Alternative jointing sands (clockwise from top left) include C144 mason sand, white bar sand, grey polymeric sand and beige polymeric sand. 1. There are various alternatives to polymeric sand available. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. Suppliers may call it Class 5, crusher rock, road bed gravel or 3/4 minus gravel. Once the polymeric sand is properly installed and activated with water, the polymer blend infused into the sand begins to harden. Unlike polymeric sand, natural sand is not permanent and is easy to. It should be kept away from moisture and stored in a cool, dry area with low humidity. For professional pavers and hard landscapers, this is a revolutionary jointing sand that is an incredible alternative to polymeric sand. Stone dust is a good alternative--it does not wash out or displace as easily as paver sand--costs less than polymeric but a bit more than sand. 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. 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. DOMINATOR POLYMERIC SAND is the first joint stabilizing sand with our CERAMIC-FLEX technology, allowing flexibility, durability and powerful bonding strength. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. If you are sealing it anyway, that might do the trick if the gap is small enough. Along with polymeric sand, there are countless other sands that one can use for paving, which you will find in the previous section, “Alternatives for polymeric sand. 4. $32. Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and polymer, a binding agent. These materials can provide a more robust and stable filling solution for. A fine grade of sand, such as joint or play sand, or rock dust is not suitable for laying pavers. An alternative method is to break one paver into pieces, then adjoining pavers can be. Joint-It Simple Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey. 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. 3. Jointing compounds are more expensive. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Neutral. Use the same type of irregular, sharp-grained sand as you did for the base and bedding layers. (grumbacher makes it and sells it as a painters solvent, like as a terpentine alternative for oil painters), and try to clean a little test area. For best results, apply with funnel or bag to insert EZ Sand directly into joints. 2. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. Unilock is a leading manufacturer of concrete products, including polymeric sand. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Joint-It Simple Dark Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Dark Grey at Amazon. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. Some polymeric sands contain cement, and this can create an unflattering haze that can be hard to remove. Both polymeric sand and stone dust are very fine materials. This means that water can flow through it. Most 24” sand filters need 250-300 pounds of sand. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. Filter Balls are reusable and eco-friendly. Gravel plus sand?Polymer sand takes 12 hours to cure and 24 hours to dry. Inspect the pavers to make sure the sand in the crevices is at least 1/8″ below the top of the pavers. 99. The most obvious inherent problems of polymeric sand relate to when and how it is used. These methods include using a broom, leaf blower, or garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to remove debris and stains. Last year I used polymeric sand in the front yard and it seems to hold up much better than the staff I bought 10 years ago, but you still need to re-fill it as needed, probably once a year. The hardscape industry's leading high-duty polymeric jointing sand. Repeat until you fill all of the paver gaps. Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. Polymeric Jointing Sand is a polymeric-modified graded sand for filling joints up to 2 wide between interlocking pavers, brick, natural stone and concrete slaps. Apply. Clear the Residue. Sand drains naturally, but other materials may require additional measures to prevent water buildup and mold growth. 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. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. Keep repeating this step as many times as necessary to get rid of excess polymeric sand. Their rapid set technology is an advanced paver sand polymeric solution that is rainfast in 15 minutes during traditional applications. Polymeric sand is a better solution to the problem. Base Sand (#1150-50) to provide proper drainage characteristics. Polymeric sand was first introduced to the hardscaping industry about a dozen years ago, and we at Stonehenge started using it as soon as it was available in this market. Won’t be as good as polymeric sand obviously but it should give a mild set (harden after getting wet) Idk why you’d not just use sand alone as I’m not a mason but if you want it to harden you need just a little bit of cement mixed in (not concrete - that has gravel in it - cement powder specifically) The. Technical details. It is the most long-lasting substitute as it doesn’t erode easily. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is impervious. Minimum width between pavers: 1/16 in. Coverage: 40 Lb. Be wise and do the same! 6. However, it is more economical and. Joint Width Range. The challenge is to avoid staining. Southwest Boulder & Stone. 4. Advertisement The bonding additives in polymeric sand cause sand to harden when wet, much the way concrete powder hardens after mixing it with water. Polymeric sand is a product specially developed for paver joints. Polymeric Sand Application. $134. Natural tone complements all product colors. Whatever your sand choice, simply sweep the sand into the joints between the pavers, being careful to. cmirrer Discussion starter. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. One alternative you have to polymeric sand is the good old-fashioned mortar. An alternative method is to break one paver into pieces, then adjoining pavers can be removed manually by hand. Once the polymeric sand is set, it will not wash out from the joints like the regular masonry sand. Alternatives to polymeric sand, such as regular sand or stone dust, are available. Wichita, KS . Pour your sand into the fire pit, creating an even layer roughly two inches deep. voluntarily phased out these chemicals. If you’re installing a paver patio, you might wonder about the best options or joint materials for filling your paver joints. 2. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. Brand: Techniseal. Sand drains naturally, but other materials may require additional measures to prevent water buildup and mold growth. Plain Sand: Polymeric Sand Alternative; 3. Remove all excess EZ Sand from surface of project before wetting to prevent staining. Polymeric sand typically lasts only around 3 years. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. You can buy stone dust at most stone yards and quarries. This makes polymeric sand more durable and longer lasting than some alternatives. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. Sold by Even Bahat and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Consider this my official mulch glue. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. Jointing sand is made up of fine grains, to which manufacturers add a mixture of specific additive particles. Place the pipes parallel to each other at a close enough distance to place the 2×4 on top of them. com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Polymeric sand. The sand intends to strengthen a smooth, high layer over the rock and create a firm, solid pavement surface. It is more flexible than fine dry sweeping sand but should not be used in driveways. Overall durability. Apply an even, 1-inch layer of sand on top of the compact gravel. 1. 250-516-1524. Read the Instructions. Jointing Sand - Use an impervious polymeric sand when installing over concrete ; Jointing Material and Joint Stabilization . Keep the stones close together to avoid large gaps. . Unlike most other polymeric sand formulas on the market, Flexlock Ultra G2 Sand requires just one watering to fully activate. Step-by-Step Instructions. Cement: Polymeric Sand Alternative. The technology to crush glass into a material equivalent to sand does exist and is already in use, for example as an alternative to sand for pool filters. Deck paint would cetainly seal it. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Step 2: Place the counter-ridging of your pavers. Get it as soon as Wednesday, Nov 8. Alternative cleaning methods for pavers with polymeric sand. This paper floats an idea of utilizing alternative fine aggregates/MS, which is a foreseeable material that can swap river sand in the construction industry. Alternative Materials: Consider using gravel or sand as a base material instead of excavating the entire area, especially for smaller projects. Polymeric sand vs. We like to use a mixture of the shower and horizontal setting on the hose nozzle to move the jointing compound around the paving surface. Many people believe that polymeric sand is the only option when it comes to hardscape projects. Jun 19, 2016. Polymeric sand is typically recommended to be installed at a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 millimeters). Polymeric sand works best when it fills the entire joint between pavers and when joints are between ¼” and 1. Won’t be as good as polymeric sand obviously but it should give a mild set (harden after getting wet) Idk why you’d not just use sand alone as I’m not a mason but if you want it to harden you need just a little bit of cement mixed in (not concrete - that has gravel in it - cement powder specifically) The. Unlike conventional sand, it stays in place and remains stable. For smaller-duty installations, Techniseal offers paver experts a cost-effective alternative. Sand is ultimately a much safer option than stone dust for paving projects. Polymeric sand is ideal for filling the gaps between pavers as it promotes better drainage and won’t wash away. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. EasyJoint lasts approximately 20 yea. makes the pavers move less under your feet. The ICPI endorses the use of polymeric sand. ” #4. