What Kind of Sand Do You Use For Pavers and Joints?
It is important to choose the right kind of sand when creating a base beneath a pavers installation for a patio, walkway, pool deck, driveway, etc.
Playground or masonry sand are poor choices for a concrete paver installation foundation. Here’s why:
•Playground sand is too fine and washes away which leaves the pavers unsteady and uneven.
•Masonry sand doesn’t compact uniformly and prevents proper lateral drainage.
Concrete sand is the proper sand for laying a foundational base for a concrete paver installation. It is extremely coarse sand so it can be compacted uniformly and allows for adequate water drainage. Concrete sand will lift slightly into the joints of the pavers when they are being leveled, locking them into place. This also helps stop water from seeping under the pavers and lifting them. Polymeric sand is also a great option for laying a base for the installation. In fact, any sand that has angular edges and a particle size of 1/8 inch in diameter is best. Sand allows flexibility of the ground and keeps the pavers from cracking or settling under pressure if the ground shifts.
Sand Installation Between Pavers & in Paver Joints
Adding sand between pavers is the last step of the installation process. When using coarse sand or polymeric sand, pour some of it over dry pavers and sweep it into the paver joints by using a push-broom. Make sure that the sand fills all the joints adequately and continue sweeping until all the joints are full of sand. When you have filled the joints, any remaining polymeric sand resting on top of pavers needs to be swept; otherwise, it can stick on them when it gets wet. Give the sand about 24 hours to settle in the joints and then add more sand if some joints aren’t filled in all the way. Lastly, if using polymeric sand, water needs to be applied to it in order for it to be activated. Spray or mist water on the polymeric sand between pavers for about 10 minutes, getting it wet but not wet enough to wash away. This will complete the process.
Contact us today if you have any further questions about sand for pavers or are interested in having us install pavers!
