One of the most frequent questions asked by homeowners when installing a patio, walkway, or driveway with pavers is whether it is necessary to use sand underneath. Sand is essential for the durability, stability, and longevity of paver installations. This blog will explore the importance of sand under pavers, and its benefits to your outdoor project.
Sand as a Paver Installer
- Sand is a good foundation and stability layer. It helps to distribute weight evenly over the pavers. This provides a stable and smooth base that reduces the chances of pavers shifting over time. It is important to maintain the integrity and look of your paver installation.
- Drainage is essential for any outdoor surface. Sand lets water drain between the pavers. This prevents water from accumulating and reduces the risk of water damage or erosion. Well-drained paver installations are less susceptible to cracking or other types of damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
- Flexibility & Movement: The sand provides a certain degree of flexibility to accommodate minor movements or shifts in the soil. This flexibility will prevent pavers from cracking when under pressure or when the soil changes.
- Leveling and Adjusting: Sand helps to create a flat surface during the installation. This can be compacted and adjusted to produce a smooth base that ensures each paver is positioned correctly. It is important to achieve a polished, professional look.
Types Of Sand Used Under Pavers
- Bedding Sand: This is also known as concrete sand. This coarse sand layer is used directly underneath the pavers to create a stable bed. Bedding sand should be spread at a depth between 1 and 1.5 inches, and then compacted for a solid foundation.
- Joint sand: After the pavers have been laid, fine sand is swept between the pavers. This sand is often called joint sand or polymeric sand. This sand holds the pavers in position and prevents insect and weed growth.
Benefits of Using Sand under Pavers
- Prevents shifting: Sand keeps pavers in position, preventing them from shifting, sinking, or becoming uneven over time.
- Enhances Durability: By allowing for proper drainage and providing a stable foundation, sand increases the durability and lifespan of paver installations.
- Aesthetic appeal: A level, smooth surface, achieved by sand, contributes to your outdoor space’s aesthetic appeal, giving it a professional, attractive finish.
- Eases maintenance: Sand-filled joint prevents weed growth and insect invasion, reducing the amount of maintenance needed to keep your paver installations looking their best.
Conclusion
Sand is essential to a successful paver install. Sand provides a solid foundation, improves drainage, allows for ground movement, and creates an aesthetically pleasing, level surface. Skipping the sand can cause a number of problems, such as shifting pavers, bad drainage, and decreased durability. The proper use of sand underneath your pavers can pay off over time, creating a long-lasting, beautiful outdoor space. If you are installing a driveway, patio or walkway, you should not overlook the importance of sand underneath your pavers.
This post was written by a professional at Apexx Enterprise LLC. Adam Ortega founded the company https://apexxenterprise.com/, in 2016 at only 20 years old. Mr. Ortega has become a licensed general contractor Tucson in the state of Arizona like his father and grandfather before him. Apexx Enterprise LLC is licensed, bonded, and insured and it is available for review at the Better Business Bureau. Apexx Enterprise LLC has won many achievements within the Home Advisor platform and we have multiple reviews as well. Their Mission Statement – “Our crew at Apexx Enterprise will perform the highest quality construction services for our customers. We aim to achieve our mission through total service satisfaction and by delivering our services while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and honesty.”