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. Aim for a polymeric sand color that seamlessly integrates with the natural hues of your pavers, ensuring a unified and balanced look across your outdoor space. Once cured, polymeric sand will create a strong and durable bond between pavers, reducing the risk of weeds and insect infestation. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. Polymeric. Once cured, polymeric sand will create a strong and durable bond between pavers, reducing the risk of weeds and insect infestation. In such cases, we recommend an alternative approach using regular jointing sand in conjunction with a joint sand stabilizing sealer. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. FREE delivery. Polymeric sand is a popular choice for filling the joints between pavers, however there are alternatives available such as white-washed sand and EnviroSAND. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. Self-expanding foam. What you need to know about this type of sand is that it is far more expensive than. Unfortunately I ran my navigator without thinking and I assume sand got into the filter. When the product first came out It seemed like a great idea. SmartSand Polymeric Sand. 97An alternative to polymeric sand is paver joint sand. Coverage: 40 Lb. An alternative method is to break one paver into pieces, then adjoining pavers can be. EZ Sand Gray Polymeric Sand. Sand the surface. After all, polymeric sand as a paver base has a huge cost-benefit behind it, hence its high demand on the market. $ Joint-It Simple Grey Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey Retail $135. Both polymeric and regular sand are types of sand that are used in the construction industry. It can be easily used as a joint filler for brick pavers. June 27, 2022 June 6, 2023. Stone dust; 4. Ideal for installations carried out in lighter-duty environments. Polymeric sand is a popular choice for filling the joints between pavers, however there are alternatives available such as white-washed sand and EnviroSAND. That is, quite literally, a huge load off your back. 97 $ 134. 4 polymeric sand alternatives: pros & cons (with pictures). It's a one time chemical reaction. RUNNER-UP: Latex-ite Dura Sand Mix Driveway Filler Sealer. 22. There are several important reasons. Application Depth. Yield: 10 x 10 surface. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. The sand used when building a paver patio or walk is a coarse builder's sand, with pieces ranging in size from 0. Today, we want to take a quick look at six polymeric sand alternatives that you may want to use instead. 1. Can be used for joints up. The sand needs to be very fine and smooth. The gap between pavers will be about 1/8". These holes are important for air flow and the overall success of your fire. The sand underneath should be rough because the pavers exert a lot of external forces. 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. 2 posts · Joined 2018. For example, you can use cement, Builder’s Sand, stone dust, Envirosand, Permasand, silica sand, or vermiculite as an option. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. 140 Reviews. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. This is why it is quickly becoming a preferred alternative to polymeric sand. Polymer fortified to lock joint sand in place. All sands must meet ASTM C144 or C33 Specifications. Avoid using chemicals or abrasive. Rocks. 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. You can make beautiful paths, patios, or small areas for birdbaths. See moreBuilder’s Sand. 2. Concrete Alternatives & Sand + 1 more EZ Sand Techniseal 40 Lb. For larger gaps, it is generally recommended to use alternative materials such as stone dust, fine gravel, or mortar depending on the specific application. Step 2: Now you have to take the biggest challenge on your way to installing polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is designed to seal joints between pavers, stone, or fieldstone patios and deter weeds and ants from infiltrating these spaces. In fact, you shouldn’t even think about it. Irregular grain sizes with sharp edges bind together better and compact. Also known as “all-purpose sand”, this is considered the go-to product for sealing paver joints. Rain means that we cannot install. The right sand for pavers will usually be coarse-grained. PATRICK BUILDING SUPPLY LLC 20541 Jeb Stuart Hwy 659 Stuart, VA. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Alternative products that can be used instead of polymeric sand include regular sand and paver base mix. When put in contact with water, this substance. Polymeric sand is easy to mix with water and is compatible with different materials. A cost-effective alternative to HP Nextgel for smaller-duty jobs. Description. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Choosing the Right Sand for You. Free estimates &. In fact, you shouldn’t even think about it. Get it now on Amazon. 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 durable joint that resists erosion, weed growth and insects. Besides that, its versatility, low dry time, and durability make it a very attractive option. This type of sand was developed specifically to be used with paver joints to ensure everything can be held in place. What is the difference between polymeric sand and regular sand? Unlike most sand used in construction and landscaping projects, polymeric sand is not a natural product. 