How Do I Install & Apply Polymeric Sand?

So, spiffing up your patio, driveway, walkway, or retaining wall is on your DIY to-do list. Walk around your property and see where weeds and ant hills poke up through the pavers and know that polymericsandstore.com has the perfect product to smooth over the cracks and seal those spaces. . . polymeric sand. This project requires skill, patience, the right materials, and time. Read directions, check online, consult our pros – and do it right!

If you like your current pavers, start by thoroughly cleaning out the spaces between pavers. Remove all dirt and debris so the polymeric sand forms a strong bond. If you opt for new pavers, take out the old ones and prepare the area properly. Polymeric sand is designed to fuse the pavers together for a smooth finish and a clean space. When installed properly it is weed-resistant and forms a great bond. It can be a little tricky to use, so here are some tips from the pros:

1. Read all directions and ask for help if you need it.
2. Completely clean out spaces and joints between pavers if planning to use existing pavers.
3. Make sure the underlying surface you are going to add pavers to has been properly prepared and proper tools are on hand.
4. The spaces between pavers can be less than 1 inch, so allow some space so the polymeric sand can properly fill and adhere to the joints and seams of the pavers.
5. Apply polymeric sand in dry or damp weather, but not while it is actively raining. While polymeric sand needs water to bond, too much water will cause it to wash away before it can bond to the pavers.
6. “Topping off” an already paved area with polymeric sand is not recommended. Remove old product and clean out spaces between existing pavers; use fresh product to make sure the bond is solid. It is fine to use the pavers that are already in place as long as you clean out the connecting spaces.
7. Use top quality polymeric sand to prevent a haze or film on the patio pavers.
8. Tamp down the sand after sweeping it into the crevices so that it gets into every open space for secure bond. This sweep over/tamp down process may have to be done more than once.
9. Consider using a leaf blower on low speed to blow sand grains off the surface of the pavers BEFORE adding water.
10. Add water carefully, following manufacturer’s instructions. Too much water will wash away the grains of sand and too little water will prevent a bond from forming.
11. When properly installed, polymeric sand lasts about 10 years. By adding a sealer on top of the pavers and sand, some installations can last up to 15 years.