Paver base is a coarse, rough-edged gravel aggregate. With surging adoption of polymeric sand in various applications, the overall market is projected to grow at 7. The sand used when building a paver patio or walk is a coarse builder's sand, with pieces ranging in size from 0. Polymeric sand is an effective alternative to a quick-fix mason sand solution, which tends to be little more than a temporary fix for concealing weeds and refreshing the appearance of one’s patio. I guess polymeric sand was used simply for speed of application (and a continuous look to the mortar). It forms a. Polymeric sand was first introduced to the hardscaping industry about a dozen years ago, and we at Stonehenge started using it as soon as it was available in this market. Sold by Even Bahat and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Water Permeability. Ft. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is impervious. Or wait until after a rainfall softens the material or run a sprinkler on. However, adding polymeric sand to pea gravel can help keep the gravel in place. . The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Exactly how fine stone dust is, however, depends on the exact stone dust you get, as some may be finer than others. Polymeric sand is not measured by strength; there is no accepted industry test method to test for the strength and durability of polymeric sand. This makes polymeric sand more durable and longer lasting than some alternatives. Sand Base. Specializing in the restoration of Interlock Paving Stones. Step 2: Gather Your Materials. Today, we want to take a quick look at six polymeric sand alternatives that you may want to use instead. That process will give you the best long term patio. A cost-effective alternative to HP Nextgel for smaller-duty jobs. Suppliers may call it Class 5, crusher rock, road bed gravel or 3/4 minus gravel. This is the most common polymeric sand replacement for many because of its easy accessibility. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic during this process to allow the sand to be fully set. Polymeric sand. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer. As the name implies, the Polymeric Sand is a mixture of the fine sands that are combined with polymers and other additives. Brush the polymeric sand into the gaps between the. In conclusion, there are several alternatives to polymeric sand that you can use between pavers. You may also be able to buy stone dust at your local Lowes or. A fine grade of sand, such as joint or play sand, or rock dust is not suitable for laying pavers. THE POOL AND DECK SLIDESHOW. It takes 24 hours for the polymeric sand to cure. Step 1. It is swept into the gaps between the pavers, which are then compacted to ensure the sand is distributed easily. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. Use. It’s that simple. This process may be. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is not a black-or-white issue. You'll discover that the alternatives can give durable and long-lasting solutions while using fewer. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. The sand needs to be very fine and smooth. As an alternative, you can try. All pavers require sand. cmirrer Discussion starter. However, it is more economical and. Skim off the top layer of grass and topsoil (about 3/4-inch) in the area where you plan on installing the pavers. Builder's Sand. Garden hose. Density : 2. A depth of 8 inches is suitable for 4 inches of gravel, 1 inch of paver sand, and pavers that are approximately 3 inches thick. Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand (Beige) 50 Lb Bg with Home and Country USA's Professional Contractor Tip. Polymeric. Incorrect application of polymeric sand ruins the pavers. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. This product is ideal for stabilizing joints and gaps between pavers, providing professional-grade results with its revolutionary ceramic flex technology. This will ensure that your project remains in good condition and is constructed properly. FREE delivery. 5 – 9 Bags. Once cured, polymeric sand will create a strong and durable bond between pavers, reducing the risk of weeds and insect infestation. 2. Unlike polymeric sand, natural sand is not permanent and is easy to. Go with SAKRETE, The Pros Choice since 1936. 7 inches and a speed of 72. com. For starters, it strengthens the bond between the pavers. Polymeric sand is definitely more expensive than the jointing sand alternative, but it does hold some advantages especially if you do not opt to use a joint stabilizing sealer. Polymer sand will help seal the gaps and keep the weeds growing. $ Joint-It Simple Grey Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey Retail $135. The sand is then swept away from the top of the pavers, and. This type of sand was developed specifically to be used with paver joints to ensure everything can be held in place. • Compact sand into joint spaces as thoroughly as possible. For professional pavers and hard landscapers, this is a revolutionary jointing sand that is an incredible alternative to polymeric sand. No doubt many patios and walkways were done with sand before polymerics came along. $134. Polymeric sand is a product specially developed for paver joints. Blocks weed growth and resists insect. The weather forecast is an important factor in the installing of polymeric sand. ). 5 bags of sand : 1 bag of cement. Our HP Nextgel Polymeric Jointing Sand offers unsurpassed joint stabilization, even in high humidity areas, sloping terrain, and high vehicular traffic regions. But if you're working with larger, natural stones with irregular. Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. When you wet polymeric sand, polymers are activated. sprinklers, etc. The chemical sand consolidation methods involve pumping of chemical materials, like furan resin and silicate non-polymer materials into unconsolidated sandstone formations, in order to minimize sand production with the fluids produced from the hydrocarbon reservoirs. Volume solids are the ratio of the pigments to resins in a paint. Ive never seen it laid with spacers, unless the gaps are to be filled with grout. 4. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. You will also need some sort of tool that is thin enough to fit into the crack, so you can compact the sand. Ivory. Deters ants and other insects. 4 inches x 17. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. 6 Alternatives to Gravel Driveways: Pros & Cons; 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives: Pros & Cons (with Pictures) Featured Image Credit: Mitchell Luo, Unsplash. Answer: Paving sand is the name given to sand used for paving, which is indicated in the name of the item. Water the sand according to the directions. Sandbox Drainage. If you are sealing it anyway, that might do the trick if the gap is small enough. For most projects with a joint of 1 inch or less, such as square or geometric stone pavers, Eurostone polymeric sand is a great option. After hardening, it is resistant to washing out, prevents ant hills and weed growth , and locks the paver installation, preventing pavers from coming loose and making the patio or. Product Details. This paper floats an idea of utilizing alternative fine aggregates/MS, which is a foreseeable material that can swap river sand in the construction industry. If you want to apply polymeric sand in between your pavers, you are going to need the following tools and materials: Polymeric sand. Overall durability. You can get this sand almost anywhere since it is used heavily in construction projects. Pros of polymeric sand. com How We Chose the Best Polymeric Sands To provide a. I had interlock installed beside my pool, and while I was cleaning it the other day a good deal of the sand got in the pool. After all, polymeric sand as a paver base has a huge cost-benefit behind it, hence its high demand on the market. It took me a while to understand the importance of following the instructions that are included on your bags of sand. Longevity and warranty. Alternatives to polymeric sand are made with formulae suitable for your hardscaping projects. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. The sand base doesn’t need to be compacted. 7 out of 5 stars 24. 99. The utilization of this sand, however, raises certain concerns. Pickup / Delivery. Sweep the sand between the joints with a push broom. However, if you used an ICPI-recommended hybrid or open-graded base with 3/4" angular stone as a base and 3/16" angular chips as the bedding material then. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. The polymer modified sand hardens as it dries. Free estimates &. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. Alliance Gator Maxx Intelligent Polymeric Sand - Best for Preventing Erosion & Damage Caused by Insect Infestation. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Neutral. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. If your outdoor space incorporates various themes or styles, consider opting for neutral polymeric sand tones. Polymeric sand, which is a special blend of fine sand and bonding additives, is the solution to this type of problem. Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. At first the paver sand looked great in those cracks…. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. Polymer fortified to lock joint sand in place. However, there are a lot of alternatives to play sand, like washed concrete or polymeric sand. 97. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. Free Ship-to-Store. If there is still some light haze remaining, you can use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the sand and remove the haze. 5 mm to 2. One of the biggest differences here is that polymeric sand is not water permeable. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". Technical details. Sand is an integral part of most outdoor projects. Just like all-purpose sand, polymeric sand comes in a wide range of colors. makes the pavers move less under your feet. If a polymeric sand is too hard, it can also make it too brittle, causing cracking from ground movement. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. It’s that simple. Skip to main content Skip to Footer. Polymeric sand is definitely more expensive than the jointing sand alternative, but it does hold some advantages especially if you do not opt to use a joint stabilizing sealer. 7 Results Found. The technology to crush glass into a material equivalent to sand does exist and is already in use, for example as an alternative to sand for pool filters. Specifications. Remove all excess EZ Sand from surface of project before wetting to prevent staining. Both polymeric sand and stone dust are very fine materials. You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. Extend your season and get your jobs done this year! Don't worry about drying out your pavers to start filling. For best results, apply with funnel or bag to insert EZ Sand directly into joints. The best way to fix polymeric sand haze is to take a garden hose and spray the affected area with water. This is your ultimate guide to buying the Best Polymeric Sand Alternative. This is why it is quickly becoming a preferred alternative to polymeric sand. By adding the right amount of water to the soil, the pores are filled, allowing the soil to settle and compact more easily. EZ Sand 40 lbs. By first installing the counter-ridging, you prevent your pavers from slipping. Extend your season and get your jobs done this year! Don't worry about drying out your pavers to start filling. One major factor to consider before choosing the sand for your paver is its binding power. Model #: 40100398. You’ll have to spread the paver leveling sand on top and around the pipes and screed it with the 2×4. It is one of a few different jointing compounds available on the market to fill the joints of pavers for the purpose of achieving horizontal interlock in the interlocking concrete pavement. Alternatives to polymeric sand, such as regular sand or stone dust, are available. Using Polyermic Sand has many advantages. Polymeric sand is designed to seal joints between pavers, stone, or fieldstone patios and deter weeds and ants from infiltrating these spaces. Polymeric sand for filling paver joints. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. Also, do not try to fill up the joint partially with a less expensive material and then topping it off with polymeric sand to save a dollar. Wider joints will require more time to harden. Some excavation companies also sell it, along with the crushed stone, sand, gravel, bricks, flagstones, etc. , it hardens when it dries. Deck paint would cetainly seal it. The installation of Gator Supersand Bond is almost identical to using. 10 Pound Titanium Gray DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Ceramic Flex Technology for Stabilizing Paver Joints/Gaps, 1/8” up to 4”, Professional Grade Results. deep. 98. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. 99 (125) Model# 02-0332. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. For smaller-duty installations, Techniseal offers paver experts a cost-effective alternative. Cement is an inexpensive, durable, and reliable alternative to polymeric sand. And polymeric sand is a type of sand used as a form of paver sand. It's economical, versatile and easy to work with. Light a test fire once your sand has been evenly spread. Model # 40100398 Item # 134783 UPC 00742786915221. 256 sqr ft. Filter Balls are reusable and eco-friendly. My Mulch Glue & Polymeric Sand Review (One Year Later) August 28, 2023. When you have wider gaps, like with a flagstone patio, more sand will be required to fill them. Are there viable alternatives to sand or polymeric sand? I've seen a popular YouTuber state that his company (operating in the northern US) doesn't use polymeric sand. Check Price on Amazon. The dryer the pavers are, the better the job’s going to turn out. EZ Sand is a mixture of sand and special additives that hardens with moisture for paving stone joints. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. In order to implement the goal, we recommend you use a non-selective herbicide. For best results, apply with funnel or bag to insert EZ Sand directly into joints. Keep in mind that sand is only a temporary solution for repairing driveway cracks. I will need between six and eight 50 pound bags for the job, or the equivalent amount in smaller containers. 97 $ 134 . In this article, we will explore why this product is an excellent and durable investment, discussing alternative materials and providing a step-by-step guide on how to properly lay polymeric sand as a paver base by yourself. Joint stabilizing sealer; How to choose a polymeric sand alternative Polymeric sand is essentially a sand that when combined with water and something such as silica forms a tight bond. Jun 19, 2016. Lot #63101 Item: 6d34-5497883. Designed to reduce weed growth and joint erosion. Last year I used polymeric sand in the front yard and it seems to hold up much better than the staff I bought 10 years ago, but you still need to re-fill it as needed, probably once a year. When put in contact with water, this substance. This curing time is comparable to other types of sand, such as masonry sand. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. Once opened and exposed to the elements, it should be used within one year. Add the Sand Layer. Because they easily follow soil movement. 97. Bag, (Slate Gray) Advanced Haze Free Technology Can be used for joints up to a maximum of 1 inch (2. Cement: Polymeric Sand Alternative. 40 Lb. Spread evenly a layer of polymer sand on the entire area. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. Pour your sand into the fire pit, creating an even layer roughly two inches deep. The properties of the waste plastics are listed in Table Table3 3. It is swept into the gaps between the pavers, which are then compacted to ensure the sand is distributed easily. 9 / 11. Building sand is a finer grade that contains smaller particles and is used mainly in bricklaying. Before settling on stone dust, just be aware that you may face shifting or other issues caused by the material’s. Maybe it's better to fill with larger aggregate: pea gravel or 3/4 minus gravel. Easy Mix Paver Bond Polymeric Sand is a blend of kiln-dried fine sand and a gelling agent formulated to create a cohesive joint between pavers. It is a budget-friendly polymeric sand for installations carried out in light-duty environments. Install the. Remove the topsoil and install the sand. Maximum width between pavers: 1 in. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. Fill The Gaps. EasyJoint is our #1 solution for joint compound on the market today! Polymeric sand typically lasts only. Polymeric Sand. $134. com. View on Amazon View on Walmart. This will also help keep the sand in place, although it won’t provide the same. It also doesn’t stay in place like cement does. 20 x 20. Polymeric sand can be used on driveways, walkways, patios, and even around pools! If you’re looking for an alternative to polymeric sand, a few different materials are available on the market. Avoid using chemicals or abrasive. Alternative cleaning methods for pavers with polymeric sand. Coated with a water-activated polymer, polymeric sand bonds together when exposed to moisture, keeping the sand from washing away or blowing out of the joints. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. wide and 2 In. Next, use a pressure washer with a wide nozzle to gently remove the sand, being careful not to damage the pavers. It’s pretty affordable, and you can find it almost everywhere. To start the curing process, initially water is needed but later on its presence is harmful for the polymeric sand. Step 1: The first step you need to take while installing paver sand is to fight the prevailing weeds in your patio. Back to Sand. