What Sand to Use for Pavers?
Pavers are great materials for embellishing outdoor areas due to their beauty and simplicity. They are also readily available and can be installed in a pattern that suits your preference using sand, base stone, and joint grouting materials. So, what sand to use for pavers to ensure proper installation?
What Sand to Use for Pavers?
The ideal sand to use during paver installation is concrete sand. Concrete sand is the most recommended sand by experts for paver installation due to its quality and durability. It is coarse sand that ensures a flatter surface, strength, tighter compaction, and proper drainage. Pavers installed using this type of sand can last many years without shifting or wobbling.
Concrete sand is great for installing pavers because it does not hold nutrients and water that can lead to the growth of plants and molds. Remember that when pavers have gaps, weeds, and plants can grow between the pavers can cause them to shift, leading to costly repairs. That is why you need to starve them (plants) by using sand that does not retain moisture and has zero nutrients.
It is every homeowner's dream to have correctly installed pavers. This ensures pavers last longer, hence reducing repair costs. That is why Aviara Pavers is here to do the job for you using high-quality sand. We also follow ICPI standards and certifications for all driveway, pool decks, and patio installations. Contact us and get your pavers installed to the required standard.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing Sand for Your Pavers?
Remember that there are many types of sand in the market, and getting one that will help do the job perfectly depends on various factors. You don't want to purchase a certain type of sand that will make your pavers shift over time. The following are some of the factors to consider:
The Grain Size of the Sand
You need quality sand to keep the pavers compact and drain water easily. Therefore, your sand should be coarse enough to drain water quickly and provide stability. This will help pavers stay compact and prevent shifting.
However, the sand should not be too coarse as this can also interfere with the stability. An ideal size should have a diameter of between ⅛ and ¼ inches.
Availability of the Sand
This is another crucial factor that you must put into consideration. You need to purchase paver sand that is within your reach. This will help you get it easily when repairing a broken or shifted paver. It also saves transportation costs since you will get it from the local supplier.
Another reason you need readily available sand is to avoid using different types of sand in the same area. You must continue using the sand you used when laying the foundation, as it perfectly matches your pavers. Using different colors will make the area look unsightly.
Cost of the Sand
Price is always a factor when choosing any building materials, not only sand for pavers. It is advisable to compare prices from different dealers to get one within your budget. Remember that price sometimes determines quality. Cheap sand may mean that it is of low quality. However, there is an exception to this, as you can still find cheap quality material.
You can always share samples with Aviara Pavers experts to advise you on one to purchase. Our experts have been in this industry for a long time and will guide you on which sand suits your pavers. Don’t hesitate to contact us when unsure of the sand to purchase.
Compatibility With Paver Type
Most pavers are created with chemical additives and can work well with certain types of sand for optimal installation. For instance, you may find that certain pavers require coarse sand while others need fine ones for easy installation. The best way to stay in the know is to read the manufacturer's instructions or seek expert guidance.
What Are the Different Types of Sand for Paver Joints?
Besides using sand to lay the foundation for your pavers, you can also use it on the joints to help prolong the lifespan. Here are some of the sand to use in between pavers:
Mason’s sand: This type of sand has fine particles, making it ideal for use on the pavers' surface. It is the commonly used sand for paver joints
Polymeric sand: Polymeric sand is typically used between the pavers. It is a compact and less permeable sand that comes in different colors. This means that you can buy a color that suits your preference. The sand also contains additives that reduce the growth of weeds and insect infestation.
Concrete sand: Most contractors use this sand to lay the base due to its large particles. However, some companies use it to fill the pavers joint. It is widely used in areas with heavy traffic
Joint sand: This type of sand is typically manufactured for paver joints. It is manufactured by mixing cement and sand. The only drawback to this sand is that it is expensive to maintain
Related Questions
Can You Use Regular Sand for Pavers?
Yes, you can use regular sand between the pavers to help them bind together. It is advisable to use sharp-grained sand since they bind together. Also, ensure you filter them first to remove nutrients and moisture content.
Can You Mix Cement With Sand for Pavers?
Yes, you can mix cement with sand for pavers in a ratio of 4:1. The result will be ideal sand that can be used between pavers to prevent shifting and wobbling. Always ensure you don't add any water to this mixture, as it will form concrete.
How Deep Should Sand Be for Pavers?
The depth of the sand varies depending on the project you are undertaking. However, the most recommended depth is one inch or 0.1667 feet. You can always use the formula “area of the project” multiplied by 0.1667 feet to calculate the paver sand needed(in cubic feet)
Conclusion
Sand is an important material when installing pavers. Choosing the right sand for paver installation ensures stability and longevity. Therefore, you must understand the differences between paver sand and their specific roles to make an informed decision. This way, you will rest assured that you have done the correct thing.