First and foremost, to get a great result the pavers need to be dry. A big benefit of Easy Joint is the fact that it is permeable. 256 sqr ft. After the pavers are installed I need to spread polymeric sand over them to fill the spaces between the pavers, helping to keep them in place and reducing weed growth. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. We then. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent. In order to ensure the creation of a less permeable, compact, and unwashable sand layer, the material is created in such a way it hardens when wet for the first time. Accel dust-preventing polymeric sand, with exclusive dust-suppression technology, minimizes on-site dust and haze up to 90% compared with traditional polymeric sand. Skip to main content Skip to Footer. The application of polymeric sand marks the final stage of any paving project. Specifications. It can be easily used as a joint filler for brick pavers. Tap to view. 97 $ 134. For one, you’ll get a more durable finish. 5 – 9 Bags. Polymeric sand is used in paver joints because it helps prevent most weeds and ants: Its bonded surface. for joints 1/4 In. Polymeric sand is designed to seal joints between pavers, stone, or fieldstone patios and deter weeds and ants from infiltrating these spaces. Cement: Polymeric Sand Alternative; 2. Tan Polymeric Sand. Yield: 10 x 10 surface. com. The advantages of using polymeric sand for paving mostly revolve around its strength and durability as a joint filler. If your outdoor space incorporates various themes or styles, consider opting for neutral polymeric sand tones. Polymeric sand is added after the pavers are installed to finish the project. Manufacturers claim that 3 pounds of filter sponge balls can replace 100 pounds of sand filter media. This particular polymeric sand failure sees a shady area not allowing the polymeric sand t. Added: 2022-12-22Once all the pavers are set in place, spread more sand over the top of them. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is. It doesn't cause any. All pavers require sand. When used to fill gaps between pavers in a new or old flagstone patio. The downside of polymeric sand is the cost, but it does a much better job of keeping weeds out and while it does need to be refreshed periodically that is far less frequent than paver sand in my experience. 1. , it hardens when it dries. Our guide will help you make the best decision for your next project. Even though SmartSand offers lesser jointing performances, this poly sand is more than. Application Depth. The sand needs to be very fine and smooth. Shop Building Materials Concrete & Mortar Concrete Alternatives & Sand Sand Techniseal 40 Lb. This means that water can flow through it. Polymeric sand is not measured by strength; there is no accepted industry test method to test for the strength and durability of polymeric sand. Product Type: Paving Sand Product Name: Pavermate Z3 Polymeric Sand Product Form: Solid/Powder Intended Use of Product: Joint sand for use between pavers Section 2: Hazard Identification The most immediate and likely hazards are irritation from dust in. com. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that's often recommended for paver joints. Polymer fortified to lock joint sand in place. 0:00 / 1:24 How to Apply Joint-It Fine: Best Polymeric Sand Alternative in the USA. The polymeric sand lasted maybe a year before sand clumps started coming out of the joints and ants were infiltrating the sand (which may have been the cause for the clumps). It is a budget-friendly polymeric sand for installations carried out in light-duty environments. In conclusion, there are several alternatives to polymeric sand that you can use between pavers. It contains 85 to 90% quartz and crystalline silica. Clear-drying adhesive; 5. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. The most obvious inherent problems of polymeric sand relate to when and how it is used. This form of sand for interlocking stone is gaining popularity and for good reason. When the product first came out It seemed like a great idea. Many people believe that polymeric sand is the only option when it comes to hardscape projects. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Garden hose. Regular sand is a perfect alternative for polymeric sand when the design requires some adjustments. 97. I did not use the foam that is used with concrete as i thought we were going to just add polymeric sand. 9. $32. 0% CAGR between 2022 and 2028, exceeding. sprinklers, etc. It took the already low. Joint Width Range. Just like all-purpose sand, polymeric sand comes in a wide range of colors. This will create a perfectly 1″ layer of sand. Joint-It Simple Dark Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers,. Polymeric sand produces a deposit on pavin. For larger gaps, it is generally recommended to use alternative materials such as stone dust, fine gravel, or mortar depending on the specific application. Even the slightest mistake can throw your efforts off because polymeric sand repels water once it hardens, but is also re- activated with water. Coverage varies with the. We prefer cement because it is sturdy, and can repair cracks and fill joints. Step 1. Polymeric sand is ideal for filling the gaps between pavers as it promotes better drainage and won’t wash away. deep. The particle size varies, which is why, as examples, EZ Sand Polymeric Sand ($22. