Final Compaction, Joint Filling, and Cleanup
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SO satisfying but SO much work. #hardscape @firestonelandscaping
What happens here
After all pavers are laid and cut to fit, the final step involves seating the pavers and filling the joints. Although not explicitly shown in detail, a plate compactor is typically used to vibrate the pavers into the sand bed, locking them in place and ensuring a stable surface. Following compaction, polymeric sand is swept into all the joints between the pavers. Once wet, this sand hardens, preventing weed growth, insect infestation, and paver shifting. The completed area is then cleaned, revealing the finished decorative paver patio/walkway.
Goal: Secure the pavers in place and prepare the area for use.
Tools and materials
- Plate Compactor — Vibrating and settling the pavers into the sand bed
- Push Broom — Sweeping polymeric sand into paver joints
- Water Hose with Spray Nozzle — Wetting the polymeric sand to activate its hardening properties
- Polymeric Sand — Filling the joints between pavers to lock them in place, prevent weeds, and deter insects