JOINTING/POLYMERIC SANDS

Filling in the void between your pavers/natural stone with the proper material turns individual pieces into a cohesive surface.

Jointing Material consists of fine, sharp, crushed sand or stone, and is usually referred to as Joint Sand. These products are swept into the gaps between pavers/natural stone and then compacted. The primary function is to improve the interlock and therefore the durability and stability of a paved surface. This sand usually comes bagged so that it is kept dry for easy installation. Here at Stone Quest, we carry Jointing Sand in two colors; Tan and Platinum (Grey). Alternatively, a polymeric sand can be used instead.

Polymeric Sand is an alternative to regular jointing sand. It is a mixture of properly graded sand and a water activated polymer as a bonding agent. This polymer is water activated, making the sand harden in the joints, creating a solid, water resistant surface. The benefits of using polymeric sand include; increased project durability, reduced sand washout, weed deterrent, and increased resistance to ants.

Here at Stone Quest, we carry the brand PolySweep from SEK Surebond. Regular PolySweep (gaps up to 1”) is available in Tan, Platinum, and Black. We also carry PolySweep in a Wide-Joint (gaps up to 3”) which is available in the Tan and Platinum colors. NOTE: Wide-Joint is available in Black as a special order. Also, we can special order EVO Black Sand (Flood Application) and we will also have a wet application option available with more information to come!

Not all polymeric sands are created equal. Many contain portland cement as an additive, and improper installation will wreak havoc on your project. Stone Quest has teamed up with the manufacturer of PolySweep Sand to bring our customers a superior product without the hazing problems of other brands. PolySweep is available in Tan, Platinum and Black.

All projects do not require the use, and added expense of polymeric sand. Talk with our trained staff about your project and concerns to decide what Jointing Sand is right for your project.

Base Material is usually a limestone gravel mix. It will contain stone and fines so that it will pack into a firm base. This material is installed and compacted on top of the native soil. We recommend 4-6 inches for patios and 10-12 inches for driveways. Proper compaction of this layer is critical to the durability of your project (You should be compacting this section every 2 inches). Typical product names are 23A, 22A, Stonemix, or Stonecrete. (Permeable paver projects and raised patios will require different materials and installation methods)
Bedding Material, or leveling, is usually a sharp, coarse sand or aggregate. It provides a thin leveling or setting layer (1-1.5 inches) for the paver or stone to be installed in. It is screeded out on top of the compacted base. Another function of this layer is drainage. Typical product names are 2NS Sand, Limestone Fines or Slag Sand. (Permeable paver projects and raised patios will require different materials and installation methods)

Driveway Gravel can mean several different materials. Here at Stone Quest we carry a 23A (Stone & Fines mix), and a 6AA (¾” Clean Limestone). The 23A, just like when installing pavers, is used for maximum compaction. The 6AA is used underneath raised patios and behind retaining walls to provide better drainage, the same can be said about driveways. Choosing between the two products is typically site specific. If water drainage is not an issue, typically the 23A is a better option. If water tends to be an issue 6AA may be better suited for your application.