5. that you might need for other projects. Application Depth. EZ Sand Tan Polymeric Sand. Second, it aids in the filling of any fractures or gaps between pavers. To prevent this, simply run a plate compactor with a protective pad over the surface of the pavement after sweeping the polymeric sand into the joints and sweeping any excess off. Aim for a polymeric sand color that seamlessly integrates with the natural hues of your pavers, ensuring a unified and balanced look across your outdoor space. Water the sand according to the directions. Optimal performances in high-humidity environments, heavy vehicular trafic areas and steeper terrain. Filling gaps between pavers to stabilize and prevent weeds. 97 Concrete Dust. Simply sweep the sand into the joints and saturate with a water mist. These are meant to cost effective alternative to the activated samples. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up. Manufacturers claim that 3 pounds of filter sponge balls can replace 100 pounds of sand filter media. You want even the sides of the joints dry if possible so no. Backed by a 20-year warranty. Ive never seen it laid with spacers, unless the gaps are to be filled with grout. Paver joint sand is available in different colors and is used to fill the joints between pavers and help to stabilize the pavers. Then, spray the pavers with water to dampen them. This will ensure that your project remains in good condition and is constructed properly. 9%, the global polymeric sand market reached around US$ 109. The advantages of using polymeric sand for paving mostly revolve around its strength and durability as a joint filler. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic during this process to allow the sand to be fully set. It’s that simple. The easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. 2K views 2 years ago For professional pavers and hard. An alternative strategy utilises a pure kiln-dried sand, and is typically reserved for flexible block paving , small element paving and some decorative patio flags/slabs. Use too much water and the binder, an acrylic glue, washes out and leaves a nasty haze. Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and polymer additives that when applied to paver joints, hardens upon drying to provide a stable, long-lasting joint. Cement is an inexpensive, durable, and reliable alternative to polymeric sand. ☎: (877) 937-2838. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. You could replace all of that with just 7-9 pounds of filter balls. This form of sand for interlocking stone is gaining popularity and for good reason. Shop for Concrete Alternatives & Sand at Patrick Building Supply. Polymeric sand can be used for various projects, but it is mainly required for compacting pavers and keeping them in place. It can be found. This is your ultimate guide to buying the Best Polymeric Sand Alternative. Before you go out and buy a bag of polymeric sand, read on so you know what is involved in getting the sand into the joints properly. While it has become a popular material used by landscapers and other professionals, polymeric sand isn’t commonly used by. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. e. Among the beautiful, natural options for walkway stones sourced directly…When installing polymeric sand for your concrete porch overlay, you will want to ensure that you are using a polymeric sand that is specified for overlays. Instead, it is a manmade compound. Block paving. Typically 1/8 inch to 4 inches wide. Ideal for joints up to 4mm in width. Polymeric sand was first introduced to the hardscaping industry about a dozen years ago, and we at Stonehenge started using it as soon as it was available in this market. 2. Model #: 40100398. Composed of a mix of graded sand and binder that flows smoothly down joints, it allows for a fast and effective installation of pavers. # Preview Product; 1:However, you could use polymeric sand. Usage. Allows for cleaner, easier and quicker jobs thanks to the Nextgel technology. Fill The Gaps. Yield: 10 x 10 surface. 0 mm. 97. You may choose to use stone dust if you have a large supply of it, or prefer the texture and appearance of it. Alternatives to polymeric sand are made with formulae suitable for your hardscaping projects. 5-pound bucket. Installation: • Using a broom, sweep Polymeric Jointing Sand into the paver joints, filling up to the paver chamfers (shoulders). 9 out of 5 stars 15. The chemical sand consolidation methods involve pumping of chemical materials, like furan resin and silicate non-polymer materials into unconsolidated sandstone formations, in order to minimize sand production with the fluids produced from the hydrocarbon reservoirs. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. You will also need some sort of tool that is thin enough to fit into the crack, so you can compact the sand. Cement; 2. Check Price on Amazon. Polymeric Sand For Pavers. Polymeric sand will eventually crack, thus allowing weeds to grow through. For best appearance and optimal performance,, keep jointing materials. Bad Weather Conditions. Crystalline silica. 