Apply and Activate Polymeric Sand
At 0:36 in
From the quarry to the backyard.
What happens here
After all the natural stone pavers are laid, spread a generous amount of polymeric sand over the entire paver surface. Due to the irregular shapes and wide gaps of the natural stone pavers, a significantly larger quantity of polymeric sand will be required compared to traditional pavers. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into all the joints, ensuring they are completely filled. Run the plate compactor over the entire paver surface again. This vibrates the pavers, helping the sand to settle deeply into the joints and creating a tight interlock. Repeat the process of sweeping more polymeric sand into the joints and compacting until all joints are completely full and the sand level is just below the top edge of the pavers. Finally, carefully sweep any excess sand off the paver surface and use a leaf blower to remove any remaining fine dust. Lightly mist the entire paver surface with water using a garden hose with a fine spray nozzle. Be careful not to wash away the sand from the joints. The water activates the polymers in the sand, causing it to harden and lock the pavers in place, preventing weed growth and insect infestation.
Goal: Fill and harden paver joints for stability and durability.
Tools and materials
- Leaf Blower Echo — Removing excess sand and fine dust from the paver surface
- Plate Compactor Wacker Neuson — Compacting pavers and settling sand
- Polymeric Sand Alliance Gator — Filling and stabilizing paver joints
- Push Broom Various — Sweeping polymeric sand into joints