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. 3. You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. Enhance your next patio, driveway or other exterior project with this polymeric sand. This polymeric sand consists of a 10: 1 ratio of polymer and sand to form a strong and unbreakable substance for filling and mending hard surfaces. 97. The right sand for pavers will usually be coarse-grained. Use a squeegee or soft bristle push broom to move the jointing compound around the surface and. EZ Sand 40 lbs. In this article, we will explore why this product is an excellent and durable investment, discussing alternative materials and providing a step-by-step guide on how to properly lay polymeric sand as a paver base by yourself. Engineered to resist wind, rain, freezing conditions, and substrate movement without washing away. 7 out of 5 stars 24. More recently, industry has developed and adopted alternative short-chain PFAS chemistries to replace long-chain PFAS. Bag, (Slate Gray) Advanced Haze Free Technology Can be used for joints up to a maximum of 1 inch (2. 99. Sand drains naturally, but other materials may require additional measures to prevent water buildup and mold growth. EZ Sand Tan Polymeric Sand 40LB EZ SAND Model # 40100399. Coverage: 40 Lb. This high-quality polymeric sand is generally the best sand for pavers among the masses. Joint stabilizing sealer; How to choose a polymeric sand alternative Polymeric sand is essentially a sand that when combined with water and something such as silica forms a tight bond. . $134. Polymeric sand is installed into the joints of interlocking concrete pavement. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Joint-It Simple Neutral – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Neutral at Amazon. Here’s why. On the dry paver flooring, sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Dark Grey. An example would be for the travertine coping around a pool perimeter, of for perhaps an "outside" border edge. regular sand for pavers. 4. When mixed with water, a special chemical reaction happens that causes it to form a dough-like substance. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. It’s highly durable and will resist erosion, which is essential underneath and between paving stones. Silica is such as an additive and is often used to help lock the fine sand particles together. I read where polymeric sand needs to go down 1 to 1. Once dampened, it hardens to lock pavers into place. In this article, we will explore why this product is an excellent and durable investment, discussing alternative materials and providing a step-by-step guide on how to properly lay polymeric sand as a paver base by yourself. Various mixtures will produce long-lasting and natural results. Cement is an inexpensive, durable, and reliable alternative to polymeric sand. A higher-quality polymeric sand prevents weed growth and insect infestations more effectively and for a longer time. Choosing the Right Sand for You. • Compact sand into joint spaces as thoroughly as possible. Blocks weed growth and resists insect penetration in joints. Joint-It Simple Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey. Answer: Paving sand is the name given to sand used for paving, which is indicated in the name of the item. This curing time is comparable to other types of sand, such as masonry sand. Natural tone complements all product colors. In terms of the day-to-day appearance of your pavers, polymeric sand may offer a cleaner look than regular sand. A cost-effective alternative to HP Nextgel for smaller-duty jobs. that you might need for other projects. Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. 10 Pound Gray Beige DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Ceramic Flex Technology for Stabilizing Paver Joints/Gaps, 1/8” up to 4”, Professional Grade Results. It is a fine powder that is produced during the mixing process, which can be used as an alternative to polymeric sand. Stone dust; 4. Polymeric sand is a better solution to the problem. After hardening, it is resistant to washing out, prevents ant hills and weed growth , and locks the paver installation, preventing pavers from coming loose and making the patio or. Polymeric sand application is among the final steps in patio or path installation and is carried out after laying down all the pavers, tiles, or natural stones. Keep repeating this step as many times as necessary to get rid of excess polymeric sand. Can be used for joints up. Despite being a good material for indoor paving projects, there are better alternatives to grout when it comes to outdoor flooring. It is therefore much safer and more eco-friendly than silica-based polymeric sand. Landscape Products 2023 (Ottawa, Quebec, Atlantic) Download. Here, we evaluated polymeric sand alternatives. Polymeric sand is a product made from sand with an acrylic binder added. Allowing the water to soak into the soil for about an hour ensures a deeper settlement and. When you have wider gaps, like with a flagstone patio, more sand will be required to fill them. After poly gets wet, it sets up and that is it. Provides the finishing touch for a quality installation. Supersand G2 joint sand doesn't leave residual material on concrete pavers, eliminating both haze and { Rapid Set Technology } Alliance polymeric sand prides themselves on being ahead of the curve. 