Polymeric Sand vs Brick Sand: Which Belongs in Paver Joints

The polymeric sand vs brick sand question comes up on nearly every paver project, usually because brick sand is easy to find and looks similar in the bag. The two materials do different jobs. Brick sand, also called mason sand, is an unbound sand made for mixing mortar. Polymeric sand is graded sand blended with binders that activate with water and lock the joint in place.

For the joints between patio, walkway and driveway pavers, polymeric sand is the material the paver sand manufacturers design for that job, and brick sand is not. Below we compare the two, explain where each one belongs, and cover a middle option if you prefer an unbound joint.

What brick sand is and where it belongs

Brick sand, often sold as mason sand, is a fine natural sand used in masonry mortar. That is where it earns its name. A bagged product such as Quikrete Mortar Mix already combines masonry cement and graded sand and is designed, in Quikrete's words, for laying brick, concrete masonry units and stone.

It is also not the sand the manufacturers call for under pavers. Alliance's Gator Maxx G2 data sheet specifies C-33 sand or ASTM No. 9 stone for the bedding layer, at a maximum of 1 in. SEK's PolySweep data sheet calls for a concrete sand setting bed that conforms to ASTM C33. So brick sand is neither the specified bedding material nor a jointing material. Its job is mortar.

What polymeric sand is

Polymeric sand combines graded sand with polymer binders. You sweep it into the joints dry, compact it, then wet it, and the binder sets. SEK describes its PolySweep as a blend of sands conforming to ASTM C144, a gradation of fractured, angular particles of different sizes, which it says creates the structure that interlocks the joint once the polymers cure. SEK says the cured joint can expand and contract with heat, cold and freeze thaw cycles.

Manufacturers describe the benefits in similar terms. Alliance lists weed and burrowing insect prevention and erosion resistance. Techniseal says its SmartSand inhibits weed growth, deters ants and other insects, and eliminates joint erosion from water, frost heaving, wind and power washing. You can compare products in our polymeric sand collection.

Polymeric sand vs brick sand, side by side

Question	Brick (mason) sand	Polymeric sand
Binder	None	Polymer binder activated by water
Joint after installation	Loose sand	Firm joint that sets after watering and drying
Weeds and insects	No resistance of its own	Manufacturers say it helps prevent or inhibits weeds and insects
Joint depth	No published requirement	Commonly 1-1/2 in minimum; check your product
Weather at installation	Not weather dependent	Dry surface and a dry window after watering; temperatures set by each product
Main use	Mortar for brick, block and stone	Paver, slab and natural stone joints

Each polymeric sand is rated for a joint width range. For example, Alliance rates Gator Super Sand G2 for joints up to 2 in and says it works above 32°F and is rain safe 15 minutes after water activation. Techniseal SmartSand is rated from 1/16 in to 1 in and needs temperatures above 32°F for 48 hours after installation. Check the data sheet for yours.

A middle option: joint sand plus a joint stabilizing sealer

If you want an unbound sand in the joint, there is a better choice than brick sand. SEK's Paver Jointing Sand is a washed, screened and dried angular sand that meets ASTM C144, recommended for joints up to 3/4 in. SEK describes it as ideal for use with its joint stabilizing sealers.

Joint stabilizing sealers are applied over the whole surface and help bind the top of the sand joint. Options include SEK Surebond SB-1300, a matte finish joint stabilizing sealer, and SRW JS Joint Stabilizer, which SRW's catalog lists at up to 120 sq ft per gallon. Techniseal's NS, JS and JSW sealers are also sold as all in one sealers and joint stabilizers.

Switching from brick sand to polymeric sand

You cannot top off a brick sand joint with polymeric sand and expect it to bond. Alliance's instructions for an existing paver surface say to remove the existing jointing material without disturbing the bedding underneath, then install the polymeric sand at least 1-1/2 in deep into dry joints.

1. Clean out the old sand to the depth your new product requires.
2. Let the pavers and joints dry completely.
3. Choose a sand rated for your widest joint, and confirm the color with polymeric sand color samples.
4. Sweep, compact and refill until the joints are full, then set the sand level about 1/8 in below the paver surface or the bottom of the chamfer, as Alliance, Techniseal and SEK all specify.
5. Clean the surface and water exactly as the bag directs.

Our polymeric sand calculator works out how many bags your joint width, depth and area will take.

Where polymeric sand is not the right material

Settling polymeric sand vs brick sand for your paver joints does not mean polymeric sand fits every joint on the property. Manufacturers exclude a few uses:

• Vertical joints and mortar work. SEK says not to use PolySweep on vertical applications or as a substitute for mortar.
• Pool coping. Alliance says mortar is mandatory for pool coping units, while the rest of the paver area around the pool can use its polymeric sand.
• Constantly wet or submerged surfaces. Techniseal says its jointing sands are not for use on submerged or constantly wet surfaces.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use brick sand between pavers?

You can physically sweep it in, but it has no binder, so it stays loose and can wash or blow out. If you want an unbound joint, an ASTM C144 joint sand with a joint stabilizing sealer is a closer match to what manufacturers recommend.

Does polymeric sand stop weeds completely?

Manufacturers use careful wording: Alliance says it helps prevent weeds, Techniseal says it inhibits weed growth, and SEK says it lessens weed growth. Seeds can still land on top of joints, so routine cleaning still matters.

Can you put polymeric sand over old brick sand?

No. Remove the old material first. Alliance calls for polymeric sand to be installed at least 1-1/2 in deep into clean, dry joints.

Can brick sand be used as the bedding layer?

The data sheets we carry call for C-33 concrete sand or ASTM No. 9 stone under the pavers, not mason sand. Follow your paver manufacturer's specification.

Is polymeric sand good for natural stone and porcelain?

Many products are rated for them, but not all. SEK rates PolySweep for concrete, clay and wet cast pavers, natural stone and porcelain tile, while Techniseal SmartSand is designed for interlocking concrete pavers. Check the product's listed surfaces.