Install and Consolidate Polymeric Sand
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How To Avoid Weeds In Pavers
What happens here
After all pavers are laid, it's time to fill the joints with polymeric sand. This process is done in two critical rounds. First, spread polymeric sand generously over the entire patio surface. Use a stiff broom to sweep the sand into all the paver joints, ensuring they are filled as much as possible. Once the joints appear filled, use a vibratory plate compactor with a protective mat (to avoid scratching pavers) to run over the entire patio surface. This vibration settles the polymeric sand deep into the joints, creating 'dead space' at the top. Next, sweep more polymeric sand into these newly created voids, filling the joints completely. Repeat the vibratory compaction process one more time to ensure maximum density and fill throughout the entire depth of the paver joints. The goal is to completely pack each joint from bottom to top with polymeric sand.
Goal: Fill and pack paver joints with polymeric sand to prevent weed growth and stabilize pavers
Tools and materials
- Garden Hose with Fine Spray Nozzle — Activating the polymeric sand
- Heavy-duty Vibratory Plate Compactor — Settling polymeric sand deep into the joints
- Leaf Blower — Blowing off excess sand from the paver surface before wetting
- Protective Mat — Protecting pavers from damage during compaction
- Stiff Broom — Sweeping polymeric sand into paver joints
- Polymeric Sand Various — Filling and solidifying paver joints to prevent weeds and provide stability