Sand Price in Pakistan: Types, Uses, and Buyer Tips Current Sand Price

Did you realize that the construction industry in Pakistan uses more than 40 million tons of sand annually? Thus, sand is one of the most sought-after construction materials in Pakistan.

However, in spite of this huge consumption, the sand price in Pakistan fluctuates nearly every week, and homeowners, constructors, and contractors find it difficult to plan adequately.

Even a small project is subject to a sudden cost increase without information that can be trusted. What is it then that is causing these price changes, and how do you settle on the right sand to use in your construction? Let’s dive in.

In Short: 

The sand price in Pakistan is between 28800 (Ravi Sand) and 155700 (Lawrencepur Sand) per trolley, depending on the kind of sand and the location.

Sand Price in Pakistan 

Sand Type	900 Cubic Feet Trolley Size	1 Cubic Foot Price
Chenab A Grade	Rs. 67,500	Rs. 75
Chenab B Grade	Rs. 49,500-52,200	Rs. 55-58
Lawrencepur Sand	Rs. 119,700-155,700	Rs. 133-173
Ravi Sand	Rs. 28,800-38,700	Rs. 32-43

Which Sand is Suitable for Construction?

Selecting the appropriate sand may or may not make a project. Not all types are strong, textured, and resilient. Three types are used in Pakistan:

• Chenab Sand (Rait): Clean, coarse, and durable. Ideal for concrete and foundations due to its strength.
• Ravi Sand: Softer and finer. Better in plastering of the wall and also finishing work because it provides a smooth surface.
• Lawrencepur Sand: High quality. It is commonly considered in high-end houses and commercial projects where durability and finishing are of primary importance.

In the case of a typical house in Lahore or Karachi, the majority of engineers suggest the use of Chenab sand in structural and Ravi sand in plaster. Such a balance puts quality and cost in check.

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Uses of Sand in Construction

Sand goes everywhere in construction; it is not only filler, but also a backbone material. Common uses include:

• Concrete Mix: This contains cement along with gravel to produce robust beams, columns, and slabs.
• Plastering/ Finishing: Provides a smooth appearance to the walls and ceilings.
• Brick and Block Work: It is a technique that is used as a cement binder to keep masonry units together.
• Road Base and Foundations: Provides stability and decreases the settlement of heavy structures.
• Drainage and landscaping: Aids in controlling water run-offs and soil erosion.

As per the UN Environment Programme research, the second largest natural resource in the world to be consumed after fresh water is sand. It is significant to its construction and infrastructure.

Factors Affecting Sand Rates in Pakistan

The sand price in Pakistan never gets fixed. It varies city to city and week to week. Among the key factors, there are:

• Fuel / Transportation Costs: Sand is heavy, and the transportation of it between riverbeds and construction sites involves large trolleys. An increase in the prices of diesel directly increases sand rates.
• Seasonal Demand: During spring and the summer months, when the greatest number of construction projects are underway, demand rises so does the price.
• Regional Supply: Areas that are closer to the sources of rivers (such as Chenab or Ravi) obtain cheaper sand, whereas distant areas incur the extra cost of transport.
• Government Policies and restrictions: Mining prohibitions, taxes, and environmental laws can restrict the supply, increasing prices.
• Market Manipulation: In some cities, such as Lahore, trolley sizes can also be downsized but with the same price, which locals refer to as a big bluff.

Related: https://gharhub.com/blog/today-cement-price-in-pakistan/

Regional Price Variations of Sand

Sand prices are very variable in Pakistan, depending on the location and price:

• Punjab: Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala are major consumers of Chenab and Ravi sand. Lahore sells at comparatively high prices because of the fast urban construction.
• Sindh: River sand and even sea sand are used in Karachi and Hyderabad. Karachi rates are more due to the massive real estate developments and construction of ports.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): Peshawar and Abbottabad primarily use the sand of local rivers, but transportation in Punjab entails additional expenses.
• Islamabad, Rawalpindi: Construction sand is always in demand here, sometimes of marginal sources of crushed and river sand in Margalla, which causes slightly higher prices.

When you plan a project, it is advisable to do a check in the local market and not base it on the average rates in the country. Any slight variation in the cost of your trolley can increase your total cost of construction by thousands of dollars.

Pros (Advantages) of Using Sand

Sand has been one of the most relied-upon construction materials in Pakistan. It has some of the largest advantages:

• Strength and Stability: Sand is combined with cement and gravel to make a strong concrete to use in footings, beams as well and slabs.
• Multiprocessing: Can be used in plastering walls, bases of rooms, and landscaping.
• Broad Availability: They are located throughout Pakistan, particularly along the banks of rivers such as the Chenab and Ravi, which enables the continuation of supply.
• Economical: In comparison to imported aggregates, the local sand is less price for the construction projects.
• Workability: Fine sand grains enhance smoothing and coating the place to have unobtrusive walls and ceilings.

The best construction and building material company in Pakistan will look forward to building smarter, the preferred supplier of sand, cement, and other products.

Cons (Disadvantages) of Using Sand

Although sand is advantageous, there are also difficulties associated with sand that are experienced by builders and people living in homes:

• Price Changes: The sand price in Pakistan is dynamic, and budgeting for this is rather challenging.
• Quality Problems: Suppliers occasionally add clay, mud, and even salt to the sand, decreasing strength.
• Environmental Issues: When rivers are overmined, it damages ecosystems and leads to erosion.
• Fraudulent Transport: Other trolley sellers have been found to supply fewer cubic feet than they claim and then bill them at the required price.
• Durability Risks: The weakness that is realized by poor-quality sand may result in cracks or premature loss in the buildings.

Preventive Measures for Buyers

It is not only about the cost of purchasing sand, but also about safeguarding oneself against scams and bad quality. Here are a few smart tips:

• Check Trolley Size: Measurement of cubic feet must be done before payment. A lot of suppliers minimize the load size.
• Check Quality: Good gritty sand is fine. When it gives too much dust or mud in your hand, it is of low quality.
• Compare Prices: You cannot get by the first quote. Quotations from various suppliers.
• Request Receipts: A slip of paper will prevent confrontations and ensure equitable trade.

Purchase through Renowned Sources: Long-time suppliers will not be tempted to cheat on quantity or contaminate it.

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Conclusion

The sand price in Pakistan is always changing because of the cost of fuel, demand season, and supply in the region. Any person intending to undertake a construction project should pay attention to the prevailing rates.

Chenab sand will be the best concrete sand to use when the concrete is made strong, and Ravi sand is the best sand to use when plastering is required. However, the type you use, quality, and quantity should always be inspected before payment. The basis of a good home is the right foundation, and that is the right sand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the current sand price in Pakistan per trolley?

A-grade sand of Chenab will cost about Rs 67,500 per 900 cubic feet, whereas Ravi sand will cost between 28,800 – 38,700 (Lahore rates).

Which sand is best for house construction in Pakistan?

Chenab sand is the one that is used in concrete and foundations. Ravi sand can be used as a plastering sand.

Why are sand rates increasing in Lahore?

Price is driven up due to high demand, increased fuel prices, and manipulation of the market (such as smaller trolley sizes).

Is Chenab sand better than Ravi sand?

Yes. Chenab sand is more robust and cleaner, hence it is suitable for the structural work. The Ravi sand is softer and is primarily used as plaster.

How can I check sand quality before buying?

Take a handful and rub it. Good sand is rough and dry, whereas bad sand leaves muddy or dusty in your palm.