If you live in Florida, you are familiar with sand. It’s between your toes at the beach, likely under your lawn, and in most photos that anyone posts to Instagram from here.
But when it comes to the sand between your patio or driveway pavers, sand can go beyond natural sand to another manufactured product you might consider.
It’s called polymeric sand and creates a harder, more solid surface between your pavers.
Is polymeric sand better than natural sand for pavers? Not necessarily. While the plastics in polymeric sand make it durable, they can also prevent necessary drainage and leach into the environment.
Keep reading to learn more about polymeric sand vs regular sand.
Once your pavers are laid atop your sturdy base of crushed concrete fines, a layer of sand is added over the top and nestled between each paver.
Fine, dry sand, sometimes called “sweeping sand,” is the most common sand used between pavers. Polymeric sand is a more expensive option.
Unlike natural sand for pavers, this enhanced sand is bound with polymers that cause it to harden after it’s swept into the joints and sprayed with water. That turns it into a more solid surface than regular sand.
Proponents of polymeric sand for pavers say it creates a more durable surface.
Other benefits:
There are a few downsides, actually:
It’s more expensive. Plan on adding an additional $0.85 to $1.25 per square foot for this application. Most homeowners don’t want the extra cost.
Unlike natural paver sand, which drains well, polymeric paver sand can trap moisture in the joints between pavers. When water gets stuck in these areas, it creates a perfect environment for mold and algae to grow.
Although polymeric sand hardens when wet, it doesn’t stay that way forever. Over time, it starts to break down, leaving the joints between your pavers looking uneven and messy.
The plastics in polymeric sand can end up in the environment. Polymeric sand combines regular fine sand and bits of plastic activated by water. It starts out solid but can break down over time, and tiny bits of plastic leach into the soil and the sewer system, eventually entering the water system as micro particles of plastic.
It won’t deter all weeds. While the hard material keeps weeds from poking up from below, that’s not how all weeds get started. Weed seeds come from all over — carried by the wind, in water runoff, by animals. Those seeds from above can still take root in small bits of dirt or sand that accumulate on top of your hardscape.
Polymeric paver sand works best in wider paver joints up to 1.5 inches. Most typical paver projects have narrower spaces between each paver.
Yes! Here at Ground Source, natural sand is our standard material for filling the spaces between pavers.
It works great, is less expensive, and allows great drainage. It can also be easily topped off as needed.
Because natural sand doesn’t harden like polymeric sand, water can easily drain through your patio or driveway. This reduces the chance of moisture getting trapped and helps prevent mold and algae growth.
While the sand between your pavers is crucial to the hardscaping process, it does not do all the work.
Yes, sand helps with drainage, but a proper base shoulders that load, too.
A sturdy layer of crushed concrete called “crushed concrete fines” is installed below your pavers. This recycled concrete aggregate is routinely used as a base for pavers, roads, parking areas and building foundations.
The crushed concrete base beneath your backyard paver patio allows for drainage and helps lock the pavers into place. The base gets to work once water drains through the sand between your pavers.
While polymeric paver sand forms a hard surface to help deter weeds and ants, sealer also does that.
As it sounds, the sealer is the all-important top layer of your paver patio or driveway. It locks in the sand between each paver for a tight fit, keeping your pavers in place.
Sealer prevents fading, helps keep weeds from sprouting, protects pavers from weathering, repels stains, and deters pesky ants from building mounds in the sand.
Paver sealant must be reapplied every few years, adding a new protective coating.
When Ground Source crews apply a new sealer, they also touch up and add new sand between pavers first, making the area seem brand new.
Can regular sand be used for pavers? Absolutely. Don’t diss natural sand. It’s a staple of life here in Florida and does a great job between your driveway or patio pavers.
But whatever sand you choose for your paver project, when you hire a company for pavers and hardscaping in Central Florida, ensure you’re getting a skilled, quality installation that will last.
The best hardscape companies make the whole process go smoothly, from brainstorming ideas at your kitchen table to showing you samples of pavers, walking you through the project, and keeping you informed.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive landscape you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.