What Is The Best Material To Put In Between Pavers?

Choosing the right material to fill the gaps between pavers can be confusing, with various options available.

Incorrect or low-quality filler can lead to weed growth, shifting pavers, and premature deterioration, compromising both aesthetics and functionality.

This article explores the best materials for filling paver gaps, from sand to polymeric sand, highlighting their benefits and ideal uses. Learn how to enhance the longevity and appearance of your paver installations effectively.

What Is The Best Material To Put In Between Pavers?

Polymeric sand is the best material to put between pavers. This type of sand contains additives that, when activated with water, bind the sand particles together, creating a durable and flexible joint. It effectively prevents weed growth and insect infestations, maintains alignment, and resists erosion, making it ideal for aesthetic appeal and long-term functionality.

Factors to Consider

When selecting the best material to fill the gaps between pavers, consider these crucial factors:

• Climate Considerations: Material durability can significantly depend on local weather conditions. Choose a filling material that can withstand expansion and contraction without cracking in areas with frequent rain or freeze-thaw cycles. Polymeric sand is excellent for most climates as it binds strongly and resists washout and weed growth.
• Traffic Load: The chosen material must accommodate the expected traffic load. Regular sand may suffice for pedestrian-only paths, offering ease of installation and flexibility. However, driveways or areas with vehicular traffic demand sturdier materials like polymeric sand or crushed stone, which provide better interlock and stability under heavier loads.
• Aesthetic Preferences: The filler material should complement the colour and style of your pavers to enhance the overall design scheme. Polymeric sand comes in various colours, allowing for a seamless look that matches or contrasts with the pavers, depending on your design preferences. Choose a shade that blends in or accentuates the pavers for a visually pleasing effect.

• Ease of Maintenance: Consider how much effort you will invest in maintaining the joint filler over time. While traditional sand might need regular replenishing due to erosion or displacement, polymeric sand, once set, offers a low-maintenance solution as it binds firmly and resists washing away. This reduces the frequency of refilling and maintenance checks.
• Permeability: The permeability of the filler material is vital for areas where drainage is a concern. Non-permeable materials like solid grouting can lead to water pooling and drainage issues. In contrast, permeable fillers like coarse sand or fine gravel allow water to pass through, promoting better drainage and reducing the risk of water damage and instability in the paved area.

Common Materials for Paver Joints

When choosing materials to fill the joints between pavers, selecting the right option can impact your paved surfaces’ durability, appearance, and maintenance.

Here’s a detailed look at everyday materials:

1. Polymeric Sand

Polymeric sand is a sophisticated hardscaping material used to fill the joints between pavers. It consists of fine sand combined with various polymers that, when activated by water, form a durable bond that locks the pavers in place. 

This material is highly favoured for resisting erosion, effectively preventing weed growth, and deterring ants and other pests.

Benefits of Polymeric Sand

• Durability: Once set, polymeric sand forms a firm, non-pliable joint that withstands weather and prevents paver shifting.
• Resistance to Erosion: Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand’s binding polymers keep it from washing out during rainfall.
• Weed and Pest Prevention: The tight bond blocks weeds and discourages insects from inhabiting the joints.

Application Process and Considerations

Applying polymeric sand requires precision. After laying the pavers, the sand is swept into the joints, filling them completely. The surface must then be thoroughly cleaned to remove excess sand. 

Finally, a gentle spray of water activates the polymers, setting the sand. To avoid premature activation, it is crucial to ensure the sand is dry during application and that no rain is forecast for at least 24 hours after application.

Potential Drawbacks or Limitations

While polymeric sand is effective, it is more expensive than traditional sand. If sand residue remains during activation, incorrect application can lead to hazing on the pavers. 

Additionally, it is difficult to remove or adjust once hardened, which can complicate future repairs or adjustments to the paving layout.

2. Regular Sand

Regular sand has long been used as a joint filler between pavers due to its availability and simplicity in application.

It’s a natural material that effectively fills paver joints, creating a flexible and permeable joint that allows for some movement and settling without damaging the pavers.

Pros of Regular Sand

• Cost-Effectiveness: Sand is generally less expensive than other joint filling options, making it a budget-friendly choice for large projects.
• Natural Appearance: Sand maintains a traditional and natural look that blends well with any landscape design. It can also be easily matched with the colour of the pavers to enhance aesthetic coherence.

