Install Pavers and Joint Sand
At 5:36 in
How to Build a Patio - An easy Do it Yourself Project
What happens here
Once the sand base is prepared, install the pavers. For areas where precise dimensions aren't critical, you can install pavers 'cutless' by adjusting the layout slightly to fit full paver sizes, minimizing cuts and waste. After pavers are laid, sweep sand into all the joints to fill them completely. There are two main options for joint sand: regular sand or polymeric sand. The presenter strongly advises against polymeric sand, citing observations that it 'chunks' and breaks up after 3-5 years, requiring full removal and reinstallation. Regular sand, while requiring yearly sweeping and watering to refresh, offers more reliable long-term performance.
Goal: Lay pavers, fill joints with sand, and compact for stability
Tools and materials
- Broom — Sweeping sand into paver joints
- Garden Hose — Activating polymeric sand or settling regular sand
- Pavers Unilock — Creating the patio surface
- Plate Compactor — Compacting sand into paver joints and settling pavers
- Polymeric Sand Techniseal — Alternative for filling paver joints (not recommended by presenter)
- Sand — Filling paver joints