Can anybody shed any light on this article and surface prices?

[Moomin1]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/archives/choosing-the-right-arena-surface/

Under the silica sand/sand paragraph, it says that you should be able to cover a 20 x 40 surface with sand for a 'few hundred pounds'.

I have scoured the net and cannot find anything of the sort - it all comes to approx £3000 at the cheapest.

Does anyone have any recommendations regarding any cheap(er) companies/outlets supplying any of the surface substrates mentioned?

 

[Goldenstar]

The last dumpy bag of builders sand I bought for a job we where having done was over £100 and it would have disappeared into a school so I simply can't see even allowing for bulk discount how you could cover a school for a few hundred ,the surface for my school ( 30 by 40 ) arrived in ,I think it was three of those road lorrys .
It seemed a huge amount but it disappeared into the school.

 

[Moomin1]

I can't see it either Goldenstar.

I am in a bit of a mess at the yard I am at currently. Always had use of the sand/rubber school across the road but a new livery there (old livery at our yard) has become awkward and looks unlikely I will have much opportunity to use the school anymore this summer.

Don't want to have to leave this yard, but I also do not want to be in a position where I cannot ride (horse is not safely hackable alone currently, and I want to get some lessons and really up the schooling too).

YO at ours has the layout for a 20 x 40 with perfect drainage. He had it done years ago, but just laid wood bark which then turned to mushroom covered mulch over years (he isn't horsey or even agricultural in any way). So he then let the grass grow into a paddock, but that has now gone and he has hinted at the possibility of turning it back into a ménage again. Only trouble is - he doesn't seem to want to spend more than a few hundred on it!

I am willing for my livery bill to increase if it means a decent surface (cheapish, but better than boggy muddy wood bark with mushrooms in). Not too fussed about winter freezing etc as don't get time due to work much anyway in the winter.