Do you really need polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. It outperforms regular sand when a homeowner is looking to lock the paver joints properly and wants a steady and stable path. It also provides a better appearance with its cleaner look and availability in varied colors.

Is polymeric sand necessary?

Polymeric Sand is as ubiquitous to interlocking pavers as garden soil to gardening. You need good garden soil to grow your vegetables and plans. You need good polymeric sand to maintain the look and appearance of your landscape.

When should you not use polymeric sand?

#6 - Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints

The sand is simply pushed out of the joints. This is why we don't recommend using polymeric sand on extremely narrow joints. Similarly, too-wide joints can lead to washout, because they allow too much water flow during the activation process.

What can I use instead of polymeric sand?

When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.

Is paver Locking sand necessary?

One of the final steps in hardscape installation is filling your joints with sand. It can't just be with sand from your sandbox—it's important to use sand meant for stabilizing and securing your pavers like polymeric sand.

Poly Sand ISSUES! We Tested - HERE'S THE RESULTS

Should I use polymeric sand on my pavers?

Polymeric sand is appreciated by paver installers because joints you get from it are durable and even . This eliminates any risk of weed growth and ant infestation that could affect the overall aesthetics and durability of paver projects.

Should I seal my pavers before polymeric sand?

Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface.

How long will polymeric sand last?

Polymeric sand can last up to 10 years before replacement is necessary. However, certain manufacturers claim some products can last up to 15 years.

Can you put dry cement between pavers?

Using dry mortar that way saves a tremendous amount of time compared to mortaring individual joints between pavers, but the dry mortar has to be applied in dry conditions to prevent it from staining the pavers' surface.

Can I use cement instead of polymeric sand?

Although cement and sand will each work on their own or mixed together, cement presents several problems that using sand alone does not. Therefore, it's better to just use sand to fill in cracks between pavers. The process is simple, the mess is limited and the outcome is long-lasting and attractive.

Should I use polymeric sand on my patio?

Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. It outperforms regular sand when a homeowner is looking to lock the paver joints properly and wants a steady and stable path. It also provides a better appearance with its cleaner look and availability in varied colors.

Can you pressure wash polymeric sand?

You can't pressure wash and apply polymeric sand on the same day. I should warn you that getting the stain off is a huge problem so it's best to take the time to avoid it in the first place.

Will water drain through polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand, if installed properly, will harden to lock you pavers in place and create a more effective weed and insect deterent while still allowing water to drain freely.

What is the best sand to use for paver joints?

Mason's Sand

Commonly seen as the regular sand to use on paver joints. Its finer particles create a tighter, less permeable layer that won't be washed away that easily.

Can you lay pavers on just sand?

Laying pavers on sand base follows the same steps as laying them on soil base, but you'll be adding a layer of coarse sand, road base, or polymeric sand first. Rake the sand to even it out and use a plate compactor to make your sand base solid so you have a firm, stable base.

Can u use regular sand for pavers?

Can I Use Regular Sand Between Pavers. Yes, normal sand serves this purpose very well. Fill gaps between pavers and help lock the individual blocks in place, so they don't shift. If possible, use irregular, sharp-grained sand, as they have sharp edges and bind together better.

How large of a gap can you fill with polymeric sand?

How Big a Gap Can Polymeric Sand Fill? Polymeric sand works best to fill gaps between 1/4 inch and 1.5 inches wide. Wider joints will require more time to harden.

How do you harden sand between pavers?

As we brought up earlier, regular sand doesn't harden enough on its own. So, if you need it to set, the best way to do it is by sealing them. You should give it at least 48 hours after applying the sealer. Foot traffic is ok after 3-4 hours.

How do you keep weeds from growing between pavers?

Weeds want to inhabit a cool damp environment; proper drainage will help avoid weed growth. Regular Sweeping. Brushing your paving stones will prevent seedlings from settling, and will disrupt new weeds from fully establishing a place between your pavers.

Can you redo polymeric sand?

Unfortunately with polymeric sand replacement, you can't just uproot any weeds and top it up. You have to completely remove all the pre-existing sand in the joints and start fresh. For this step, Hubs had to get down and dirty with a scraper to remove the old sand between the pavers. Hubs did all the work by hand.

What if it rains after polymeric sand?

Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers.

How deep should polymeric sand be?

Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective. Use a power washer to empty the joints. If there is already polymeric sand between the pavers, soak the sand to soften it up before emptying the joints.

What happens if you don't seal the pavers?

Pavers that aren't sealed will be more likely to grow weeds in the joints, they will fade and loose their color from wear and UV breakdown, and because most newer paver sealers include an additive that will harden the joint sand it is less likely that you will have settling or shifting caused by joint sand loss.

What happens if you don't put sand between pavers?

Joint stabilization – If you don't have sand in the joints, rain water or pool water will run between the brick paver joints, and wash out the base aggregate sand material your brick pavers float on, (usually a 1.5” – 2” sand base) making your brick pavers loose, wobbly, uneven, sunken in or even raised up in some ...

Will polymeric sand stop pavers from moving?

Lock your Pavers in Place With Polymeric Sand! If you're looking for a way to improve the stability of your paver patio or walkway, polymer sand is a great option. Polymeric sand helps to hold the pavers in place and prevents them from shifting or moving.