If you’re planning to lay pavers for a new patio, walkway, or driveway, choosing the right type of sand is more important than you might think. It’s one of those small decisions that play a big role in the long-term success of your project. The sand you select affects the stability, drainage, and durability of your pavers. So, let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the best choice.
Why Sand Matters in a Paver Project
Sand serves a few key purposes when installing pavers. First, it creates a smooth and level base to lay the stones. Without it, the pavers could settle unevenly over time or shift out of place. Second, sand helps with drainage. It allows water to flow through the joints and into the ground instead of pooling on the surface. Finally, sand helps lock the pavers together once they’re in place, especially when swept into the joints between each stone.
All sand is not created equal, though. The wrong kind can cause your pavers to sink, shift, or grow weeds in between. That’s why understanding the different types and their uses is so important.
Types of Sand for Pavers
When it comes to paver projects, the two types of sand you’ll hear about most often are bedding sand and joint sand. Each has a specific role and characteristics that make it suitable for the job.
Bedding Sand: The Foundation of Your Pavers
Bedding sand, sometimes called sharp sand or concrete sand, is used as the layer beneath your pavers. It provides a firm, yet flexible base for the stones to rest on. This type of sand is coarse, meaning it has larger, rougher grains. That texture is exactly what you want because it allows for good compaction and stability. The coarseness also helps water drain efficiently, preventing erosion or heaving from trapped moisture.
You’ll want to lay bedding sand to a depth of about one inch, leveling and compacting it carefully before placing your pavers on top. A smooth, even layer ensures that your pavers sit flush and don’t wobble or shift after installation.
Joint Sand: Holding the Pavers Together
Once your pavers are set in place on the bedding sand, you’ll need to fill the gaps between them. This is where joint sand comes in. The most common and effective type is polymeric sand. It’s specially formulated with a fine texture and added polymers that harden when activated with water. That hardening effect locks the sand in place and helps prevent weeds, ants, and shifting.
Unlike ordinary sand, polymeric sand creates a strong bond between pavers. It remains flexible enough to accommodate slight movement but firm enough to keep everything in place. It’s an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or regions with freeze-thaw cycles, as it reduces the risk of damage from expanding ice or settling soil.
Why Regular Sand Doesn’t Work as Well
You might be tempted to save money by using leftover sandbox sand or standard building sand, but this shortcut can cost you more in the long run. Regular sand is usually too fine or too soft to provide the necessary stability. It can wash away during heavy rain, shift under weight, or compact unevenly over time.
Fine sand also doesn’t stay in the joints well, making it more likely that weeds will grow or that pests like ants will move in. The result? Your paver surface becomes uneven, messy, and less attractive far sooner than it should.
Choosing the Right Sand for Your Project
To make the best choice, consider your project’s needs and conditions. For most residential paver installations, a base of coarse bedding sand paired with polymeric joint sand is the way to go. This combination offers solid support underneath and long-lasting hold on top.
If you’re working on a smaller or less formal project, like a garden path, you might use standard joint sand, especially if appearance and longevity aren’t major concerns. However, for anything more permanent or heavy-duty, stick with polymeric sand for its durability and weed resistance.
Proper Installation Matters Just as Much
Even the best sand won’t perform well if it’s not installed correctly. Always start with a well-prepared base of compacted gravel, followed by an even layer of bedding sand. Once the pavers are placed, sweep the joint sand into the gaps thoroughly and use a plate compactor to help it settle. If you’re using polymeric sand, don’t forget to activate it with water as directed—this step is crucial to locking the sand in place.
Conclusion
The right sand makes all the difference when it comes to a stable, long-lasting paver surface. Coarse bedding sand gives your pavers the solid foundation they need, while polymeric sand keeps them tightly locked together for years to come. By understanding the purpose of each type and installing them with care, you’ll enjoy a smooth, weed-free surface that holds up beautifully through the seasons.
So, when you’re ready to start your paver project, don’t overlook the sand—it’s the hidden hero that holds everything together.
