River sand is a naturally occurring sand collected from riverbeds and banks. It’s formed from the disintegration of rocks and minerals, broken down over time by the flow of water.

The sand itself has a fine, smooth texture and excellent drainage, making it versatile and popular in construction.

It’s perfect as bedding for pavers, bricks, tiles, and stone, leveling the foundation while allowing drainage to prevent water buildup. It can be used similarly as a top dressing for lawns to level and improve soil structure, as a soft sand for sandpits, and for general landscaping. And depending on its quality, it may be used as an aggregate in concrete and mortar to help plaster and bricks adhere better.

If you’re searching for a reliable Australian sand supplier or a paving sand near you, look no further. Soilworx is a trusted Australian brand offering high-quality sand. With sand delivery available in Melbourne, you can have sand at your door, ready for your next job. 

What is the difference between washed sand and river sand? 

While most sands look similar, there are some distinct differences that make them suitable for varying applications. We’re comparing river sand and washed sand to identify their differences and how each can be used. 

River Sand	Washed Sand
Natural sand collected from riverbeds. It may contain organic matter, silt, clay, and other impurities.	Processed sand that has been cleaned to remove silt, clay, and organic matter.
Sand particle size is variable. They may have a broader grading depending on the source.	Sand particles are more consistent after washing which suits a variety of uses.
Can have a higher water absorption due to fines so may require more water to achieve workability.	It’s lower fines content reduces water demand and can improve workability in different mixes.
The impurities and fines can affect its bonding and strength if not properly graded or cleaned.	Has a more consistent performance due to cleaner surface and reduced fines.
Uses: It’s used in general construction, concrete, plaster, mortar (depending on content quality).	Uses: It’s preferred for higher-quality plaster, concrete, and mortar where cleanliness and grading are essential as it provides a smoother finish.
Can be more cost effective especially if untreated but may require additional processing or washing precautions.	May be more expensive due to processing, but provides more predictable performance.

Comparing all types of sand

Sand Type	Description	Best Uses	Benefits
River Sand	Natural, fine, soft	Paving, sandpits, lawns, landscaping	Good drainage, gentle texture
A2 Filter Sand	Coarse, washed	Stormwater management, drainage, erosion control	Reduce water logging
Bedding Sand WSA PS 360	Fine, Soft	Trench backfilling, pipe bedding,	Protective layer, good load distribution
Bedding Sand WSA PS 361	Coarse, dark sand	Bedding, trenches, compaction, fill, pipe installations	Provides proper support and stability
Brilliant White Brick Sand	Fine, light, washed, consistent particles	Mortar, masonry, bricklaying	Good binding, well-graded, consistent particle size
Coastal Beige Brick Sand	Fine, beige, washed, consistent particles	Mortar, masonry, bricklaying	Good binding, well-graded, consistent particle size
Ivory Brick Sand	Fine, light coloured, washed sand	Mortar, masonry, bricklaying	Good binding, well-graded, consistent particle size
Mukadilla Brick Sand	Fine, brown coloured, washed sand	Mortar, masonry, bricklaying	Good binding, well-graded, consistent particle size
Skye Brick Sand	Fine, yellow coloured, washed sand	Mortar, masonry, bricklaying, concrete, patios, repair and restoration, sandbox fill	Good binding, well-graded, consistent particle size
Concrete Sand	Coarse, angular, washed sand	Concrete production, mortar, paving, grouting, structural foundation work	Strength, reliability
Fine Washed Sand WSA 360 Pipe Embed (Power/Gas)	Fine sand	Thermal insulation, drainage, protect pipelines	Create stable foundations
Gas Sand	Pipeline bedding sand	Thermal insulation, drainage, protect pipelines	Supports pipelines and protects from external forces
Granitic Sand	Coarse, dark sand	Paver installations, walkways and patios, golf bunkers, landscaping	Durable, resistant to weathering erosion and abrasion
Menege Sand	Premium granular sand, mix of particle sizes	Equestrian sand	Firm secure surface that won’t pack down over time
Packing Sand	Fine, dense sand	Under concrete slabs, trenching, compacting, backfilling	Extremely firm when compacted
Premium Wash Sand	Fine, washed sand, even particle size	Concrete mixes, masonry, playgrounds, landscaping	High quality, clean, consistent sand
Recycled Glass Sand	Coarse sand	Embedding pipes, sustainable infrastructure, support for pipelines	Efficient drainage, sustainable material
Recycled Glass Sand WSA PS 368	Coarse glass sand	Water infrastructure projects	Cost effective, sustainable material
Silver Sand	Very fine, Silica sand, industrial	Construction and concrete, sandblasting, water filtration, soil amendments	Very versatile usage, moisture free, high purity
Stabilised Sand	Soft, fine sand	Soil stabilisation, foundation support, backfill, road base and pavement subbase, parking lots and driveways	Provides strength and stability, erosion resistant
Thermal Sand	subject to variation dependent on sand composition, the distribution of its grain sizes etc.	Heat dissipation, thermal conductivity, temperature management, cable protection, emergency load handling, uniform cooling	Manages heat for underground power cables providing longer lifespan, higher safety and reduced maintenance
Washed Bedding Sand	Fine, washed sand	Paver installations, backfilling, pipe bedding, landscaping	Consistent sand product, great compaction, offers good drainage

Below is a breakdown of sand varieties, including those available for purchase from Soilworx. Need sand supplies? Shop from a reputable Australian sand supplier like Soilworx. View the full range of sand online.

What type of sand is best for concrete or mortar in residential builds, and who stocks it in Australia?

There are several types of sand suitable for residential construction. For concrete and mortar jobs in particular, the sand you use ensures strength and durability. 

For concreting, our Premium Wash Sand is right for the job. It undergoes rigorous purification to eliminate impurities, clay, silt, and contaminants. The finished product is pristine sand with no impurities that could affect the material’s integrity.

When it comes to mortar, try one of our brick sands, like our Coastal Beige Brick Sand. The sand has fine grains and is washed to remove impurities that could weaken the mortar’s structural integrity.

Soilworx are leading Australian sand supplier that you can trust with the supply and delivery of your sand. Our products are of a high grade to meet the standards required for quality workmanship and consistent performance.

How to calculate the amount of sand needed 

To calculate how much sand you need for your space, use this simple formula: 

Length × Width × Depth = cubic metres

For example: a 4m × 3m area at 30mm depth requires 0.36m³ of sand.

This formula works for ordering sand and soil for garden beds or paving sand, etc.

If the area you’re covering is irregular, our friendly Soilworx experts can help estimate tricky spaces or guide you through quantities. 

For more information on using sand and gravel in your garden, Learn How to Use Sand in Your Garden. 

Choosing the most suitable sand doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re concreting, paving, landscaping, or building, selecting the right sand for the job is easy with clear, expert advice from a reputable online store. As one of the leading Australian Sand Suppliers, Soilworx provides high-quality materials backed by decades of experience that you can rely on for your next project.

​Need fast sand delivery in Melbourne? Explore our full sand range and place a bulk order today.