Oh, hardscape maintenance – there’s no way to escape from it when it comes to the passage of time. Paving stones are known to be extremely durable even under harsh climates, but heavy foot and wheel traffic can do a load to their underground framework. We’re talking about cracks and fissures, of course. But is there some kind of countermeasure for these eventual problems? Is there such a thing as the best sand for paver cracks, for example?
You’re here today to find out the answer with us – so keep reading until the end.
Read also: How to kill grass between pavers?
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What’s the best sand for paver cracks?
First and foremost: when we say “the best sand for paver cracks”, we’re referring to the material used to fill the gaps between pavers to stabilize them, enhance their durability, and prevent weeds or shifting between their joints. There are two main types of sand commonly recommended for this purpose: polymeric sand and masonry sand. As we’ll see in a bit, regular sand is a cheaper alternative, though it doesn’t perform as well as its counterparts.
This means that sand isn’t meant to fix a cracked paver itself – it’s only used to fill the gaps (joints) between pavers for stability and aesthetics. If an individual paver is cracked, it typically needs to be replaced, not patched with sand.
Why sand can’t fix a cracked paver
Because sand is not a structural material; it provides no strength to repair or hold a broken piece together. A cracked paver compromises the integrity and appearance of the surface – which sand alone cannot address.
What can you do in such a case, then? Well…
The best solution is to remove the damaged paver and install a new one, replacing the faulty unit altogether. In fact, depending on your initial installation, you might even have a few leftover pavers stored somewhere in the house. Now it’s time to use them.
However, if a replacement isn’t immediately possible, you can also use a bonding agent (like adhesives, slurry primers, or silicone adhesives) to temporarily patch the crack, but this is not a long-term solution and often looks unsightly.
Sand’s real role in hardscape: the main types to use for maintenance
As mentioned, sand works to stabilize the surrounding pavers, thus preventing further shifting or gaps. So, while it can’t fix a crack, maintaining the joints with good-quality sand ensures the rest of the surface remains intact and durable.
Check out the 3 main contenders for this task:
Polymeric sand
Polymeric sand is a specialized product made of fine sand mixed with polymer (and sometimes colorful) additives. When activated with water, these polymers bind the grains of sand together, creating a solid yet flexible material that stabilizes the pavers and prevents movement. This property makes polymeric sand an excellent choice for driveways, patios, and other areas with heavy traffic.
It’s particularly valued for its resistance to erosion caused by rain or wind and its ability to deter weeds and insects, such as ants, from invading the joints. Furthermore, its hardened surface creates a sleek and polished appearance, making it a favorite among professionals and homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
Masonry sand
Masonry sand, sometimes called fine aggregate, is a type of sand that has been screened and washed to remove larger particles. This makes it softer and more uniform than regular sand. It’s commonly used to fill paver joints because it’s easy to work with and provides a smooth finish.
However, masonry sand lacks the binding agents found in polymeric sand, which means it’s more susceptible to displacement over time due to heavy traffic or environmental factors like rain and wind. While it doesn’t offer the same level of weed and insect prevention as polymeric sand, it’s a suitable choice for areas with lighter foot traffic or for smaller, decorative hardscape projects where cost efficiency is a priority.
Regular sand
Regular sand, often referred to as play sand or construction sand, is the most basic and widely available type of sand. While it can technically be used to fill paver joints, it is far from ideal for long-term hardscaping projects. Unlike polymeric or masonry sand, regular sand contains larger and irregular grains that don’t compact as tightly, leaving gaps that make the joints less stable.
Additionally, it washes out easily during heavy rains, leading to uneven surfaces and requiring frequent maintenance. It also provides little to no protection against weeds and ants. Regular sand is best reserved for temporary applications or projects where durability and stability are not primary concerns.
Let JS Brick help you choose the right sand!
When selecting sand for your hardscape, consider the specific needs of your project. Here’s what our professionals recommend:
- Polymeric sand is the premium choice for durability, stability, and minimal upkeep, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Masonry sand offers a good balance of affordability and usability for low-traffic or decorative areas.
- Regular sand might be the least expensive, but its lack of stability and weather resistance makes it suitable only for short-term or less critical applications.
Each type of sand has its place in hardscaping – but for most lasting projects, we think that polymeric sand is the clear winner.
At JS Brick, we have 20+ years of experience providing paver installation, supply, and maintenance services in Sarasota and surrounding cities. For a free estimate on paver cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing services, don’t hesitate to leave us a message or a call!
