Top 6 Best Polymeric Sand for Pavers 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide
Paved surfaces appeal to be more beautiful than plain tiles or concrete. Therefore, this has made many people opt for paving when it comes to walkways, backyard lounges, and patios. Paves are designed to offer superior aesthetics and flooring longevity if it is done correctly.
However, with so many sand options on the market, choosing the right one for pavers is a daunting adventure. If you are thinking of installing pavers in your home but you are not sure, which polymeric sand to use for the job, this article is here. Here we'll review the top best polymeric sand for pavers and other essential features to look for before choosing.
Image | Product name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand | ||
 | Polymeric Sand -for Pavers | ||
 | SAKRETE Polymeric Sand |
What Is Polymeric Sand And What Are The Benefits Of Using It?
Polymeric sand is a material that is used to fill pave joints, which are the empty spaces found between each paver, natural stone, or tile. The polymeric sand is sometimes called jointing sand, hardscape sand, or paver sand.
Its made of fine grains, which are manufactured by adding various specific addictive particles. The sand is super strong, and it ensures to keep your pavers joint together for years with minimal maintenances risks.
Here are some of the advantages of using it over regular sand.
Prevents Weeds or Ant Infestations
Polymeric sand holds the installations together compared to the conventional jointing materials. The polymeric sand is also a hostile environment for ants or weeds, and using it guarantees that you will enjoy quality installations with minimal issues of ants infestations or weeds.
You will also not have to invest in any parasite agents to control the infestations, and the joints will remain strong and will not erode or age prematurely.
Increases Durability
The polymeric sand is made of a mixture of addictive particles and grains, which form a powerful binding agent, and it holds the pavers securely together. Unlike conventional binding materials, polymeric sand is resistant to erosion, and it's quite durable.
It, therefore, increases the life expectancy of the installation significantly, and it requires minimal maintenance. With this material, you are also guaranteed that the joints will not decompose or crumble. It also ensures that the sand remains in the paver joints instead of the bottom of the pool or the house.
Quick and Easy Installation
Applying this polymeric sand is super easy and fast. This guarantees that you can cover a larger area within the shortest time. The polymeric sand is specifically designed to give you perfect joints.
It Won't Wash Out
During heavy rains, you will not have to worry if you have used polymeric sand on your pavers. The sand doesn't wash out at the joints, so the pavers will remain strong. Additionally, when it rains, the polymeric sand ensures minimal water sliding chances between the pavers. Therefore, the integrity of the pavers will not be compromised in any situation.
Color Choices
With polymeric sand, you are sure that you can always find a color that matches your pavers. Unlike other materials, polymeric sand comes in different colors to match your style and strength when installing pavers.
Our Top Best Polymeric Sand for Pavers In 2023
1. DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Solid Flex
The dominator polymeric sand uses the latest solid flex revolutionary technology to make it advanced sand on the market. It features fine sand and cement-free formula to ease the installation process. However, the sand is not a replacement for paver edging, grout, mortar, or repairing broken drainage under the pavers.
The sand guarantees professional performance, something that you wouldn't experience with other materials. It comes with an easy-to-read installation guide to enhances the application process.
This polymeric sand has a high coverage rate of 20-80 square feet per 45 LB bucket. This guarantees that you will not have to spend quite as much to get the entire area covered. The installation process is quite easy as the sand comes ready for use. It also comes with instructions to guide you through the process and ensure that you get every step right. Therefore, you will not have to worry about anything as long as you the dominator of polymeric sand.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Reliable coverage rate
- Solid flex technology design
- Durable manufacturing process
Cons
- Should not be applied during cold weather or during the rainy season
2. Polymeric Sand - Joint Stabilizing Sand for Pavers
This polymeric sand is designed specifically to stabilize the joint to keep the pavers strong. Therefore, if you invest in this sand, you are guaranteed that your grounds are firm. Its installation is quite easy and has no possible difference from the regular paver joint.
It is quite strong and provides you with durable, long-lasting, and flexible joints, and it locks quite firmly. This indicates that when you use this polymeric sand, it will give you exceptional performance.
When installing, you should ensure to use at least 2-laters of polymeric sand for better experiences. Your under layer has to be at least 6-inches of crushed stone while the upper layer a maximum of 1-inch.
This polymeric sand comes in grey, which makes a great addition for your pavers regardless of the color. If you use the appropriate mixture, you are guaranteed that the sand grey color will pop to perfect the floor. The sand also helps prevent erosion due to rain, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Can cover up to 18 square feet
- It can be used on false joint pavers
- Prevents erosion due to rain and wind
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
3. SAKRETE | Polymeric Sand - Gray
If you want to install pavers in your driveway or footpath but are worried about dealing with weed, ants, and other issues, then investing in this SAKRETE polymeric sand will make a difference. It is specifically designed to lock together pavers and ensure that the flooring is strong.
The mixture in this polymeric is made special to ensure that weed and ants cannot thrive on the pavers, therefore, ensuring that your design will last longer to keep your footpath or driveway unique. Unlike other joining mixtures on the market, the main focus on this sand is to ensure minimal insect penetration chances. It can be used to join the pavers and ensure to prevent erosion due to various factors.
Installing the polymeric sand is simple. You simply pour the sand, remove excess, and set to experience its greatness. Therefore, you will not require to think beyond your ability to get the job done. Additionally, when the sand is set right, it ensures that the joints will not be exposed to wash out.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Resists joint washout
- Reduces weed and insect penetration
- Locks pavers together for durability
Cons
- It takes too long to harden
4. Polymeric Sand Concentrate
The concentrated polymeric sand is a specific blend of polymers added in a unique ratio to customize your polymeric sand. Therefore, when you choose to use it, you will save money and give your footpath a unique appearance with different colors. The concentrate sand allows you to mix the sand to get the ideal color that matches your pavers for an exceptional floor.
