Quality sand makes all the difference when creating cost-efficient and long-lasting paved surfaces. With the right sand choice, you’ll uncover the secret to executing durable projects that withstand the test of time.
Read on to learn about the different sand options and their benefits for your paving needs. Knowing what each type contributes to stability, longevity, and visual appeal will allow you to make informed decisions leading to successful outcomes.
Choosing Your Sand Base
The foundation of every solid paving project begins with the base layer of sand you select. Concrete sand, also known as paving sand or washed concrete sand, is a reliable option. Due to their angular shape, concrete sand particles fit snugly together, creating a sturdy surface base that can withstand pressure and keep everything firmly in place.
Superior drainage is also a huge plus with concrete sand, which prevents erosion and protects the overall integrity of your paving stones. Durability and strength define concrete sand, making it a top pick for paver bases.
Polymeric sand offers an advanced alternative featuring a blend of fine sand combined with binding additives. When wet, the polymers activate and harden sealing joints, inhibiting weed growth between residential and commercial pavers.
The result is an enhanced, interlocking finish that offers protection against erosion and insects. Polymeric sand’s ease of application makes it an excellent choice for DIY projects. However, concrete sand is a better solution for heavy-duty driveway and parking lot needs, providing optimal results.
Laying Your First Course of Pavers
Once you establish a flat, level, and compact base layer of concrete or polymeric sand, the next step involves pouring your bedding sand. Also termed ‘sharp sand’, this coarse-grained layer offers stability as you place and set pavers.
Allow a minimum 1-inch depth of bedding sand and smooth it with a rake to create an even, consistent layer before laying the pavers. The angular shape keeps them from sliding around, allowing ideal placement control.
Pour additional courses of bedding sand to maintain a steady base as the paver installation progresses. Proper bedding sand selection and application prevent sinking and shifting for quality, long-term results.
Filling Gaps With Polymeric Sand for Best Performance
After the paver setting process finishes, gaps between them must be filled properly to lock everything together. Polymeric sand is the best choice, featuring fine grains and binding agents that solidify when wet for durable performance. Sweeping polymeric sand across the paved surface presses it deeply into all joints.
Follow with misting water to activate the polymers, creating solid joints that withstand weathering and pressure washing without displacing them. Weed growth is also inhibited, leaving just clean, seamless paver lines behind. Fine polymeric sand works perfectly for narrow joints, keeping everything sturdily in place for decades and maintaining both beauty and functionality.
Proper Compaction Makes All the Difference
A fundamental step that makes or breaks paver results involves proper compaction throughout the installation process. After preparing your compacted base layer, run a plate compactor over the smoothed bedding sand layer before paver placement. Use a rubber pad attachment to prevent scratches.
Compact in several directions, watching the sand flatten and harden. Lay pavers directly onto the compacted bedding sand repeating the process on the entire paved surface. Compact again after sweeping and misting polymeric sand across gaps.
Proper compression bonds the sand layers and stabilizes pavers in place so they withstand heavy use without shifting. Perfect compaction techniques lead to flawless lasting results that protect your paving investment.
Specialized Sands Create Modern Luxury Finishes
For contemporary designs and richer visual appeal, specialized colored sands add to paver joint aesthetics. Kiln-dried, dust-free colored sands minimize fading and preserve their vivid hues for years, adding artisan quality and exclusive elegance to all paving projects.
Or, consider luminous glow-in-the-dark sands, which offer an artistic flair along walkways and landscape accents that shine brilliantly once the sun goes down. Mix and match for custom color blends.
Colored sands maintain essential joint durability while elevating ordinary paver appearances to new stylish heights, perfect for modern applications or adding dramatic flair to traditional spaces. Upgrade overall design with specialized luxury sands that are customized to your personality and vision.
Protecting Beauty and Function With Proper Maintenance
Preserve the quality workmanship of paved investments, including residential driveways, commercial parking facilities, and more, by maintaining their integrity properly over time. Sweep away dirt, leaves, and debris frequently to prevent buildup within paver joints, which can lead to sinking and weed growth.
Spot clean oil drips or tire marks using eco-friendly cleaners and rinse thoroughly. Periodically replenish eroded joint sand to keep everything perfectly filled and add to structural reinforcement.
Most importantly, any cracked, broken, or significantly settled pavers should be addressed immediately through prompt replacement and joint refilling for a seamless, uniform appearance that protects safety and visual design. With proper care, your paving masterpiece will maintain optimal beauty and performance for decades.
Call Barclays Earth Depot Today for Professional Paving Sand Sourcing and Guidance
Barclay’s Earth Depot is a premier sand supplier that provides quality aggregates to support construction applications. Our experienced staff offers insightful guidance to help you through the material selection process, which is essential for the success of any paving project. Contact us today at (941) WE-DIG-IT or online to get quality sand, resulting in a stunning yet cost-effective paving project.
