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SKU GSB1-10

Traditional Sandbags

Traditional Sandbags

SKU: GSB1-10
$3.50
$3.50
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Pack Quantity
Durable 14" × 26" woven polypropylene sandbags with double-stitched bottoms and integrated ties. Fill with sand for flood control, water diversion, erosion protection or ballast. Sand is not included.
  • ✔ GSA Contract Holder
  • ✔ Bulk & Volume Pricing Available
  • ✔ Purchase Orders Accepted
  • ✔ Tax-Exempt Agencies Supported

Overview & Best Uses

Garrison™ Traditional Sandbags provide a dependable and economical solution for flood control, water diversion, erosion control, ballast and emergency preparedness.

Each empty bag measures 14 inches wide by 26 inches long and is constructed from durable woven polypropylene with a 10 × 10 thread construction. The bottom is double stitched for added strength, and an integrated tie string makes it easy to close the bag after filling.

For flood protection, fill each bag partially with sand so it remains flexible enough to stack tightly and conform to adjacent bags. A properly filled bag typically weighs between 35 and 40 pounds. Partial filling also helps reduce gaps that can allow water to pass through a sandbag wall.

Sandbags can be arranged to protect doorways, garages, loading docks, drains and other vulnerable areas. They can also be used to construct temporary levees, berms and dikes or provide ballast for fencing, tarps, signs and temporary structures.

Key Features:

• Standard 14" × 26" sandbag size  
• Durable woven polypropylene construction  
• 10 × 10 thread construction  
• Double-stitched bottom for added strength  
• Integrated tie string  
• 1,600-hour UV-protection package  
• Approximately 35–40 lb at the recommended fill level  
• Flexible pillow shape improves stacking  
• Suitable for flood control, erosion control and ballast  
• Available in multiple bulk pack quantities  
• Ships empty for compact storage and economical transportation  

Sand and other fill materials are not included.

Sizes & Specifications

• Product Type: Traditional empty flood-control sandbag
• Bag Dimensions: 14" W × 26" L
• Approximate Filled Dimensions: 26" L × 14" W × 4" H
• Material: Woven polypropylene
• Fabric Construction: 10 × 10 thread weave
• Bottom Construction: Double stitched
• Closure: Integrated tie string
• UV Protection: 2.5% UV package rated for approximately 1,600 hours
• Recommended Filled Weight: Approximately 35–40 lb
• Maximum-Fill Weight: Approximately 60–75 lb; overfilling is not recommended
• Recommended Fill Volume: Approximately 0.4 cubic feet per bag
• Estimated Sand Requirement: Approximately one cubic yard per 100 bags
• Recommended Flood-Control Fill: Sand
• Erosion-Control Fill: Sand or suitable gravel depending on the application
• Filled Shape: Flexible pillow shape
• Bags Supplied: Empty
• Sand Included: No
• Color: White unless otherwise specified
• Available Quantities: Packs of 10, 25, 50, 100, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000

Setup & Installation

BEFORE DEPLOYMENT

  1. Determine the area requiring protection and estimate the required wall length and height.
  2. Obtain sufficient bags, sand and filling equipment.
  3. Clear debris and sharp objects from the planned barrier path.
  4. Identify the direction from which water is expected to approach.
  5. Wear gloves, sturdy footwear and other appropriate protective equipment.

FILLING THE BAGS

  1. Have one person hold the bag open while a second person adds sand using a rounded-point shovel.
  2. Fill the bag approximately one-half to two-thirds full.
  3. Do not fill it completely; partially filled bags stack and seal more effectively.
  4. Remove excess air and flatten the bag into a flexible pillow shape.
  5. Secure the integrated tie string when appropriate for the planned installation.
  6. Position each filled bag as close as practical to its final location to reduce lifting and carrying.

BUILDING THE BARRIER

  1. Place the first row lengthwise and parallel to the anticipated water flow.
  2. Press each bag firmly into place so it conforms to the surrounding bags.
  3. Position adjoining bags tightly together to minimize gaps.
  4. Stagger the joints in each succeeding row, similar to brickwork.
  5. Place the tied or open ends away from the anticipated water whenever practical.
  6. Step or tamp each layer into place before adding the next row.
  7. Build a sufficiently wide base for the intended wall height.
  8. Monitor the barrier for seepage, settlement, erosion or displacement.

For substantial flood walls, the base may need to be approximately two to three times the wall height. Site conditions and anticipated water pressure should be considered before construction.

AFTER USE

  1. Wait until floodwater has receded and conditions are safe.
  2. Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling used bags.
  3. Treat bags and sand exposed to floodwater as potentially contaminated.
  4. Follow local requirements for reuse, transport and disposal.
  5. Do not reuse contaminated sand for children’s play areas, landscaping or other sensitive applications.

Manual handling of filled sandbags can cause strain or injury. Use team lifting, mechanical assistance and safe handling practices when possible.

FAQ

ARE THE SANDBAGS SHIPPED FILLED?