It can be used to join the pavers together, prevent weed and insect penetration, and also guarantee to prevent erosion. Additionally, depending on your mixture ratio, you are also guaranteed that the polymeric sand will be durable
You can also use this concentrated polymeric sand as crack filler when you have a crack on your wall. It can also be used to solve other issues on exposed aggregate slabs. Its strong concentration ensures that you are always equipped to solve issues that you may be facing in your house in various dimensions.
Pros
- Suitable for joining pavers and fixing cracks on slabs
- Easy installing
- Durable sand mixture
Cons
- Washes out quite fast
5. Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand (Beige)
Gator Maxx G2 intelligent polymeric sand has a unique mixture of polymers binders and calibrate sand in slate grey and beige. The mixture makes the sand super-strong such that it holds the pavers perfectly together.
With this polymeric sand, you are guaranteed that your pavers will not be exposed to erosion, weed, or even ants. It hardens fast, and it remains together even when faced with vigorous challenges. In other words, when you apply this polymers sand on your pavers, it extends its locking power to maintain your footpath appearance for a longer time.
The installation process of this polymeric sand is identical to that of the regular paver joint. Therefore, you will not require to have any special training to get it installed. Once you apply the sand and it sets, it becomes quite firm to ensure your pavers are held together. However, even after holding it together, it remains flexible, giving you durable and long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Features a unique mixture style
- Suitable for various applications
- Strong and flexible joint locking
Cons
- Only convenient for joints up to 4-inches maximum
6. Alliance Gator Polymeric
If you are looking for polymeric sand that will guarantee your pavers are locked together and there is minimal chance of erosion, then this is your solution. The alliance gator polymeric super sand is specifically mixed to meet your respective demands. It uses advanced Haze-free technology and can be conveniently for joints up to 1-inch maximum.
When you use this polymers sand, the issues of erosion, weed, and ant invasion will not be your concern. As strong as it is, you are sure that the pavers will not fall out by the joints after a short while. The grey color matches perfectly with your pavers, ensuring that your décor takes on a different root.
The process of applying this is also simple as it only requires you to understand the basics of installing the pavers. However, you should avoid using it during the rainy season to minimize the possibility of being washed out by the audience.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Prevents erosion
- Features advanced haze technology
Cons
- Not suitable for use during the rainy season
Polymeric Sand Buying Guide
If you have finally decided to polymeric sand, you are headed in the right direction. It guarantees that sealing your pavers will not be an issue for you, and the material also prevents insect and weed penetration hence keeping your pavement looking better and presentable. However, before buying, there are a few things to look for to ensure that you are getting the right material for your needs.
Grain Size
The polymers' sand comes in various grain sizes. From fine-grain, medium-grain, and coarse, which has larger grains. Your choice of grain is also determined by various factors, including the size of the gap between pavers.
If your pavers have narrow gaps, then going for fine sand will be quite convenient. However, when you are working with fine grain, it is essential to note that dusting has a high tendency.
Durability
Although it's obvious that polymeric sand is more durable than regular sand, durability is a feature that you cannot afford to overlook. You need to ensure that it has the relevant additives and can withstand rain and other natural calamities. Your polymeric sand of choice should ensure that the joints are firm and the pavers are locked together for a prolonged duration.
Drying and Curing Time
Determine how long it takes for the sand to dry, and cure is critical. This will determine the appropriate time for you to install the pavers with minimal risks. When the sand is rained on before it completely cures and drys, it will be easily washed away. Therefore, when you know how long it will take to cure, it will be easy for you to plan on an appropriate day with minimal chances of rain.
Colors
Getting a color that doesn't crush with your pavers makes the entire installation process interesting. Therefore, instead of peaking the sand at random, take your time and choose the color that will fit in your décor.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How Long Does Polymeric Sand Last?
If you follow the right procedure to install the pavers, the polymeric sand or dust can last up to 10 years before it requires replacement.
What Is The Difference Between Jointing Sand And Polymeric Sand?
Polymeric sand is the material used to fill the paver joint spaces found when you arrange the pavers, natural stone, or tiles. It can also be referred to as jointing sand, hardscape sand, or paver sand. On the other hand, the jointing sand is the mixture of fine grains with specific additive particles that the manufacturer uses.
Can Polymeric Sand Harm Humans?
The polymers' sand can be harmful if swallowed. When you are applying it, it may cause serious eye irritation and other allergic reactions to your skin.
Which Sand is Best for Pavers?
There are many different types of sand available, but the best sand for pavers is a type called "concrete sand". This sand has a high silica content and is typically used in concrete.
Can Polymeric Sand Ruin Pavers?
Polymeric sand is a type of sand that has been mixed with polymers in order to make it more durable. Polymeric sand is often used for footpaths and driveways because it is less likely to get kicked up or blown away by the wind. A fantastic paver project might be ruined by improperly put poly sand.
Final Word
If you are thinking of a better way to upgrade your pavement or driveway, installing pavers can be an effective way. However, you must ensure that you use the right jointing sand to guarantee durability and excellence in your job.
The above polymeric sand will automatically make the difference and will improve your pavement look significantly. Therefore, choosing either of them will guarantee exceptional performance with minimal needs for maintenance.
