Compact Pavers and Fill Joints with Sand
At 0:06 in
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What happens here
The video highlights the importance of this step by distinguishing between "sanded" and "not sanded yet" sections (0:06.000-0:11.000). After all pavers are laid and any cutting is complete, the entire paver surface is compacted with a plate compactor. This "initial compaction" settles the pavers firmly into the bedding sand, creating a stable, interlocked system. Following compaction, polymeric sand (a fine sand mixed with special additives) is spread generously over the entire paver surface. Using a stiff broom, the sand is swept into all the joints between the pavers. The surface is then compacted a second time to vibrate the polymeric sand deep into the joints, completely filling them. Any excess sand is swept or blown off the surface, and the sand is typically activated with a light mist of water to harden and lock the pavers in place, preventing weed growth and insect infestation.
Goal: Stabilize the paver surface and lock the pavers together using joint sand
Tools and materials
- Leaf Blower — Removing excess polymeric sand from the paver surface before activation
- Plate Compactor — Compacting the pavers into the bedding layer and vibrating joint sand into place
- Stiff Broom — Sweeping polymeric sand into paver joints
- Polymeric Sand — Filling the joints between pavers to lock them in place, prevent weeds, and deter insects