If your patio pavers are starting to shift, grow weeds, or just look worn out, it’s probably time to resand your pavers.
Resanding helps stabilize the surface, fill in loose joints, and stop weeds and ants from taking over.
It’s one of the best ways to refresh your outdoor space without doing a full renovation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to resand patio pavers step by step, including when to do it yourself and when it makes more sense to call in a professional.
If you want expert help, we offer full paver joint re-sanding services at Clean My Pavers that save you time and give you long-lasting results.
When Should You Resand Your Patio Pavers?
Over time, rain, wind, and foot traffic can wash sand out from between your pavers.
Once that happens, the joints become loose and open to problems like weeds, moss, ant infestations, and shifting stones.
Here are a few signs your patio might need to have its pavers resanded:
- Gaps between pavers
- Sand washing away after rain or cleaning
- Pavers starting to move or wobble
- Weeds or ant hills showing up in the joints
If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to resand before the damage gets worse.
What Kind of Sand Should You Use?
There are two main types of sand people use for paver joints: polymeric sand and regular jointing sand.
They each have their place depending on your needs.
Polymeric sand is a blend of fine sand and special additives that harden when exposed to water.
It helps lock pavers in place and is great for keeping weeds and ants out.
This option is more durable and lasts longer but requires a little more precision during installation.
Regular jointing sand is basic sand you can sweep into the joints.
It’s easy to work with but doesn’t last as long and doesn’t provide the same level of stability or protection.
It’s usually best for smaller DIY touch-ups.
We recommend polymeric sand for most resanding jobs, especially if you want stronger joints and fewer maintenance headaches down the road.
Step-by-Step: How to Resand Patio Pavers
Let’s go through the steps to resand patio pavers:
Step 1 – Prep the Area
Start by clearing off the patio.
Move furniture, plants, or anything else in the way.
If you see weeds, apply a weed killer a couple of days ahead of time so they’re easier to remove.
Make sure the surface is dry before you move to the next step.
Step 2 – Clean the Joints
Use a pressure washer to remove old sand, dirt, and debris from between the pavers.
This gives you a clean base for the new sand to settle in.
After cleaning your pavers, give the patio at least 24 hours to dry completely.
Applying polymeric sand to a damp surface can lead to poor results.
Step 3 – Sweep in the Sand
Pour the sand directly onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints using a stiff broom.
Work in different directions to make sure the sand fills every gap.
You may need to go over the area a few times to fully pack the joints.
Leave a small gap below the surface of each paver.
This helps prevent chipping and lets water drain properly.
Step 4 – Compact the Sand (Optional)
For deeper joints or areas with heavy foot traffic, you can use a rubber mallet or plate compactor to help settle the sand.
After compacting, sweep more sand into any low spots that appear.
Step 5 – Blow Off the Dust
Use a leaf blower on low to remove any leftover sand or dust from the tops of the pavers.
This helps prevent staining or a cloudy film from forming when you water the sand.
Step 6 – Water the Sand
Gently mist the entire patio with a garden hose using a shower setting.
The goal is to wet the sand enough to activate the binding agents but not so much that it washes out of the joints.
Do 2–3 light passes, allowing a few minutes between each one.
Let the surface dry and cure.
Avoid walking on it for at least 24 hours and hold off on vehicle traffic for 48 to 72 hours.
Aftercare Tips
Once the sand is set, it’s a good idea to sweep off any loose particles.
If you want extra protection, consider sealing the pavers a few days later.
This helps lock in the sand and shields your patio from stains and water damage.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the process seems simple, a few common mistakes can ruin the outcome:
- Applying sand while the patio is still wet
- Using too much water and washing away the sand
- Forgetting to blow off dust before spraying
- Overfilling the joints, which can cause cracking
- Letting sand get stuck in false joints
Taking your time with each step can save you from having to redo the entire job.
Want a Pro to Handle It? We Can Help
If resanding your pavers feels like a lot of work, or if you want to make sure it gets done right, we’re here to help.
At Clean My Pavers, we handle the entire paver joint re-sanding process from start to finish.
We use professional-grade equipment and high-quality polymeric sand for clean, even, long-lasting joints.
You don’t have to worry about pressure washing, sand selection, or curing time.
Just let us know what your patio needs, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Visit our paver joint re-sanding service page to get a free quote.
FAQs: How to Resand Patio Pavers
How to properly resand pavers?
To properly resand pavers, start by removing any furniture and cleaning the surface with a pressure washer to clear out old sand and debris. Let the area dry completely. Sweep new sand, preferably polymeric, into the joints using a push broom, making sure they are evenly filled. Blow off excess dust, then lightly mist the area with water to activate the sand if using polymeric. Let it cure undisturbed for 24 to 72 hours depending on traffic.
Can I put new polymeric sand over old?
It’s not recommended to apply new polymeric sand directly over old sand. The old material can interfere with the bonding process and reduce durability. For best results, remove as much of the old sand as possible before applying a fresh layer.
How to put sand back in pavers?
Once the pavers are clean and dry, pour the sand over the surface and sweep it into the joints using a broom. Sweep in multiple directions to fully pack the joints. If using polymeric sand, remove the excess dust and then lightly water the area to activate the binding agents.
Should you resand pavers after pressure washing?
Yes, resanding after pressure washing is often necessary because the cleaning process removes sand from between the pavers. Once the area is dry, you can replace the lost joint sand to restore stability and prevent shifting.
How to remove old sand from pavers?
Use a pressure washer to blast out the old sand from between the joints. Focus on clearing out as much material as possible to make room for the new sand. Be careful not to damage the edges of the pavers during the process.
What is the best sand for pavers?
Polymeric sand is the best option for most paver projects. It hardens when activated with water, resists erosion, and helps prevent weeds and ants. For small touch-ups or temporary fixes, regular jointing sand can be used.
How do you apply polymeric sand to pavers?
After cleaning and drying the surface, sweep polymeric sand into the joints until they are just below the surface of the pavers. Use a leaf blower to remove any remaining dust. Mist the area lightly with water to activate the sand, then let it cure without disturbance for at least 24 hours.