SEK Paver Jointing Sand: Plain ASTM C-144 Joint Sand Guide

Not every joint wants polymeric sand. Sometimes the specification calls for clean, graded jointing sand that completes the interlock and nothing more, with no polymer, no hardening and no cure window. SEK Surebond Paver Jointing Sand is that sand: washed, screened and dried to ASTM C-144, which SEK notes is the same gradation standard its polymeric products are built on, for joints up to 3/4 in.

This guide covers what plain jointing sand actually does in a segmental pavement, how it differs from a polymeric sand, the specifications SEK publishes, when to choose it over PolySweep or PS1500, what the product page says about installation, and how to size the job, using figures from the SEK Surebond Paver Jointing Sand product page. Where the product page does not state a figure, we say so and point you to the manufacturer documents in our TDS and SDS library.

What SEK Paver Jointing Sand is

SEK Surebond Paver Jointing Sand is the plain member of the SEK jointing family. Segmental pavement gets its strength from interlock, and interlock only happens when the joints are full. The sand transfers load from paver to paver so the field behaves as one surface rather than a collection of loose blocks. That structural job is separate from the weed and washout resistance a polymeric sand adds. Here is how the three SEK options compare:

Feature	SEK Paver Jointing Sand	SEK PolySweep polymeric sand	SEK PS1500
What it is	Plain washed, screened and dried sand	Polymeric sand	Ready to use permeable jointing compound
Polymer content	None	Yes, hardens in place	Compound, ready to use
Structural interlock	Yes	Yes	Yes, and the joint stays permeable
Resists washout, weeds and insects	No, needs maintenance	Yes	Resists weeds and insects, joint drains
Cure window	None	Yes, watered to activate	Cures, installs with water
Gradation standard	ASTM C-144	ASTM C-144	Not stated

SEK describes the jointing sand as correct gradation, not builders sand, and points out that dry sand actually sweeps into a joint, which is why the washing, screening and drying matter. For a fuller discussion of the trade off, read polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver joints and polymeric sand vs brick sand.

SEK Paver Jointing Sand specifications

Specification	Per the SEK product page
Product type	Washed paver jointing sand
Manufacturer	SEK Surebond
Standard	Meets ASTM C-144
Processing	Washed, screened and dried
Joint width	Up to 3/4 in
Package	50 lb bag, 56 bags per pallet
Colors	Tan, Gray and Platinum
Polymer content	None, this is plain jointing sand

The product page does not list a coverage figure, a minimum joint depth, or an installation temperature, and because there is no polymer there is no rain safe or cure time to list. The only manufacturer document SEK publishes for it is the safety data sheet, which is in our TDS and SDS library. The jointing sand color samples show the three colors against your pavers.

Where to use it (and where not to)

SEK says the choice comes down to whether the joints will be maintained and whether you are sealing afterward. Plain jointing sand is the right call when:

• The specification calls for sand, not polymeric sand.
• You plan to stabilize the joint with a sealer afterward. Our how to seal pavers guide covers that sequence.
• The joints will be maintained, meaning someone will top them up over time.
• The joint is up to 3/4 in wide, the standard paver joint width.

Where it is the wrong call: any joint you expect to resist washout, weeds and ants on its own. SEK is clear that plain sand does the structural job perfectly and does not do the rest. For a joint that hardens in place, use SEK Surebond PolySweep, which SEK rates for joints to 3/4 in as well; for a joint that needs to drain, use SEK PS1500 or SRW WetLok Permeable Jointing Sand, which comes premixed and stays permeable after it sets. Joints wider than 3/4 in are outside this product's rating; within the SEK family that is where PolySweep X-Treme Wide Joint comes in.

The product page does not state a base type, a surface list or a traffic rating for the jointing sand, so we do not either. Tell us the job and we will give you a straight answer: call (856) 418-4895 or use the contact page.

How to install SEK Paver Jointing Sand

SEK does not publish a numbered procedure for the jointing sand on the product page, and with no polymer there is no activation step. The sequence the product page supports is short:

1. Confirm the joint. Joints should be no wider than 3/4 in, and the pavers should be laid and restrained before you sweep.
2. Sweep the dry sand in. SEK's point about washed, screened and dried sand is that dry sand actually sweeps into a joint, so keep the bag dry until you use it.
3. Fill the joints completely. Interlock only happens when the joints are full, and a partly filled joint does not transfer load from paver to paver.
4. Sweep the surface clean. With no polymer there is no haze risk, but sand left on the surface is wasted.
5. Seal afterward if that is the plan. SEK lists stabilizing the joint with a sealer afterward as one of the reasons to choose plain sand. Follow the sealer's own instructions for timing and application.
6. Top up over time. Plain sand does not resist washout, so check the joints and add sand as they settle.

Compaction, watering and joint depth requirements are not stated by SEK for this product, so follow your paver manufacturer's installation guidance for those. Our how to install paver sand article covers the bedding layer and the general jointing sequence.

How much SEK Paver Jointing Sand you need

The SEK product page does not publish coverage per 50 lb bag for the jointing sand, so we do not state a figure. What we can say is that the volume of the joints is what you are filling, and that depends on paver size, joint width and joint depth. Measure those three and run them through our polymeric sand calculator for the joint volume, then plan to keep a bag or two on hand for the topping up SEK says plain sand needs. If you are close to a bag boundary, call (856) 418-4895 with your square footage and joint size.

Warranty and testing

SEK states that the jointing sand meets ASTM C-144 specifications and is washed, screened and dried. The product page does not state a warranty term or additional lab results, so we do not claim any. The safety data sheet opens from the manufacturer, so you always get the current revision, and it is listed in our TDS and SDS library.

Frequently asked questions

Does SEK Paver Jointing Sand harden?

No. SEK states it has no polymer content. It is plain jointing sand with no hardening and no cure window.

What is ASTM C-144?

It is the sand gradation standard SEK lists for this product, and SEK notes it is the same gradation standard its polymeric products are built on. It means correct gradation, not builders sand.

Will it stop weeds and ants?

No. SEK says plain jointing sand does not resist washout, weeds or ants, so it needs topping up over time. If you want that resistance, use PolySweep polymeric sand or, for a draining joint, PS1500 or SRW WetLok.

Can I seal over it?

Yes. SEK lists stabilizing the joint with a sealer afterward as one of the reasons to choose plain sand. Follow the sealer's instructions for timing.

How wide a joint can it fill?

Up to 3/4 in, which SEK calls the standard paver joint width. Wider joints need a product rated for them.