7 inches and a speed of 72. Usage. Today we talk about polymeric sand problems and how to solve them. Better alternatives may emerge in the future but polymeric sand is your best option in the. This sealer serves as a convenient one. There are a few alternatives to polymeric sand that can be used for paver installation. Polymeric sand can be used on driveways, walkways, patios, and even around pools! If you’re looking for an alternative to polymeric sand, a few different materials are available on the market. I used a 24" push broom with fairly still bristles. As the name implies, the Polymeric Sand is a mixture of the fine sands that are combined with polymers and other additives. This polymeric sand market research report provides valuable insights on the post-COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. It can be found. Polymeric sand for filling paver joints. In fact, you shouldn’t even think about it. Minimum setting temperature is 5° Celsius. A big benefit of Easy Joint is the fact that it is permeable. A smart choice for residential installations such as Driveway, pathways and Patio. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. This type of sand was developed specifically to be used with paver joints to ensure everything can be held in place. Best 9 Polymeric Sand's Alternatives. Polymer fortified to lock joint sand in place. Its high-strength properties ensure. Finding polymeric sand alternatives for pavers might help you transform the look of your driveway. $32. #10. $134. Or wait until after a rainfall softens the material or run a sprinkler on. Once opened and exposed to the elements, it should be used within one year. Polymeric Sand. The most common way to get rid of the haze is to acid wash the surface until it’s noticeably clearer. The key difference between dust and sand is the size of the joints between your stones. In order to implement the goal, we recommend you use a non-selective herbicide. Stone and Brick 2023. This is a specific brand of sand that features natural and organic adhesives and binders. Mix the liquid into the dry concrete until the. The ICPI refers to joint sand in their tech spec sheet #2. Reduces weed growth. Power Flex technology creates a stable, superior bond between paver joints and prevents shifting and erosion, ensuring sturdy outdoor surfaces. . It creates a solid and durable joint that resists erosion and weed growth. Polymeric sand works best to fill gaps between 1/4 inch and 1. Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand (Beige) 50 Lb Bg with Home and Country USA's Professional Contractor Tip. If you want a bonding that won’t need much for. Typically 1/8 inch to 4 inches wide. EZ Sand 40 lbs. Polymeric sand can be stored for a long time if stored correctly. Keep the stones close together to avoid large gaps. Another major difference here is of course that polymeric sand is only used in between joints, whereas joint stabilizing sealer is also applied to the pavers themselves. As an alternative to traditional bricks, authors suggested the use of construction and demolition waste and plastic bottles. 40 Lb. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. By adding the right amount of water to the soil, the pores are filled, allowing the soil to settle and compact more easily. Ivory. Use the 2x4 as a screed to smooth and level the sand. Lay landscape fabric over the gravel; this suppresses weeds and separates the gravel from the sand layer. However, it is more economical and. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. They’re Fine. 2K views 2 years ago For professional pavers and hard. Due to the hard acrylic surface that it creates, this substance has the ability to protect your pavers from stains, grease, oil, and fading. Building sand is a finer grade that contains smaller particles and is used mainly in bricklaying. ADDED: And it helps prevent cracking due to minimal expansion and contraction (likely avoiding the need for a true expansion joint between coping and patio). 8 out of 5 stars 17 1 offer from $134. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic during this process to allow the sand to be fully set. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natural stone to lock in the product, prevent weed growth and insects, and to provide the final touches of any hardscaping job. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. 14. A. Pour polymeric sand over the patio, following instructions on the bag until all the gaps are filled. 7 out of 5 stars 24. As the name implies, the Polymeric Sand is a mixture of the fine sands that are combined with polymers and other additives. Polymeric sand can be found in a variety of colors, including tan, gray, and black. Typically, polymeric sand lasts for up to 10 years. Polymeric sand is definitely more expensive than the jointing sand alternative, but it does hold some advantages especially if you do not opt to use a joint stabilizing sealer. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. That is probably the mastic you are seeing at the edge of your coping. