Why You Should Avoid Using Regular Sand Between Pavers

Running your fingers through soft beach sand or feeling it shift beneath your feet might make you wonder: Why couldn’t this work between my pavers? After all, it’s widely available, inexpensive, and seems like a simple solution for your paver joints.

Over the years, many homeowners have asked this very question. To help clarify, this article will explain why you should avoid using regular sand between your pavers and suggest better alternatives that ensure long-term strength and stability for your outdoor projects. 

Can I Use Regular Sand Between Pavers?

The short answer is no, regular sand isn’t suitable for paver jointing. It lacks the binding agents needed to lock pavers in place, leaving the surface prone to erosion during freeze/thaw cycles, and could cause pavers to settle or shift over time. Additionally, its loose texture creates the perfect environment for weed growth, leading to ongoing maintenance issues that can detract from the look of your patio or driveway.

Types of Joint Paver Sand to Use Instead of Regular Sand

Now that we know regular sand is off the table, let’s explore three proven alternatives that will work best for your paver installation.

Polymeric Sand

The first and most effective option is polymeric sand, which contains a mixture of coarse-grained sand, polymers, and binding agents. This material is swept dry into the joints and activated with a light mist of water to form an airtight seal that prevents weed growth and keeps insects out. 

For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as the application steps may vary depending on the brand you use. In general, you’ll want to sweep the sand evenly across the surface, filling the joints to roughly ⅛” below the rounded or beveled edge of your pavers. Next, clear away any excess sand using a soft-bristle broom or leaf blower before compacting the surface to avoid scuffing. Once compacted, lightly mist the area with a hose fitted with a sprinkler head attachment to activate the binding agents and lock the pavers firmly in place.

In addition to its practical benefits, polymeric sand is available in a variety of colors, giving you the flexibility to accentuate your joint lines with a contrasting tone or seamlessly blend them with your pavers. 

NOTE: While polymeric sand is an excellent and aesthetically pleasing choice for most paver installations, we don’t recommend using it with heavily textured pavers like Il Campo® or Series™, as the deep grooves can trap excess polymer particles.

Regular Jointing Sand

Another common choice is regular jointing sand, made from medium coarse-grained silica. It’s often considered a more budget-friendly option compared to polymeric sand and is primarily used to fill joints and keep pavers locked in place.

If you’re leaning in this direction, it’s worth knowing that jointing sand can be applied in two ways, depending on your project goals. The first is to install it on its own, though this can leave joints vulnerable to erosion, weed growth, and insect infestation over time. That’s why we typically recommend the second approach, which is to install joint sand in combination with a stabilizing sealer. This added layer helps lock the material in place, reduces washout, and blocks weeds from taking root.

If you decide to use a sealer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully, especially when it comes to timing, curing, and protecting the surface while the sealer sets. A quality sealer not only helps resist future staining but also preserves the color and appearance of your pavers over time.

Resin Sand

If you’re looking for a jointing material with a bit more flexibility, resin sand may be the right fit for your project. Made from a mixture of graded sands and resins, this material forms a solid joint when exposed to air. What really sets it apart is its versatility, as it can be installed in either wet or dry conditions, making it a reliable option for areas with unpredictable weather. 

To get the best results, lightly pre-wet the surface before sweeping in your sand, then work the material into the joints using a steady stream of water and a squeegee. Since the installation process involves water, resin sand allows for a modest level of drainage. That said, it’s not designed for true permeable applications. If you’re building a patio or driveway that needs to manage stormwater runoff more effectively, a better choice would be a permeable resin-based alternative in combination with an open-graded base to ensure proper water infiltration.

While regular sand may work well in sandboxes or along the beach, it’s simply not suitable for paver installations. It lacks the durability to withstand the elements and offers little protection against erosion, weed growth, or joint washout.

If you’re unsure which type of paver sand to use for your project, we recommend consulting a Unilock Authorized Contractor. They’ll not only help you choose the right jointing sand but also bring expert knowledge and craftsmanship to give you peace of mind at every stage of your project.