5 cm) Check Price on Amazon. The particles present in the paver sand are somewhat bigger than the particles in beach sand or playground sand. It contains 85 to 90% quartz and crystalline silica. Colors. It may be called C-33, all-purpose or leveling sand. Before you switch to a polymeric sand alternative you should know the pros and cons of each. Gray Polymeric Sand. Please feel free to call us at. This will also help keep the sand in place, although it won’t provide the same. Size: 40 Lb. Cement: Polymeric Sand Alternative; 2. Pour polymeric sand over the patio, following instructions on the bag until all the gaps are filled. Wichita, KS . 4. SUPERSAND G2 is recommended for a variety of use. Water Permeability. 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. “test area” because it may stain the flagstones too. 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. Another name for it commonly goes by is “rock dust. A depth of 8 inches is suitable for 4 inches of gravel, 1 inch of paver sand, and pavers that are approximately 3 inches thick. Rated 4 out of 5 by DIY dad from Good quality and easy to use I built a raised patio recently and this was the only polymeric sand I could find to fill the 1/4" cracks between my pavers and retaining wall blocks. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. Paver Set sand is a mixture of sand and special additives that hardens with moisture for paving stone joints. There are a few alternatives to polymeric sand that can be used for paver installation. Tap to view. The best alternative is to use polymeric sand, which bonds the pavers together, keeps out weeds, and is less susceptible to ants. Step 2: Place the counter-ridging of your pavers. 1. Important: Polymeric sand application yields the best results when applied between dry pavers. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. Pour two inches of sand over the landscape fabric. If you use polymeric sand in the joints, follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid discoloring the paver surface and to prevent problems. 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. 2. 40 Lb. 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). Lay landscape fabric over the gravel; this suppresses weeds and separates the gravel from the sand layer. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Install the. Joint-It Simple Grey – Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Grey 3. It is mixed with water and brushed in between favored joints. 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. Sand Base. If you are on a tight budget, stone dust is going to be the best alternative to polymeric sand that you can get. Insufficient color options. 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. 4 – 6 Bags. The particle size varies, which is why, as examples, EZ Sand Polymeric Sand ($22. Can weeds grow through polymeric sand? I like to. When installed properly, the hardened sand will lock. Polymeric sand is used in paver joints because it helps prevent most weeds and ants: Its bonded surface. 4 out of 5 stars 8. There are specific polymeric sand cleaners that are designed to de-haze the finish. For starters, it strengthens the bond between the pavers. Polymeric sand can be used for various projects, but it is mainly required for compacting pavers and keeping them in place. No blower is needed and the intelligent polymeric sand requires only one watering. The weather forecast is an important factor in the installing of polymeric sand. Read the Instructions. Easy Mix Paver Bond Polymeric Sand is a blend of kiln-dried fine sand and a gelling agent formulated to create a cohesive joint between pavers. The key difference between dust and sand is the size of the joints between your stones. Shop Building Materials Concrete & Mortar Concrete Alternatives & Sand Sand Techniseal 40 Lb. 9. Plain sand; 6. Allowing the water to soak into the soil for about an hour ensures a deeper settlement and. Combined with additives, including silica, that bind when exposed to water, it produces a strong, stable, durable surface. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. Step 2. Extend your season and get your jobs done this year! Don't worry about drying out your pavers to start filling. 1. Clear the Residue. Documents. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. If you are looking for an alternative to polymeric sand for your red pavers, there are a few options available that may provide better results. NABORS HOME CENTER 910 Highway 278 East Amory, MS 38821 US. Step 3. Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. Bend the “wings” of the workpiece and install the bar in the “shoe”. Better Polymeric Sand Alternative, Haze-Free Patio Jointing Sand for Flagstones and Pavers, Wet Application Paver Joint Sand 44lbs, Dark Grey. 7 out of 5 stars 24. . Should I use polymeric sand or regular sand? Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. This video covers everything fr.