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use SAKRETE Polymeric Sand, a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand, available in Beige or Grey. For best appearance and optimal performance,, keep jointing materials. Install the. If using paver sand, maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 inches between the stones. Proprietary polymer/organic. Some alternatives like pea gravel or wood chips allow for natural drainage, while others like foam mats or coconut coir may need a perforated liner underneath. pail will cover 30 to 45 Sq. Water cannot really flow through hardened polymeric sand. The commercially available silica sand having a grain size of 150 µm is taken as filler material. The dryer the pavers are, the better the job’s going to turn out. Various studies reported the use of HDPE and PET polymeric waste to increase the efficiency of unfired clay. Techniseal EZ Sand is a trusted and proven mix of graded sand and binder that flows smoothly down joints for a fast and effective installation of pavers or slabs on surfaces exposed to normal traffic. Check Price. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative,. It is a budget-friendly polymeric sand for installations carried out in light-duty environments. Both Are Types of Sand. Water Permeability. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. With surging adoption of polymeric sand in various applications, the overall market is projected to grow at 7. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. A 20×20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. These holes are important for air flow and the overall success of your fire. 9 KG bags. If you used a 3/4" angular crushed stone for the base and concrete sand for the bedding, then the ideal jointing compound to use would be regular jointing sand or polymeric sand. Free estimates &. THE POOL AND DECK SLIDESHOW. The 3 Best Polymeric Sand Alternatives to Use in 2023! Paint & Sealant / By John Patterson If you are working on pavement construction, you should know that there is no better material than polymeric sand. 2. Ft. Suffice it to say, I have no idea what went. Filling gaps between pavers to stabilize and prevent weeds. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. . Gray Polymeric Sand. Builder’s Sand. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 3. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Light a test fire once your sand has been evenly spread. If you neglect this important element, things can fall apart. Architectural Landscaping. Model #: 40100398. I guess polymeric sand was used simply for speed of application (and a continuous look to the mortar). This sand is commonly known as joint sand or leveling sand too. UPGRADE PICK: Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand ALSO CONSIDER: BuddingCo Polymeric Sand Photo: homedepot. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. It's a one time chemical reaction. Builder’s sand; 3. Installation: • Using a broom, sweep Polymeric Jointing Sand into the paver joints, filling up to the paver chamfers (shoulders). The advantage of polymeric sand is its binding properties, which is part of the whole 'interlocking' thing of pavers, and it's resistance to being washed away. To remove polymeric sand from pavers, start by using a leaf blower to remove loose debris. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. The publication explains that, when dry, polymeric sand is fine and powdery. Maximum width between pavers: 1 in. Filling joints between interlocking pavers and slabs has never been easier than with Sika FastFix-110, a high performance polymeric sand! Its superior quality provides for a. You can make beautiful paths, patios, or small areas for birdbaths. Step 2: Gather Your Materials. It’s that simple. $134. Tan Polymeric Sand. The hardscape industry’s leading polymeric sand, Techniseal is a high performance jointing product that can be used in the installation of concrete pavers and slabs. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is. For smaller-duty installations, Techniseal offers paver experts a cost-effective alternative. Polymeric Sand Market Outlook – 2022-2028. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. EZ Sand 40 lbs. It doesn’t harden like polymeric sand, but it is. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. If there is still some light haze remaining, you can use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the sand and remove the haze. Lot #63101 Item: 6d34-5497883. Step 2: Now you have to take the biggest challenge on your way to installing polymeric sand. 0 mm. Helps reduce joint erosion - water, frost heaving, wind, power washing, etc. It is a mixture of fine sand, adhesive and is most widely used in paver joints. Suitable for sweeping into spaces between pavers. 97. Polymeric sand is typically recommended to be installed at a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 millimeters). When this sand is wet, then it remains flexible. Filter Balls are reusable and eco-friendly. Polymeric sand is a mix of different fine sands and other additives. