What is the best polymeric sand?
- BEST OVERALL: DOMINATOR Natural Joint Stabilizing for Pavers
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SAKRETE Paver Set Joint Sand
- UPGRADE PICK: Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand
- BEST FOR SMALL PROJECTS: DOMINATOR Joint Stabilizing for Pavers
- ALSO CONSIDER: Buddingco Polymeric Sand
What is polymeric sand and does it really work?
What is polymeric sand and how does it work? Polymeric sand is a sand like material that contains a unique polymer that is placed in between the joints of brick pavers. When the material is activated with water, it creates a flexible “mortar-like” bond in between the pavers and acts as a joint stabilizer.
What is polymeric sand and how does it work?
Why choose polymeric sand for paver jointing?
- Increased durability. As stated above, the mixture of sand grains and additive particles forms a powerful binding agent that securely holds together concrete pavers and other hardscape installation materials.
- No more weeds or ant infestations! ...
- Rich and varied colors. ...
- Quick & easy installation. ...
How much polymeric sand is needed to fill my joints?
Using Polymeric Sand
- Spreading and Sweeping
- Compacting
- Sweeping and Blowing
- Watering
- Blowing
What can I use instead of polymeric sand?
When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.
How do you make polymeric sand for pavers?
By mixing ConSANDtrate at a ratio of 5 parts sand to 1 part ConSANDtrate makes a more concentrated polymeric sand that can be used around problem areas or as a crack filler for concrete or exposed aggregate slabs.
What is the ingredients of polymeric sand?
Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. Crystalline silica. Proprietary polymer/organic.
Can I use regular sand instead of polymeric?
The choice between regular and polymeric sand depends on personal preference and the type of hardscaping project. Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps.
How do you make polymeric sand?
2:145:20How to use Polymeric Sand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 clean the surface with broom. And blower to remove all dust and debris from the surface. StepMoreStep 1 clean the surface with broom. And blower to remove all dust and debris from the surface. Step 2 open the bag and spread the sand evenly over the surface.
Can I use cement instead of polymeric sand?
Some manufacturers will add Portland cement to their polymeric sand mix in order to cut down on the cost; however, the use of Portland cement can increase the chances that a white or light gray film will form around the joints.
What is the best sand to put between pavers?
Polymeric sandPolymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
#6 - Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints The sand is simply pushed out of the joints. This is why we don't recommend using polymeric sand on extremely narrow joints. Similarly, too-wide joints can lead to washout, because they allow too much water flow during the activation process.
Does polymeric sand have portland cement in it?
Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand, adhesive, and sometimes Portland cement. Once pushed into the joints, water activates the adhesive, making the grains of sand bond together, as well as to the pavers, to create a durable surface.
How do you harden sand between pavers?
As we brought up earlier, regular sand doesn't harden enough on its own. So, if you need it to set, the best way to do it is by sealing them. You should give it at least 48 hours after applying the sealer. Foot traffic is ok after 3-4 hours.
Can you put dry cement between pavers?
Using dry mortar that way saves a tremendous amount of time compared to mortaring individual joints between pavers, but the dry mortar has to be applied in dry conditions to prevent it from staining the pavers' surface.
Can I use play sand for paver joints?
On the other hand, using play sand in the installation of pavers can cause a lot of headaches. For once, they will not make the job correctly and you will probably have to re-sand your paver patio sooner than you planned for. Play sand will also not prevent weeds from growing between the grout lines of the pavers.
What Is Polymeric Sand?
When exposed to water, polymeric sand and its additives form a bonding agent. It is a fine sand that is often the ideal choice for compacting pavers and locking them in place. Silica, found in polymeric sand, is one additive that helps keep find sand particles together.
Alternatives
Polymeric sand is a great building material, but it simply isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there are several alternatives worth taking a a look at, such as:
White-Washed Sand
White-washed sand is most commonly used in playgrounds, but some homeowners opt to use it between pavers. Unlike polymeric sand, white-washed sand does not form as much of a bond, but it still contains silica.
EnviroSAND
EnviroSAND is a name brand polymeric sand alternative. It consists of regular sand with an organic binder that makes EnviroSAND unique. EnviroSAND works essentially the same way as polymeric sand and yields the same great results.
How Does The Pricing Compare?
Pricing can be tricky when it comes to polymeric sand and its alternatives for several reasons. The main reason being that there is no iron clad rule for how much you use. Besides that, each project and paved area is different and calls for more or less sand.
Cement Vs. Polymeric Sand
Another option, though less common, is to use cement as an alternative to polymeric sand. For many years, cement has been used for keeping construction elements in place. It creates an incredibly strong bond between all of the pieces involved.
What is the Best Alternative to Polymeric Sand?
The best alternative to polymeric sand is EnviroSAND. White-washed sand is a good alternative, but EnviroSAND takes the cake. That is because it stands the test of time and provides a bond and weed protection for years.
Add in Corn Starch
Use your spoon measurer to measure out two tablespoons of corn starch, and add it to your sand. Help a child get an accurate measurement by having them scoop the corn starch with the measurer, and then use a finger to level out the powder in the spoon by brushing it across the top.
Mix Cornstarch and Sand
Mix together the sand and corn starch until the two are fully integrated. You can mix the two with your measuring spoon to save dishes. Set the sand and cornstarch mixture aside.
Make the Colored Soapy Water Solution
Since kinetic sand is made up of 98 percent sand and 2 percent polymers—you will need to make a solution containing polymers to add to the sand. The polymers that we need for our kinetic sand are found in dish soap.
Add Color to Your Soapy Water Solution
Add at least 6 drops of food coloring into the soapy water solution. We used red and blue food coloring to make purple kinetic sand. The darker the soapy water solution is, the more colorful your sand will be. It takes more food coloring in the water then you think it does.
Enjoy Your Kinetic Sand
The best part of making kinetic sand is playing with it afterward. Use a plastic knife or fork to try slicing your sand. Have fun with cookie cutters and sandcastle molds. If you are planning to save your sand, package it in an air-tight container or zip bag.
What is Polymeric Sand?
Historically, pavers for patios, walkways, and driveways were installed with regular masonry sand. After paver installation, the sand would be swept into the paver joints. But the lack of binders in the sand would allow washout and cause weeds, grass and ant hills to form.
Expert Tips For Solid Polymeric Sand Use
How do you make sure you’re using polymeric sand properly? What ste ps must you take to ensure an unshakable installation?
Install Strong Pavers with Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is a great alternative to traditional paver joint sand and its common pitfalls. Make sure you follow these best practices when installing pavers. Your patio will be weed- and ant-free for years to come, and you won’t have to worry about installing pavers for years.