No. The bags ship empty. Sand, gravel and other fill materials are not included.

WHAT ARE THE BAG DIMENSIONS?

Each empty bag measures approximately 14 inches wide by 26 inches long.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I FILL EACH BAG?

For flood control, fill each bag approximately one-half to two-thirds full. Partial filling allows the bag to flatten and conform to adjacent bags, reducing gaps in the completed wall.

HOW MUCH DOES A FILLED SANDBAG WEIGH?

A bag filled to the recommended level typically weighs approximately 35–40 pounds. A completely filled bag may weigh 60–75 pounds, but overfilling is not recommended.

WHAT SHOULD I USE AS FILL?

Sand is generally the preferred material for flood-control applications. Suitable gravel may be used for certain erosion-control and drainage applications.

HOW MUCH SAND IS REQUIRED?

Each bag holds approximately 0.4 cubic feet of sand at the recommended fill level. One cubic yard of sand will fill approximately 100 bags.

HOW MANY SANDBAGS WILL I NEED?

The quantity depends on the wall length, height and base width. As a general estimate, a 100-foot-long wall that is 1 foot high may require approximately 600 bags. Taller walls require a substantially wider base and many more bags.

WHY SHOULDN’T I FILL THE BAGS COMPLETELY?

Overfilled bags become round and rigid. This makes them more difficult to carry and creates gaps that can allow water to pass through the wall.

HOW SHOULD SANDBAGS BE STACKED?

Place bags tightly together, flatten them into position and stagger the joints between rows like brickwork. Taller walls require progressively wider bases.

ARE THE BAGS WATERPROOF?

No. Woven polypropylene sandbags are water permeable. Their effectiveness comes from the weight and compacted shape of the sand, which slows, redirects and contains water.

CAN SANDBAGS BE STORED OUTDOORS?

The bags incorporate a UV-protection package, but long-term exposure to sunlight and weather can still degrade polypropylene. Empty bags should be stored in a cool, dry, protected location.

CAN USED SANDBAGS BE REUSED?

Only if the bags and fill have not been contaminated or damaged. Sandbags exposed to floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, fuel, mold or other hazards and should be handled and disposed of according to local requirements.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FILL THEM?

Two people working manually with a shovel may fill and tie approximately 12–15 bags per hour. Mechanical filling equipment can significantly increase production for large projects.

WHAT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE USED?

Wear gloves, sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for the work area. Additional protective equipment may be necessary when handling contaminated bags or working near floodwater.

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A PROVEN AND FLEXIBLE FLOOD-CONTROL SOLUTION

Traditional sandbags remain useful because they can be placed in nearly any layout and filled with locally available material. They are especially practical for doorways, drains, irregular spaces, localized reinforcement and situations where custom barrier shapes are required.

Sandbags ship empty and store compactly until needed. When flooding threatens, they can be filled and stacked to create temporary walls, berms, levees and water-diversion channels.

DO NOT OVERFILL SANDBAGS

A sandbag should normally be filled approximately one-half to two-thirds full. This allows the bag to flatten and conform to the bags around it.

Overfilled bags become round and rigid, creating gaps that allow water to pass through the wall. They are also heavier and more difficult to carry and position.

At the recommended fill level, each Garrison sandbag typically weighs approximately 35–40 pounds. A completely filled bag may weigh considerably more and will generally be less effective for flood-wall construction.

ESTIMATING SAND REQUIREMENTS

Each bag holds approximately 0.4 cubic feet of sand at the recommended fill level. One cubic yard of sand will fill approximately 100 bags.

As a general planning estimate:

• Approximately 600 bags may be needed for a wall 100 feet long and 1 foot high with an appropriately wide base.
• Taller walls require significantly more bags because the base must become wider as the wall height increases.
• A 2-foot-high wall extending 100 feet could require approximately 1,700–2,100 bags, depending on the base design.

These are general planning estimates. Actual requirements depend on the site, wall configuration, anticipated water depth and safety margin.

PLAN THE LABOR AND FILL MATERIAL

Two people filling and tying bags manually may complete approximately 12–15 bags per hour. Large projects should consider mechanical filling equipment, pre-staging and organized work crews.

Before an emergency, determine:

• Where sand or other suitable fill will come from
• How the material will be delivered
• Who will fill and place the bags
• What tools and protective equipment will be available
• How completed bags will be moved
• How used sandbags will be removed and disposed of

Sand is generally preferred for flood protection because it conforms and compacts well. Gravel may be more appropriate for certain erosion-control or drainage applications.

CONSIDER A SANDBAG ALTERNATIVE

Traditional sandbags require fill material, significant labor and substantial storage space after filling. For faster deployment or applications where sand is unavailable, consider Minnow™ Water-Activated Flood Bags.

For major flood walls requiring hundreds or thousands of sandbags, Beluga™ Oversized Flood Control Bags may reduce labor and create larger barriers using mechanical filling equipment.