Compact Pavers and Apply Joint Sand
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What happens here
Once all the pavers are meticulously laid, the next step is to firmly compact the entire paver surface. Use a plate compactor, ideally equipped with a protective pad (such as a rubber mat or old carpet), to prevent scuffing or damaging the paver surfaces during compaction. This process helps to firmly seat the pavers into the sand bed and ensures a perfectly even surface. Following compaction, liberally spread polymeric sand (or a fine masonry sand) over the entire paver area. Using a stiff-bristled push broom, meticulously sweep the sand into all the joints between the pavers, ensuring every gap is completely filled. Finally, lightly mist the polymeric sand with water, following the manufacturer's specific instructions, to activate its bonding agents. This activation creates a solid, durable joint that effectively inhibits weed growth and insect infestation, and adds to the overall stability of the pad.
Goal: Firmly seat the pavers and fill the joints for stability and longevity.
Tools and materials
- Garden Hose with Spray Nozzle — Lightly misting the polymeric sand to activate its bonding agents
- Plate Compactor — Final compaction of the laid pavers to set them firmly
- Protective Pad — Preventing scuffing or scratching of the paver surfaces during compaction
- Push Broom — Sweeping polymeric sand into the gaps between pavers
- Polymeric Sand — Filling paver joints to provide stability, inhibit weed growth, and deter insect infestation