Is it possible for pavers to be flexible and strong at the same time?
It may not surprise you that the most significant benefit of pavers is their ability to flex with significant topographical changes over time.
One of the things impacting the strength and flexibility of your pavers is the material you choose to fill your paver joints with. It matters to varying degrees, depending on your goals for your pavers. It is possible to lock your pavers when using the right joint products.
The first thing to consider when choosing the correct product for your paver joints is your selection for the design and color of your pavers. You should consider what color will look best with your aesthetic. Also, dry sand and polymeric sand are for standard paver joints, not for permeable joints or stepping stones (anything more than 1” joints).
The setting is the second thing you should look at when deciding what material to use for your paver joints. What kind of foliage will grow between your joints? Will there be weeds, grass, or moss? Does it freeze very often in your location? Do you have ants or gophers? How much flexibility do you need?
Finally, look at the process of laying your pavers. Do you have water easily accessible? Can you allow drying time?
For our first product option, let’s look at dry sand.
Dry sand is the best choice for natural joints. It does not contain any moisture inside the sand.
Dry sand is easy to install, does not require any drying time, and works regardless of your location and paver design.
You should know that dry sand can wash away over time and doesn’t necessarily prevent weeds, moss, or insects. Also, you cannot install dry sand in the rain.
If dry sand sounds like the product you need for your paver joints, check out our Basalite #1 Fine Sand.
Now, let’s look at polymeric sand.
Polymeric sand is a semi-synthetic joint option that dries hard, allowing the joints to expand and contract.
Polymeric sand is excellent for use in areas that need to sustain heavy vehicular traffic. It is also an excellent weed and insect deterrent in various colors.
If you are looking for permeable joint sand, polymeric sand is not your option. Before investing, consider that it hardens quickly and cannot be installed in the rain.
There are three Western Interlock product options if you choose this option.
Joint compound is the final option you can use for paver joints.
Joint compound is a synthetic joint product that dries hard and is applied when wet.
The benefits of joint compound include its permeability and the way it can be used even in large paver joints. It also can be installed in any weather condition.
Joint compound should not be used for joints that measure any less than 3/16”. It also cannot be used anywhere you expect heavy vehicular traffic and must be installed while wet.
If joint compound seems like the product for your project, you can purchase our Easy Joint Compound.
If you’re ready to start your project, download our free Project Planning Guide so you can get your questions answered and start off right.
Choosing a paver can sure feel overwhelming. You have to consider size, style, thickness, color, and more. That’s why we made a short and simple quiz that asks a few questions about what you’re looking for and, at the end, provides a recommendation, or two, you can start with.
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