If you’re working with pavers—whether it’s a new patio, walkway, or driveway—the sand you choose makes a big difference.
The best sand for pavers keeps your surface strong, level, and low maintenance.
Pick the wrong type, and you could end up dealing with shifting bricks, weed growth, and water damage.
At Clean My Pavers, we’ve worked on thousands of surfaces and know firsthand how important it is to get the right sand for the job when it comes to paver re-sanding.
Here’s what you need to know before you start—or if you’re thinking about restoring an old paver project.
Why Your Sand Choice Matters
Pavers don’t just sit on the ground.
They need a solid base and properly filled joints to stay in place.
Sand does three main things: it supports the base, locks the pavers in place, and helps with drainage.
Using the wrong kind of sand can lead to loose pavers, standing water, and unwanted weeds.
Choosing the right sand is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your outdoor space.
Types of Sand for Pavers
Not all sand is created equal.
Some types work great as a base, others are better for joint filling.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options.
Concrete Sand
Concrete sand is coarse and drains well, which makes it great for the base layer under your pavers.
It compacts nicely and helps keep things from shifting.
If you’re laying a patio or driveway, this is a solid choice for the foundation.
Mason Sand
Mason sand is finer and smoother than concrete sand.
It’s easier to level out, but it doesn’t hold up well in paver joints.
It can wash away over time and may not lock your pavers in place as firmly.
Best used under the pavers—not between them.
Polymeric Sand
This is the best sand for paver joints, hands down.
It’s made with special additives that cause the sand to harden when water is applied.
Once it sets, it resists erosion, weeds, and ants.
It’s more expensive than regular sand, but you won’t have to keep sweeping it back into the joints every few months.
Play Sand
This is what you’d find in a sandbox—and it’s not right for pavers.
It’s too fine, doesn’t compact well, and washes away easily.
Using play sand in your paver joints will cause more problems than it solves.
Sharp Sand
Sharp sand is coarse and angular.
It’s sometimes used for leveling layers in specific types of installations, but it’s not commonly used for joint filling.
It’s more of a specialty option, not something most homeowners need.
Polymeric Sand vs Regular Sand
Still trying to decide between polymeric sand and regular sand?
Here’s a simple breakdown to help:
Polymeric sand binds together when it gets wet, so it holds tight in the joints.
It helps stop weeds, keeps ants out, and doesn’t wash away easily.
Regular sand doesn’t hold its shape, which means you’ll be refilling joints more often and possibly dealing with loose pavers.
Yes, polymeric sand costs a bit more upfront, but it saves time and money long-term.
If you want your pavers to stay in place and look clean, it’s worth it.
How to Pick the Best Sand for Your Project
Choosing the best sand for pavers comes down to what kind of project you’re doing and what you want in the long run.
If your pavers will handle a lot of foot or vehicle traffic, go with polymeric sand for the joints.
It holds up better over time.
For the base layer, stick with concrete sand.
If you’re in an area with lots of rain or freeze-thaw cycles, drainage is key—so avoid sand that holds water.
And if you don’t want to deal with weeds or ant hills, don’t take shortcuts.
Polymeric sand will give you peace of mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We see a lot of paver issues that come from using the wrong sand or skipping steps.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Using play sand or overly fine sand—it doesn’t hold up.
- Skipping compaction—leads to sinking and shifting.
- Overfilling or underfilling joints—can cause cracking or movement.
- Ignoring routine maintenance for pavers—even polymeric sand can wear out eventually.
How Clean My Pavers Can Help with Paver Joint Resanding
If your paver joints are looking worn, uneven, or full of weeds, it’s probably time for resanding.
Over time, sand breaks down from rain, pressure washing, and foot traffic.
That’s where we come in.
At Clean My Pavers, our paver joint re-sanding service is built to restore your surface and keep your pavers looking great.
First, we deep clean the surface to remove old sand and debris.
Once the area is dry, we apply professional-grade polymeric sand to refill and seal the joints.
Then we compact and mist the surface to lock everything in place.
This service helps stop weeds, eliminates loose bricks, and gives your pavers a fresh, clean look.
It’s one of the best ways to extend the life of your patio or driveway without starting from scratch.
Final Thoughts: Best Sand for Pavers
The best sand for pavers depends on your goals, your location, and how much maintenance you want to deal with.
For most people, concrete sand works well as a base, and polymeric sand is the top choice for joints.
It’s not just about looks—it’s about keeping your outdoor space safe, clean, and low maintenance.
If your pavers are starting to look worn out or you’re tired of constantly sweeping sand back into the joints, let us help.
Our paver joint resanding service takes the hassle out of maintaining your patio, walkway, or driveway.
Reach out to Clean My Pavers today to schedule a free estimate and get your surface back in shape.
FAQs: Best Sand for Pavers
How to apply polymeric sand to pavers?
Start with a clean, dry paver surface. Sweep the polymeric sand into the joints until they’re completely filled. Use a plate compactor to settle the sand, then sweep off any excess. Finally, lightly mist the surface with water to activate the binding agents. Avoid overwatering, and let it cure for 24 hours without rain or foot traffic.
What is the best sand to lay pavers on?
Concrete sand is the best choice for laying pavers. Its coarse texture allows for proper compaction and drainage, creating a stable base that helps prevent shifting or sinking over time.
Is mason sand the same as polymeric sand?
No, mason sand and polymeric sand are different. Mason sand is fine and smooth, often used as a bedding layer under pavers, while polymeric sand contains binders that harden when wet and are specifically designed for filling paver joints.
Do I really need sand under pavers?
Yes, sand is essential under pavers. It creates a level base, helps with drainage, and distributes weight evenly to prevent settling or movement.
Can I just lay pavers on dirt?
Laying pavers directly on dirt is not recommended. Dirt shifts with weather and moisture, which can lead to uneven pavers, poor drainage, and long-term damage. A proper sand and gravel base is key to a durable installation.
How do you maintain pavers?
To maintain pavers, clean them regularly, remove weeds or moss, and refill joints with polymeric sand as needed. Sealing the pavers every few years can also help protect against stains, erosion, and fading.