Among several rock or similar materials that are often used within landscapes for varying purposes, one of the most wide-ranging is that of sand. There are several different kinds of sand that can be utilized in a given landscape, and one of the most useful within both landscaping and hardscaping is known as paver sand.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re happy to offer a huge range of rock and sand products to clients throughout Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. What exactly is being referred to when the term “paver sand” is used, where does this type of sand come from, and what are some of the benefits and common uses of this sort of sand within many landscaping need areas? Here’s a basic primer.
What is Paver Sand?
For those who are not familiar with it, paver sand refers to a category of sand that is specifically used in the installation and setting of interlocking pavers. It’s a type of sharp or coarse sand that is able to fill any gaps between the individual stones, which in turn helps them stay together securely to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Where Does Paver Sand Come From?
Paver sand comes primarily from quarries, which are able to produce the very fine, almost powder-like material that is associated with paver sand. The process for producing this type of sand involves a mechanical screening and crushing of larger rocks in order to create the desired texture and size for various applications.
In most cases, paver sand will be comprised primarily of either quartz or limestone.
Types of Paver Sand
Generally speaking, there are three types of common paver sand used today:
- Concrete sand: The most affordable form of sand, this type is frequently referred to as “all-purpose sand” and is used for a variety of applications. However, it may have some limitations as a joint material in certain settings – it can wash away with too much moisture, and doesn’t offer the same level of protection to joints as other types of sand.
- Mason sand: Unlike concrete, mason sand is much finer and can be used to fill in smaller joints between pavers. It’s also known for its ability to help with drainage, as well as offering a better-looking finish than concrete sand. This is the “regular” sand that you’re likely more familiar with from general construction, and it has both bedding and joint uses.
- Polymeric sand: The most robust option, this type of sand utilizes a combination of sand and chemical binders to create a stronger bond between pavers. Not only does it help keep weeds away, but it also helps protect the base material from erosion due to wind or rain. Furthermore, it looks exactly like a regular paver, but with a stronger bond.
Common Uses of Paver Sand
There are a number of different common uses for paver sand, starting with the most well-known, which is in the installation of interlocking pavers. Used as a bedding material between and around each individual paver, paver sand helps to ensure a good foundation and even finished look for any given patio, walkway, or other hardscaping feature.
Paver sand is also commonly used to fill in joints between outdoor flagstones and bricks, as well as other stone veneers and edging applications. This type of sand can also be used in various drainage and erosion control projects, ensuring that moisture is directed away from certain areas while still allowing the ground to remain stable.
Furthermore, paver sand is often used as a decorative or filler item. It’s ideal for creating gardens or sandboxes, for instance, or even to help create more natural-looking water features or outdoor ponds.
How Much Paver Sand is Needed?
While this answer will naturally depend on several factors, the largest of these is the type of job that will be completed. For jobs where interlocking pavers are being filled in, you’ll typically want to over-order based on the space you need to fill – that’s because you’ll be compacting the sand to create a strong foundation.
In any case, most projects call for the use of at least 1-2 inches thick layer of paver sand when filling in the space between pavers. As such, you’ll want to plan out your project carefully and determine just how much material is needed for the job before getting started.
Removing Excess Paver Sand
One common occurrence with the use of paver sand is that sometimes too much is used, which can lead to a need for removal. This is especially true with smaller jobs where the sand may be heaped up more than necessary.
If you find yourself with an excess of paver sand in your project area, it’s recommended to use a leaf blower or shop vacuum (if possible) to help remove it. The process is usually straightforward, but depending on the situation you may find it easier to just replace the sand rather than try to take out the excess material.
In any case, paver sand is an essential part of many outdoor projects and can be used for a wide variety of landscaping and hardscaping applications. It’s important to understand the different types of paver sand, as well as how much will be needed for any given job, in order to ensure a good finished product. With the right planning and preparation, you can easily make use of this versatile material to create beautiful outdoor spaces.
To learn more about this or any of our other SLC landscaping products or services, speak to our team at BioGrass Sod Farms today.