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey. Concrete Alternatives & Sand + 1 more EZ Sand Techniseal 40 Lb. Unlike polymeric sand, natural sand is not permanent and is easy to remove, leaving room for further adjustments. When this sand is wet, then it remains flexible. ( 975) $35. Reduces weed growth. When choosing paver sand to use, it is best to stick with polymeric sand right now. However, it is more economical and. Polymeric sand can be used on driveways, walkways, patios, and even around pools! If you’re looking for an alternative to polymeric sand, a few different materials are available on the market. But, it doesn’t provide as good weed-prevention qualities as polymeric sand can give. Polymeric sand is created by mixing fine. Plain sand; 6. Brock PaverBase Pros. Most 24” sand filters need 250-300 pounds of sand. Well, it’s fairly easy, but you have to be careful–the sand is mixed with a binder. . Clear the Residue. It then dries. Minimum width between pavers: 1/4 in. Poly sands have a chemical binding agent that sets after being wet. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. Understanding Polymeric Sand. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. With the compaction of the pavers, the sand will work its way into the joints of the pavers from below creating that interlock that is required in an interlocking system. Rocks. As a kind of chemical sand-fixing agent, polymer sand-fixing agents, as a potential alternative of chemical sand-fixers, are widely used in desertification control due to its good adhesion and film-forming ability [3,4,5]. The main benefit of bricks over other materials is that individual bricks can later be lifted up and replaced. 1. Before you switch to a polymeric sand alternative you should know the pros and cons of each. Polymeric sand typically takes 24 to 48 hours to cure and become fully effective. 3. Well, this sand is flexible, which makes it an ideal option for contractors and homeowners. Some alternatives like pea gravel or wood chips allow for natural drainage, while others like foam mats or coconut coir may need a perforated liner underneath. Sand. The values for bulk density and specific gravity of the silica sand are 1730 kg/m 3 and 2. 4. STEP 1. Polymeric sand can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. Current Bid:. 1. Here’s everything you need to know about polymeric sand installation: Curing And Drying Time. But if you use high-quality polymeric sand, it can last for approximately 15 years. 0. 65, respectively, at ambient conditions. But the. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. What is the best material to put between flagstone?Here are five types of materials to use when filling gaps between flagstones:Sand. Deters ants and other insects. Opt for a wide or deep back-ridging and always plan -a thin concrete pad (150 to 200 kg of cement / m3 = 1 part of cement for 5 to 7 parts of sand). Water will pool up on top of it. uses: paver lock can be used in any application. This makes polymeric sand more durable and longer lasting than some alternatives. Fasten screws on all sides. The sand used when building a paver patio or walk is a coarse builder's sand, with pieces ranging in size from 0. Now this is no ordinary sand, but polymeric sand, i. You can rely on our latest innovation to improve on-site air quality with an engineered, environmentally safer sand formula for concrete, flagstone, pavers, and natural stones. Instead of a plate compactor to help settle polymeric sand between pavers, is there any reason I couldn’t put a power tool on a board for the vibration instead? I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. Filter Balls are reusable and eco-friendly. However, adding polymeric sand to pea gravel can help keep the gravel in place. In most cases, the polymeric sand is completely set in twenty-four to forty-eight hours after activation. The best alternative is to use polymeric sand, which bonds the pavers together, keeps out weeds, and is less susceptible to ants. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. The polymers activate and help bind the sand particles together when properly installed. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. Water the sand according to the directions. Colors. Ft. Wider joints will require more time to harden. for joints 1/4 In. 6 Alternatives to Gravel Driveways: Pros & Cons; 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives: Pros & Cons (with Pictures) Featured Image Credit: Mitchell Luo, Unsplash. The sand used as a base should be simply spread and leveled with the help of a 2×4 and two 1″ pipes. It took me a while to understand the importance of following the instructions that are included on your bags of sand. Get it now on Amazon. It’s also rain-safe within 15 minutes of setting, which can be a lifesaver. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. If you’re installing a paver patio, you might wonder about the best options or joint materials for filling your paver joints. It can be laid on a dry bed of sand and gravel or it can be mortared to an existing concrete slab. This will help to settle the haze back into the joints and help activate the polymers. Wichita, KS . Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers). Backed by a 20-year warranty. Use a pressure washer to wash away the polymeric sand residue. Writer. Polymeric sand is a specialist material used by paving installers to achieve even, durable joints. An alternative method is to break one paver into pieces, then adjoining pavers can be removed manually by hand. Builder’s sand is quite coarse in nature and has been applied to paver joints for years.