Cons of Regular Sand

• Susceptibility to Erosion: One of the main drawbacks of sand is its tendency to wash away under heavy rain, requiring frequent top-ups to maintain the integrity of the pavement structure.
• Weed Growth and Pest Intrusion: Sand does not naturally inhibit weeds or pests. If gaps filled with sand are not regularly maintained, they can become breeding grounds for weeds and homes for ants and other insects.
• Shifting: Regular sand does not bind the pavers together; thus, it allows more movement than other materials like polymeric sand. This can lead to uneven surfaces and gaps over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. Crushed Stone or Gravel

Crushed stone or gravel is an effective alternative for filling the joints between pavers. It is particularly favoured in projects that require excellent drainage and a rustic aesthetic. 

This material comprises angular, fragmented stones that lock together under compression, providing a stable yet permeable joint solution.

Advantages of Crushed Stone or Gravel

• Drainage Properties: Crushed stone’s coarse nature allows water to filter through easily, making it ideal for areas where water runoff is a concern.
• Stability: Once settled, crushed stone forms a firm bed that helps to prevent the pavers from shifting, adding to the overall stability of the paved surface.
• Permeability: The permeable quality of gravel prevents water accumulation on the surface, which can lead to reduced erosion and less stress on the underlying materials.

Drawbacks of Crushed Stone or Gravel

• Potential for Displacement: While it offers initial stability, gravel can become displaced over time due to traffic or environmental conditions, requiring occasional replenishment.
• Maintenance Requirements: To maintain its effectiveness and appearance, crushed stone may need periodic top-ups and raking to manage displacement and keep the surface level.

4. Mortar

Mortar is a traditional and robust material used to fill the joints between pavers. It consists primarily of cement, sand, and lime. This mixture creates a rigid, inflexible joint ideal for areas requiring a solid, unyielding pavement surface.

Pros of Using Mortar

• Strength: Mortar provides a strong and durable bond that firmly locks pavers, reducing the likelihood of shifting or displacement.
• Permanent Bond: Once cured, mortar creates a permanent joint between pavers, which is particularly advantageous in high-traffic or load-bearing areas, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

Cons of Using Mortar

• Limited Flexibility: The rigid nature of mortar means it lacks the flexibility to absorb movements caused by thermal expansion, soil shifts, or freeze-thaw cycles. This can lead to cracking if the base preparation is not adequately managed.
• Potential for Cracking with Shifting: If the pavers or the ground beneath move due to settling or environmental factors, the inflexible mortar can crack, compromising the pavement’s appearance and structural soundness

Best Practices for Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and diligent maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and longevity of paver joints. Here’s how to handle different joint materials:

Proper Installation Techniques

• Polymeric Sand: Ensure pavers are dry and no rain is forecasted for 24 hours. Fill joints completely, then sweep excess sand off the pavers to avoid hazing. Activate the polymers with a light mist of water.
• Regular Sand: Fill joints to the top and compact the sand down. After the initial application, it may settle, so a second filling might be necessary after a few weeks of settling.
• Crushed Stone or Gravel: Spread the crushed stone into the joints after placing the pavers. Use a broom to sweep the rocks into the spaces, ensuring they are packed tightly.
• Mortar: Apply the mortar directly into the cleaned joints using a pointing trowel. Strike the mortar to ensure a solid fill and a smooth, finished look.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the joint areas clean of debris to maintain appearance and prevent organic growth.
• Weed Prevention: Consider using a weed-preventative treatment for sand and gravel or regularly applying natural solutions like vinegar to discourage growth.
• Replenishment: For sand and gravel, adding material periodically as it settles or washes away is often necessary.

Periodic Maintenance and Repairs

• Check for Erosion: Regularly inspect the joints for erosion or washout, especially after heavy rain.
• Repair Cracks Early: For mortar joints, address cracks early to prevent water infiltration and further damage.
• Sealant Application: Consider applying a sealant to polymeric sand joints every two to three years to enhance durability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material for paver joints—polymeric sand, regular sand, crushed stone, or mortar—is crucial for durability and aesthetics.

 Each material offers unique benefits and challenges, so assess your needs and environmental conditions before deciding.

 Proper selection and installation ensure a long-lasting, beautiful paver installation. 

Don’t rush your choice; it’s the foundation of your project’s success.