River sand is what you use when the material is visible and it has to look right. Grains are smooth and rounded from natural water erosion. No sharp edges. Soft on bare feet. Easy to rake level. Fill sand goes underneath. River sand goes on top.
Homeowners around Prien Lake use it for pool areas, pond beaches, garden borders, and yard leveling. The warm tan color fits Louisiana yards. Doesn't look like construction material. Looks like it belongs there.
It also holds on gentle banks and ditch edges better than angular fill sand. If you've got erosion near a low spot and want something that settles naturally, this is the right call. We'll tell you how much you need. See all sand products we carry.
Common UsesCommon Uses for River Sand
Landscaping
Use it for borders, paths, and ground cover where the material is visible. Warm, natural color that fits right in next to plants and hardscape. A Lake Charles backyard looks better with this than fill sand. Not even close.
Yard Leveling
Top-dress low spots before laying sod or seed. Rakes smooth, settles even, doesn't crust after the first rain. For major grade changes, bring in fill sand first. Finish with river sand on top.
Erosion Repair
Ditch banks and gentle slopes that wash out in heavy rain respond well to river sand. Rounded grains pack together under light compaction. For heavier erosion along the Calcasieu River, combine it with rip rap.
Beach Areas
This is the go-to for pond beaches and pool surrounds in Calcasieu Parish. Soft on bare feet, drains fast, looks like it belongs near water. We've delivered it to lakefront properties across the parish for exactly this use.
Garden Beds
Edge garden beds and tree rings with a layer of river sand. Suppresses weeds better than bare soil and drains away from roots. Keeps the bed looking clean between plantings. Tan color pairs well with dark mulch.
Decorative Ground Cover
Swap out bare dirt on walkways and outdoor areas for it. It's low maintenance, drains fast, and holds its look. A lot of Calcasieu Parish homeowners use it under porch swings and around raised garden areas.
Approximately 2,500 lbs per cubic yard (1.25 tons)
Coverage
1 ton covers roughly 120 sq ft at 2 inches deep
Delivery
Next-day delivery, all of Calcasieu Parish
Minimum Order
1 cubic yard (delivery) / No minimum (pick up)
Quick Facts
Best ForDrainage, fill, leveling
Coverage1 ton covers roughly 120 sq ft at 2 inches
DeliveryNext-day delivery, all of
Min. Order1 cubic yard (delivery) / No minimum
EstimateQuantity Calculator
Plug in your project dimensions. We'll show you cubic yards and tons. It runs about 1.25 tons per cubic yard. Lighter than fill sand, so coverage goes a bit further at the same depth.
Quick Calculator
Enter dimensions in feet. We will estimate the total material needed.
0Cubic Yards
0Tons
Place Your OrderHow to Order
1
Tell Us What You Need
Call or fill out the quote form. Tell us the material, quantity, and delivery address.
2
Get Your Price
We quote an all-in delivered price. No hidden fees. No fuel surcharges.
3
We Deliver
Most orders placed before noon deliver the next day across Calcasieu Parish.
Visible outdoor work. Landscaping, yard leveling, pond beaches, pool surrounds, garden borders, decorative ground cover. Rounded grains are smooth, drain fast, and look natural. Not a structural material. It's the finish layer you want people to see.
Is it good for leveling a yard?
Yes. Rakes smooth and settles even. For major grade work, bring in fill sand first. It's cheaper and you'll cover it anyway. Then top-dress with river sand for the finish. That's how most Calcasieu Parish landscapers do it.
Can it be used for erosion control?
For mild erosion on ditch banks and low slopes, yes. Packs together and holds in moderate water flow. For heavy erosion on a bayou bank or near the Calcasieu River, you need rip rap alongside it. River sand alone won't hold in high flow.
How much do I need for a beach area?
4 to 6 inches is standard for a usable beach area. A 20x20 space at 6 inches runs about 7.4 cubic yards, right around 9 tons. Use the calculator on this page. Or call us with your square footage and we'll work it out.
Do you deliver in Calcasieu Parish?
Yes. Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, Westlake, Prien, Carlyss, Iowa, Vinton, DeQuincy. We cover the whole parish. Most orders in before noon go out next day. No minimum on pickups if you want to come to us.
Still Have Questions?
Tell us the project. We'll tell you how much you need and what it'll cost delivered to your door.
