How to Use Polymeric Sand When Installing Pavers

By
Joe Norton
Joe Norton
Joe Norton is a hardscape expert who designs and builds walls, patios, and walkways. He has owned and run a hardscape business since 2002. His experience includes professionally working as a mason and tile setter in Maine and Hawaii.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/06/20
Tapping pavers into place with a rubber mallet

Fotosearch / Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 days
  • Yield: 10 x 10 surface
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $40 to $60

Polymeric sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving project, including projects involving concrete pavers, brick pavers, and stone pavers. The sand helps to secure the pavers into a uniform and durable surface. The success of this step depends in large part on the pavers being installed properly on firm, flat layers of gravel and paver sand—a type of sand much different from polymeric sand.

What Is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sands combined with other additives. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more.

Advantages of Polymeric Sand

Ordinary sand—the same material used to form a bed for setting pavers—can also be used to fill the joints between pavers, so why use polymeric sand? In fact, there are drawbacks to this product, such as the fact that it can stain your pavers. (To remove the stains, some suggest scrubbing with vinegar.) Nonetheless, the product is superior to regular sand in a variety of ways:

  • It improves durability. The binding agents in this product help to lock the pavers together. This will give your installation more strength over the long haul. 
  • Heavy rain will not wash away the sand. The silica and other binding additives in polymeric sand reduce the amount of water that can wash between the pavers and down into the base materials. This keeps the base foundation under the surface sturdy and intact.
  • It deters weeds. Weeds are amazingly resilient and can grow almost anywhere. While using polymeric sand doesn't guarantee that weeds will never grow in your new walkway or patio, it does help considerably. Ordinary sand is much more inviting than polymeric sand as a home for weeds.
  • It is resistant to ants. Ants will have a difficult time getting into and making homes in the spaces between your pavers if you use polymeric sand.
  • It comes in different colors. Polymeric sand comes in a variety of colors, usually in different shades of gray and beige. So you can choose the color that goes best with your pavers. For example, a shade of gray looks good with flagstone pavers.

Purchasing Polymeric Sand

The same retailer who sold your pavers is likely also to sell polymeric sand. If not, check with your local home improvement store. This product usually comes in 20- or 40-pound bags, so it is relatively easy to handle. It is marketed under different brand names depending on the manufacturer.

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Leaf blower
  • Push broom
  • Vibratory tamper (optional)
  • Garden hose

Materials

  • Polymeric sand
  • Vinegar (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Spread the Polymeric Sand

    Make sure to work when the pavers are completely dry. Pour several small heaps of polymeric sand over the patio or walkway. Do not overapply the sand because the excess will be hard to remove. You can always add more sand as needed. The goal is to completely fill the cracks between pavers without leaving excess sand on the surface.

  2. Sweep the Sand Into the Cracks

    Using a push broom, brush the sand back and forth over the pavers to filter the sand down through the cracks between pavers. Brush in opposite directions to make sure all cracks are filled. Add more sand, if necessary, until all cracks are visibly filled with sand without gaps.

  3. Tamp the Pavers

    To ensure that the sand fills the entire joint, run a vibratory compactor or tap the paves with broom handle to settle the sand and ensure the joints are filled completely. As the sand level drops, add more sand and repeat the sweeping and tamping process.

  4. Clear the Surface of the Pavers

    Before setting the sand with water, it is important that the surfaces of the pavers be free of sand because any excess will harden on the surface of the pavers and discolor them. A leaf blower works well for cleaning excess sand off the pavers. Make sure, though, not to blow sand out of the cracks between pavers. A fine brush can also work if you don't have a leaf blower.

  5. Mist the Pavers

    With a garden hose, spray a light mist over the area. This will activate the binding agent in the sand. Make sure not to wash the sand out of the joints. Let the joints dry completely for a day or two; then inspect the joints for any gaps. Additional sand can be applied to fill any remaining gaps.

  6. Wash the Pavers if Necessary

    Should you find yourself with discoloring stains due to polymeric sand on the surface of the pavers, spray white vinegar over the stains, allow it to sit for about one hour; then wash away with soap and water.