If you’re installing pavers for your patio, walkway, driveway or other project, it is important you understand the best sand to use for the different part of your paver project.
First you must understand that all paver projects are made up of different layers of material. The layers breakdown like this, from bottom to top:
Sub-Base
This is the deepest layer of your project, typically consisting of the natural soil, clay, rock or sand that is native in the region. This layer gets compacted with machines.
Base Layer
It is recommended that you include a compacted base layer of crushed gravel after the sub-base. The rocks in this gravel can be roughly 3/8″ – 3/4″ thick and the layer itself should be about 4″ thick. This layer absorbs ground tension and prevents frost damage to your paver project.
Sand-Set Paver Base
Also called a dense graded base, this is the most common base layer and 1s extremely durable. The pavers are laid into this layer which helps absorb the natural shifting and movement of the pavers when in use. There are other, less popular alternative bases like Open Grade base which uses 1/4″ gravel and new Synthetic Base products made from rubber or plastic.
Paver Surface
The paver surface is simply the layer of pavers that make up your patio, walkway or driveway. Pavers are typically made from natural stone, brick or concrete.
Paver Joint Sand
When constructing a paver installation project with a sand-set base, you must use sand between the pavers to absorb horizontal shifting and movement. The paver joint sand helps keep the pavers in place by tightening the gaps between them. Paver joint sand is added after the Paver Surface layer.
Why Sand is Important for Pavers
Sand is the most common base and joint option for paver projects, and for good reason. This is why sand is important for your paver project:
1. Prevents movement and erosion
2. Stops water going down to the base
3. Prevents weeds from growing up
Best Sand for Your Paver Project
Concrete Sand: Best for Paver Base
Concrete Sand is the best sand for laying your base sand layer. It is extremely coarse which helps with even compaction and aids in proper drainage. Concrete Sand lifts up into the cracks between the pavers during installation which helps lock the pavers in place. Polymeric Sand can work for the base as well, though Concrete Sand 1s most ideal. The characteristics that make for great paver base layer sand are:
• Coarse
• 1/8″ particle size
• Angular edges
Polymeric Sand: Best for Paver Joints
Polymeric Sand was created specifically for paver jointing use, so it is totally optimized for strengthening your paver project and improving durability. Polymeric Sand hardens when wet for the first time, creating a stronger jointing layer between each paver. The particles tend to be smaller, which actually creates more contact area between each particle. This makes a denser barrier to help prevent weeds growing through the paver joints, which can harm the integrity and aesthetic of your paver project.
The Biggest Mistake to Avoid
Never set your paver project on top of dirt without adding the proper layers, as outlined above. Dirt does not drain well and using dirt as your base without gravel and sand can cause your pavers to shift, sink and swell with weather. Additionally, the gravel and sand layering allows you to create a much more level surface for your patio, walkway or driveway and even control the grade and direction of flow for drainage.
How much sand do you need?
The best way to find out is to use Hello Gravel’s free aggregate calculator.
Calculate Your Project Now
Where to get sand for your paver project?
You can work with us here at Hello Gravel to find the best sand price for your paver project. To get in touch with us you can:
Call us at +1(602)-456 6714
Fill out a quote form here
View real pricing on our Marketplace here
References:
https://tuscanypavers.com/blog/sand-for-concrete-pavers/#:~:text=Concrete%20sand%20is%20the%20proper,leveled%2C%20locking%20them%20into%20place.
https://wcpavers.com/what-kind-of-sand-goes-under-pavers/
Related Articles:
10 Creative Gravel Ideas for Your Backyard
