Polymeric Sand vs Regular Sand for Paver Joints Compared

Can you just use regular sand in paver joints? Yes, and for decades that is how pavers were jointed. The real question in polymeric sand vs regular sand is what you want the joint to do after the first heavy rain. Regular jointing sand fills the gap and helps the pavers interlock, but it stays loose. Polymeric sand adds polymer binders that set when you water them in, giving a firm joint that manufacturers say helps resist erosion, weeds and burrowing insects.

Neither is automatically right. Below we compare the two on documented facts from manufacturer data sheets, explain where regular sand still makes sense, and show how to pick a polymeric sand for your joint width if you decide to upgrade.

What regular jointing sand is

Not every bag labeled "sand" is jointing sand. SEK Surebond explains that proper joint sand completes the interlocking of segmental pavers because it is coarse, angular and meets the ASTM C144 specification, which makes it more stable in the joint. Its Paver Jointing Sand is washed, screened and dried, and recommended for joints up to 3/4 in.

Other sands are made for other jobs. Quikrete, for example, describes its All-Purpose Sand as a general use sand that meets ASTM C33 and can serve as underlayment for brick pavers, and its Premium Play Sand as specially graded for children's sandboxes and meant to be kept damp. Neither is sold as a joint sand. If you use plain sand in joints, choose a coarse, angular jointing sand rather than play sand.

What polymeric sand is and how it works

Polymeric sand starts with the same kind of graded sand and adds dry polymer binders. SEK describes its PolySweep as native sands conforming to ASTM C144 blended with polymer binders that, once activated, let the joint expand and contract with extreme heat, cold and freeze and thaw cycles. Hardened joints, SEK says, help prevent sand erosion from rain and run-off, lessen weed growth, deter insect infestation and reduce maintenance.

Alliance says installing its Super Sand Bond is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the water. You sweep it in, compact it, clean the surface, then water it in stages. Once set, Alliance says it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints while still keeping some flexibility.

Polymeric sand vs regular sand side by side

Why regular sand washes out and polymeric sand holds

Loose sand moves with water and wind. Every hard rain and every pass with a hose or leaf blower can pull a little more out of the top of the joint, which is why regular-sand joints tend to sink over time and need topping up. Alliance lists "helps prevent erosion due to wind, rain, and freeze thaw cycles" and "helps prevent weeds and damage caused by burrowing insects" among Super Sand Bond's features, which are exactly the failure points of loose sand.

Polymeric sand only delivers that if it is installed correctly. The joint must be filled to the full depth (1-1/2 in minimum for many products, including PolySweep and Super Sand Bond), compacted, cleaned off the surface, and watered to the full depth. Alliance warns that too little water will not properly activate the sand. Our polymeric and paver sand FAQs cover the common installation questions.

When regular sand still makes sense

In the polymeric sand vs regular sand decision, plain sand is still the sensible choice in a few situations:

• Pavers you plan to lift. Utility access areas or temporary layouts are easier to take apart with loose sand.
• With a joint stabilizing sealer. SEK Surebond describes its Paver Jointing Sand as ideal for use with its joint stabilizing sealers, which SEK says stabilize joint sand while protecting and enhancing the pavers. The SEK Surebond SB-7700 is one example.
• The bedding layer. The layer under the pavers is its own material, set by your base design. Alliance, for example, calls for a maximum of 1 in of bedding sand under pavers jointed with Super Sand Bond.
• Permeable paver systems. Joints in permeable systems are usually filled with open-graded chip aggregate, not polymeric or regular sand. See our resin and permeable jointing sand collection.

Choosing a polymeric sand by joint width

If you switch to polymeric sand, match the product to your joint width and surface. Each product below is rated by its manufacturer for these maximum widths:

See every option side by side on our compare polymeric sands page, and run your area, joint width and depth through the polymeric sand calculator for a bag count.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put polymeric sand over old regular sand?

Not as a thin top layer. Alliance's instructions for existing paver surfaces are to remove the old jointing material, without disturbing the bedding, and install polymeric sand at least 1-1/2 in deep.

Can you seal over regular jointing sand?

Yes, with a joint stabilizing sealer. SEK Surebond pairs its Paver Jointing Sand with its joint stabilizing sealers for that purpose.

How long does polymeric sand last compared with regular sand?

Manufacturers publish warranties rather than lifespans. For example, Alliance offers a 15-year limited residential warranty on Super Sand Bond when its base and installation requirements are met. Base quality, installation and maintenance make the biggest difference.

Is play sand OK for paver joints?

Quikrete describes its play sand as graded for sandboxes. For joints, use a coarse, angular jointing sand such as one meeting ASTM C144, or a polymeric sand.

Does polymeric sand work on every paver?

Only within each product's rated joint width, depth and surfaces. Check the data sheet, and test on a small area first.