Arena Sand Calculator
Enter your arena size and the depth you want. You get cubic yards, tons, and a realistic order range.
Re-topping? Enter only the depth you're adding (often ½–1 inch).
That's about 14 full truckloads (about 22 tons each) over 20,000 sq ft.
Based on Penn State Extension's 100 lb per cubic foot for sand. Damp sand weighs more and new footing settles, so order 15–20% over the dry figure. A typical range, not a survey — we'll confirm the quantity before we book.
How Many Tons of Sand for Common Arena Sizes
Dry tons before settling, at Penn State's 100 lb per cubic foot. Add 15–20% when you order.
| Arena | 2″ deep | 3″ deep | 4″ deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 120 ft | 60 t | 90 t | 120 t |
| 70 × 140 ft | 82 t | 123 t | 163 t |
| 100 × 200 ft | 167 t | 250 t | 333 t |
| 120 × 240 ft | 240 t | 360 t | 480 t |
What Kind of Sand for a Horse Arena?
Penn State Extension's spec is “cleaned and screened, medium to coarse, hard, sharp sand.” Angular grains lock together and give a stable footing; round grains roll and shift. Hard sand breaks down slower, so it stays out of the dust stage longer.
Watch the fines. A little fine material (about 5–10%) helps sand hold together. Much more than that, especially clay and silt, gets dusty in the dry season and slick after a South Florida downpour.
Tell us how the arena is used and what's on it now, and we'll tell you which sand we can deliver for it. See also our concrete sand page.
How Deep Should Arena Sand Be?
Start at about 2 inches and add ½ inch at a time, riding it between additions. Deeper isn't safer: past about 6 inches, loose sand strains tendons (Penn State Extension). For a re-top, you're usually adding ½–1 inch to replace what has broken down or blown away.
The Base Matters More Than the Sand
Sand only works on a firm, hard-packed base that sheds water. A good base is angular, well-graded material compacted flat with a slight slope for drainage. If water sits on your arena or the base is mixing up into the sand, fix the base first. We deliver and grade base material too: see fill dirt, limerock & shell rock and millings.
Re-topping vs. Rebuilding
Many Wellington owners re-top before the winter season. Penn State Extension suggests amending footing at least every couple of years and planning a full overhaul every 5–10 years. If the base is sound, a re-top is a delivery and a skid-steer pass. If it isn't, see arena & farm repairs.
Footing Additives (Fiber, Rubber)
Additive footings are mixed into a sand layer, so they still need sand delivered and spread first. If you're working with an additive supplier, we can deliver and spread the sand to the depth they specify.
Arena Sand Delivery Area
Licensed & insured, serving Palm Beach County horse farms since 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a horse arena?
About 8 tons per 1,000 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 12 tons at 3 inches. A 100 × 200 ft arena needs roughly 160–170 tons at 2 inches and 240–250 tons at 3 inches, before allowing for settling. (Penn State Extension)
How deep should arena sand be?
Start with about 2 inches and add half an inch at a time until the footing rides well. Penn State Extension warns against going deeper than about 6 inches, because deep, loose sand strains horses' tendons.
What is the best sand for a horse arena?
Penn State Extension recommends cleaned and screened, medium-to-coarse, hard, sharp (angular) sand. Keep fines low, around 5–10%: more fines get dusty when dry and slick when wet. Tell us what your arena is used for and we'll talk through what we can deliver.
How often should arena footing be replaced?
Plan to amend or re-top it at least every couple of years, and expect a full replacement or major overhaul every 5–10 years, depending on use and maintenance. (Penn State Extension)
Do I need a permit to add sand to my arena in Wellington?
Re-topping existing footing normally doesn't need one. New fill or regrading can need a Village of Wellington engineering permit, especially if it changes drainage. If you're unsure, check with Wellington's Engineering department before work starts.
Do you deliver and spread the sand?
Yes. We deliver to Wellington, Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and nearby areas, and we can spread and grade it with a skid steer on the same trip. Get a quote online or call and we'll confirm the quantity first.
What affects the cost of arena sand?
Mostly the tons you need (area × depth, from the calculator above), the type of sand, the delivery distance, whether we spread and grade it, and any base repair underneath. You see your quote before you book.
Source: Penn State Extension, “Riding Arena Footing Material Selection and Management”.
Ready for Arena Sand?
Tell us the arena size and depth. We'll confirm the tons and get it delivered and spread.