Finishing and Compaction
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#pavers #paverpatio #hardscape #landscaping
What happens here
The final step in constructing the paver walkway involves filling the joints and compacting the entire surface. Begin by spreading polymeric sand evenly over the entire paved area. Use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep the sand into all the joints between the pavers, ensuring they are completely filled. Once the joints are filled, use a plate compactor, fitted with a protective mat (such as a rubber pad or carpet remnant) to prevent scratching the paver surface, to make several passes over the entire walkway. This vibrates the polymeric sand deeper into the joints and further seats the pavers. After compaction, sweep off any excess sand from the paver surface. Finally, lightly mist the entire walkway with water using a garden hose with a fine spray nozzle. This activates the polymers in the sand, causing it to harden and lock the pavers in place, preventing weed growth and insect infestation. Allow the sand to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 24-48 hours, before heavy use.
Goal: Lock pavers in place and create a durable, weed-resistant surface
Tools and materials
- Garden Hose with Fine Spray Nozzle — Lightly misting polymeric sand to activate its bonding agents
- Plate Compactor — Compacting the polymeric sand into joints and seating pavers
- Protective Mat — Preventing scratches and scuffs on the paver surface during compaction
- Stiff-Bristled Broom — Sweeping polymeric sand into paver joints and cleaning the surface
- Polymeric Sand — Filling paver joints to lock them in place, prevent weed growth, and deter insects