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. Commercial and residential applications. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use SAKRETE Polymeric Sand, a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand, available in Beige or Grey. But this can make up for the costly replacement as it lasts for a decade. Read the Instructions. 3. Polymeric sand typically takes 24 to 48 hours to cure and become fully effective. Immediately wet the jointing compound. Coverage: 40 Lb. Skill Level: Beginner. If you believe that polymeric sand refuses to harden because the sand was too saturated or there was rainfall before the compound managed to set, then. 10 Pound Gray Beige DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Ceramic Flex Technology for Stabilizing Paver Joints/Gaps, 1/8” up to 4”, Professional Grade Results. 9. Along with polymeric sand, there are countless other sands that one can use for paving, which you will find in the previous section, “Alternatives for polymeric sand. However, if there is excess water, it can prevent the sand from hardening. If you are locking pavers down into place, polymeric sand is a fantastic product to consider. Builder’s sand; 3. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. 5. Paver lock is a polymer modified sand specifically designed for use in the installation of paving stones. The crushed rock ranges in size from dust particles up to 3/4 inch (19mm). 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Both polymeric and regular sand are types of sand that are used in the construction industry. I found this Dominator Polymeric sand at Amazon, it had good reviews, and said it could be used for 1/8 gaps. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. The commercially available silica sand having a grain size of 150 µm is taken as filler material. . How to choose a backer rod alternative. The idea is that you place the 1″ pipes away from each other and use them as a “rail” in which to slide your 2×4. Alternative jointing sands (clockwise from top left) include C144 mason sand, white bar sand, grey polymeric sand and beige polymeric sand. Base Sand (#1150-50) to provide proper drainage characteristics. 65, respectively, at ambient conditions. . Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand (Beige) 50 Lb Bg with Home and Country USA Contractor Tips. 97. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. for joints 1/4 In. pail will cover 30 to 45 Sq. . EasyJoint lasts approximately 20 yea. As for the cost, it is really inexpensive, yes the bag may be $20 bucks or whatever, but you use very little of it to fill the gaps. 7 – 14 Bags. Second, it aids in the filling of any fractures or gaps between pavers. Please feel free to call us at. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is. Style. If applied properly, the binding agent in the sand will harden in the joints and completely prevent weeds and ants from causing cracks in the surface. Get it now on Amazon. Polymeric sand can be stored for a long time if stored correctly. It can be found. Resists Washing Out-It is vital that joint sand stay in place to ensure the integrity of the paver surface. Many short-chain PFAS are structurally similar to their long-chain predecessors being replaced and are manufactured by the same companies. Unlike most other polymeric sand formulas on the market, Flexlock Ultra G2 Sand requires just one watering to fully activate. . Ceramic Flex Polymeric Sand for Perfect Patio Joints. Kiln dried sand flows freely to deeply penetrate and fill the void between pavers. Always delivering constant durable results. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Joint-It Simple Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey at Amazon. That said, during application polymeric sand looks almost the same as normal sand (except that. Regular sand is often used for the same reasons as polymeric sand, such as filling in the gaps between pavers, helping to hold pavers together, and improving the overall appearance of the paver job. If you are looking for an alternative to polymeric sand for your red pavers, there are a few options available that may provide better results. Pavement. Various mixtures will produce long-lasting and natural results. Better alternatives may emerge in the future but polymeric sand is your best option in the. Now this is no ordinary sand, but polymeric sand, i. Polymeric sand and regular sand are both used for paving but each one should be used in a different way. Plus, it’s fun to try new things! If you’re like me, then you’ll love reading this post. Provides the finishing touch for a quality installation. EZ Sand is a mixture of sand and special additives that hardens with moisture for paving stone joints. When you’re creating your dream garden, the chances are high that pavers are going to be involved. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. A cost-effective alternative to HP Nextgel for smaller-duty jobs. If a polymeric sand is too hard, it can also make it too brittle, causing cracking from ground movement. A 20×20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. I think that polymeric sand can make its way free eventually so filling it into large gaps would be a big problem in my opinion. Clear the Residue. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. The 3 Best Polymeric Sand Alternatives to Use in 2023! Paint & Sealant / By John Patterson If you are working on pavement construction, you should know that there is no better material than polymeric sand. These holes are important for air flow and the overall success of your fire. Dominator Polymeric Sand. Tan Polymeric Sand. Cement: Polymeric Sand Alternative.