Jointing Compound vs. Polymeric Jointing Sand for Pavers: Which Is Better?

As you prepare to install pavers in your planned hardscape, you may wonder what kind of joint sand is best. Is jointing compound or polymeric sand better? What are the differences between them?

In this blog post, we will look at the basics of these two types of filler for the cracks in between your pavers and how you can decide which one is best for your project.

What is jointing sand?

Polymeric sand is one example of joint sand, a mixture of natural and man-made elements. The fine particles of sand in joint sand have bonding agents such as silica, making it strong and resilient in a paver installation. When it is dry, it resembles regular dry sand, but when it is wet, the bonding agents are activated, making it extremely strong once it has set. Jointing sand is intended for regular paver joints under 3 mm thick. 

What is a jointing compound?

On the other hand, the jointing compound is an entirely artificial product made with epoxy resin. Similar to polymeric sand, the final product also forms a hard compound. However, it is intended for heftier paver joints over 3 mm thick and 25 mm deep. Jointing compound works well for permeable pavers such as Permeare, irregularly shaped pavers like Roma Stone, and more spaced-out pavers like La Lastra™.

Differences in appearance

Are the two types of joint filler different in appearance? Yes, they are!

Polymeric sand is slightly shiny but hard to see unless you know to look for it. It is an understated look to add to your pavers and comes in black, gray, and beige neutrals. In 3 mm or smaller joints, it is difficult to see.

On the other hand, the jointing compound is more visible and can be factored into your overall design. It usually comes in more colors than polymeric sand and has a grainy texture.

Durability

Does one type of joint filler withstand weather changes better than the other?

Both polymeric joint sand and joint compound can handle temperatures below freezing. Polymeric sand usually lasts three to five years but can last up to 10 years if appropriately applied.

Joint compounds, on the other hand, can last as long as 20 years if correctly installed. Unlike polymeric sand, joint compound is permeable and excess water can go through the joints. Joint compounds also can handle winds, higher temperatures, and other more extreme weather conditions.

Weed and insect control

Will polymeric sand or joint compound protect your paver joints effectively from pests?

The most famous characteristic of polymeric sand is its effectiveness in controlling weeds and insects. It dries so hard that pests cannot get through the joints. It may only need to be replaced to prevent weeds and insects if cracks form in the joints between the pavers.

Joint compounds should be routinely cleaned with a pressure washer to control weeds and insects. You should use a fan tip nozzle for spraying down your pavers. Keep the water pressure at least 6” away so the pressure does not damage the joints.

How easy are they to install?

Polymeric sand is not very hard to apply to your pavers, but you should not damage them. You must pour the sand into the joints, sweep it in with a broom, activate it with water, and spray away any remaining dust or sand.

This is the tricky part—if you don’t blow or rinse off your pavers, you can end up with a film of sand all over your pavers. Polymeric sand must also be installed on a warm and dry day during months when temperatures stay above freezing, day and night. This ensures that no sand sneaks out of the joints and onto your beautiful new pavers due to expansion and contraction with the changing temps.

Joint compound must be installed wet into your paver joints. It should be soaked well with water and worked into the joints—then rinsed and soaked again before you do a final sweep to ensure it is in the joints. You can use a stiff bristle brush or hose to rinse and sweep, but it will be most effective if you use The Hydro Broom.

Unlike polymeric sand, a joint compound can be installed whether the day is wet or dry as long as temperatures remain above 37.4 degrees. It will not stain or cloud the pavers but will take longer to dry. 

How much does it cost?

Polymeric sand can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. It is more expensive than regular dry joint sand but not as pricey as joint compound. You can easily find it at your local hardware store or landscape supply company.

Jointing compounds are more expensive. It costs $50 to $75 per 27.5-pound bucket. It is more readily available online or through a dealer instead of a local store.

Download our PDF guide

Are you ready to get started installing your dream paver project? Click here to download our free Project Planning Guide and make your beautiful hardscape plans a reality.