Plate compactors work to level the foundation material before you lay concrete or pavers. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. 2. See moreThe vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. 5. . It is best to compact in several directions to ensure there. 1. Can I lay a patio without compactor? Yes, you can lay a patio without a compactor. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. 3. Generously cut one of the corners of the bags open. You can use a stiff brush to scrub the solution into the surface of the pavers and loosen any remaining haze. Out of these three main ingredients, the first two make up approximately 85-95% of the product by volume. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. Brush sand into joints at a 45-degree angle. Lay Base Material. The most common method is dry-laying, which basically involves arranging the patio stones in a desired pattern, without using any mortar. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. 2. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. You accomplish this kind of precision by properly compacting your base and your pavers. When it comes to laying pavers , paver compaction machinery vibrates the pavers into the ground, setting them and helping to ensure uniformity in the installation. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. If you are a homeowner that wants to take on a paver project, check out this video to learn how to install polymeric sand in the joints of the concrete paver. Considering this,how many square feet does a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand cover? One bag of 50 lbs (22. I don’t expect you to measure the gap but just set them beside one another. Vibrating the sand into the gaps is just a by product of the compactor. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. How Polymeric Sand Works. 3. If the thin pavers are slightly higher than the border pavers, the plate compactor can settle them into the sand for an even height across the entire patio, according to McShane's Nursery & Landscape Supply. Fill The Gaps. Not every pressure washing company offers th. . Make sure your joints are dry. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. The sand - "concrete sand" is where the interlock takes place - it comes up and fills the joints causing them to lock up. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. ) Compact. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Keep this guide of what NOT to do in mind on every job and you’ll be set up for success! Don’t overlook the need for drainage. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. This is critical. 14. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Ivory. The stirrer should now be placed over the pit. Sweep the jointing material over the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines and filling the joints of the pavers. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. First, examine the pit’s interior. You may need to cut the PVC pipes to fit curves in your layout. With an average price of $30 in most areas. com. for pricing and availability. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Sealing. Share. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. Don’t skip the step of compacting. Bend the “wings” of the workpiece and install the bar in the “shoe”. You need to lightly compact the pavers during the sand application so the polymeric sand settles all the way through. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. The list of items you might need for the installation process: Apart from Travertine Pavers, you would need a shovel, plate compactor, rubber mallet, sledgehammer, FlexBond, measuring tape, and strings. They’ll withstand the rain. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Modern installation method. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation. How long does it take for polymeric sand to harden?A minimum of 24 hours drying time is required prior to allowing significant foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic on the paver surface. Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. I'm reading mixed reviews online. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is used in construction. Gerda Cruickshank | Last update: Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Always start from the bottom of the slope, working on a 200 sq. You can compact any type of soil by adding the right amount of water so that it replaces the pores inside the soil. 2. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Measure each brick piece individually, make the cut, and place the brick with the cut end on the outer edge. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. Pass the plate compactor over the entire surface to compact the sand. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. Do your best to saturate to the level of the sand. Gibson, Shutterstock. (sand-set). Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent. Consider this my official mulch glue. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. . ) Pour the sand. How To Compact Sand Without A Compactor You can compact any type of soil by adding the right amount of water so that it replaces the pores inside the soil. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. Joint compounds also can handle winds, higher temperatures. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Installation of Edge Restraint and Polymeric Sand; Edge restraint in base panels follows the same as a typical install with a plastic edge restraint with a 10″ nail driven through every 1′ on straight runs and 6″ on curved runs. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. The difference being the function of them. NOCO is a "No Compaction" polymeric joint specially developed for the installation of flagstones and other paving materials for which mechanical compaction is not possible or difficult. 10. ProGrass 50-lb Green (8-Bag) Artificial Grass Infill. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Then add outlets at about 16-ft. You should not use this sand if there is unevenness in the gravel base. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. Good to Know. First, the polymeric sand must be firmly activated into the joints between the stones. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Following steps ought to be complied with if you desire to Do It Yourself small dirt (sand or clay) without a machine-like plate compactor. Model #. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Yes, polymeric sand can be activated with sealer. The first time you should just sprinkle regular water on the sand, and the second time you should lightly mist or sprinkle only enough water to make the. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. Fasten screws on all sides. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking finish on your pavers! (Product. Joint compounds, on the other hand, can last as long as 20 years if correctly installed. An alternative is to use a rubber-roller compactor for the final compaction. I. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. ) Yes, you can lay a patio without a compactor. Polymeric sand should come to the BOTTOM of the bevel. Polymeric Sand Installation TIPS. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Instead use a rubber/PVC mallet. It’s that simple. Another mistake people make is they don’t use a plate compactor. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. Next come the pavers themselves, followed by polymeric sand applied in the joints (empty spaces between the pavers). For Video Instructions, click here. All compaction is usually performed with a plate compactor or hand tamper. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity of the project. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. Wait 24 hours after rain. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. 6. All were built on a raised patio hybrid pavement structure. Project no. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. Get it away. Spray water over the gravel to wet it down so the stones compact better. Then, hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the pavers and move it in controlled, overlapping motions. of polymeric sand you will end up with a mess. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. The application of polymeric sand marks the final stage of any paving project. Ceramic Flex Polymeric Sand for Perfect Patio Joints. ft. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. We then. How deep should polymeric sand be? We recommend the joint width between your pavers be between 1/8th of an inch and 4 inches and the joint depth to be at least 1 inch . Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. However, the drying time can be longer depending on how much it has rained in the area and how long the sand has been exposed to damp weather. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Activating the sand: Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. Use the vibrating plate compactor to shake it down. Step 1: Inspect the Area and Check the Weather Before you start, inspect the entire area to make sure that everything is dry. For the joints, use a high quality polymeric sand designed to be used with porcelain pavers. ) Spread and sweep again. Polymeric sand can also be used for this process and is generally worth the cost upgrade. This product is ideal for stabilizing joints and gaps between pavers, providing professional-grade results with its revolutionary ceramic flex technology. Can I Use a Hand Tamper for Polymeric Sand? In the use of polymeric sand, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recommends compacting the pavers. makes the pavers move less under your feet. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. With small gaps simply brushing the polymeric around on the surface doesn't work well. PACKAGING Polymeric Sand Product Code Color Retail Size Units per pallet RG+ 291-637 Tan 50 lb. Please refer to this product's technical data sheet for complete. STEP 6: Spreading Polymeric Joint Sand. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. 1. When it comes to installing pavers for patios, walkways, or driveways, using polymeric sand is a popular choice for joint stabilization. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. Once this has been done, the sealer can be applied in 2 thin coats with a soft brush. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . Sealing is not required. the walkway has stood up to a few winters without any problems. You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. This will help the polymeric sand stick to the pavers and prevent shifting and erosion. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. The sand should sit around 1/10th inch below the top of the paver or even with the lower edge of the bevel. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. 9. Rain means that we cannot install. A leader of innovation in the hardscape industry for more than 35 years, Techniseal introduced the very first polymeric sand for paver joints on the market in 1999. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3 IMPORTANT 30-30 WATER ACTIVATION NOTES. How to. Step 2: prepare the substrate. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. . compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. Not every pressure washing company offers the. ) Spread and sweep the sand. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. Polymeric jointing sand has additives that'll hold pavers better than sand alone, but the pavers must be completely dry before application. I tested 2 bricks but don't like the look of it. Application Step 3. 5 – Sweep Everything Off. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. Perfect for patios, pool decks, walkways, and other pedestrian projects. This special type of sand comprises pulverized materials. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. With the soft bristle broom,. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. is recommended to plan for at least 24 hours without rain in order to obtain optimal performances. Curves will require more spikes. Easy Install Procedure. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation; 2. 25” min depth when using X-Treme Wide Joint). It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. 100 Diy Homemade Vibratory Plate CompactorI build this project Sand Compactor for home use, due to our renovation of our new home. Using Quikrete polymeric jointing sand is relatively easy. Compact following industry guidelines. Pavers must be dry as a bone. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. Don’t ever compact porcelain pavers with a plate compactor. There are several important reasons. ft per 50 lb bag. Paver sand is typically composed of coarse bleached white sand, which is washed and screened to remove impurities. 180 posts · Joined 2012. Wait 24 hours after rain. Photo courtesy of Unilock. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). Credit: Charles F. A polymeric sand installation requires the use of a controlled and methodical watering technique. Polymeric sand has a set of steps that are necessary to follow in order to ensure that it does not fail. Polymeric Sand Without Compactor. In the past, a typical polymeric sand installation looked something like this: 1. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Don’t use the wrong base material. Sometimes referred to as a compactor, a tamper is a tool with a handle similar to a shovel's and a heavy, square base that is used for packing and leveling materials like dirt, sand, and rock. If the sand is still not hardening,. This method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver a. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers. Clear the area. By increasing the interlock of the pavers and helping to form a solid base, polymeric sand makes it difficult for the pavers to move or shift. Following steps should be followed if you want to DIY compact soil (sand or clay) without a machine-like plate compactor. A rubber pad is recommended. Sweep the sand into the joints. Vibrate the GATOR MAXX G2 into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Try this next time you doubt compacting as a proven method: 1. A polymeric sand installation requires the use of a controlled and methodical watering technique. Simply mist or trickle water over the soil until it pools on the surface. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. It's ideal for leveling gravel, smoothing and flattening dirt, repairing asphalt, and tamping loose soil. Handles light duty applications of sand and gravel into crevices to lock in pavers, bricks and blocks using a 14" plate. Check Price. Patios crack and wither away over time, be it due to human activity, the weather, or simple aging. 5) 4. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . Pad measures up to 27. I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. Step 6: Filling up the air pocket is vital in installing polymeric sand, and many people tend to skip this step, but you shouldn’t. Water tank allows for easy operator use on hot and cold. Perfect for joints from ¼ to 4 inches wide, NOCO is the ideal jointing solution for pool decks, patios, and walkways. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. Polymeric sand needs to be installed on a dry surface. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. 8362 upvotes. the same consistent force as our gas-powered compactors. Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. Let plastic panels take the place of the gravel base. I'm currently working on a brick garden edging project. To ensure accurate planning and efficient material estimation, the Polymeric Sand Calculator proves to be an invaluable tool. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by rain or. Polymeric sand is a great way to fill the gaps between pavers to prevent weed growth and to help keep the pavers in place. If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. It’s best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer. 100 Diy Homemade Vibratory Plate CompactorI build this project Sand Compactor for home use, due to our renovation of our new home. Sweep off any excess material cleaning the surface of any granules of the material to avoid scuffing the pavers in the next step. It has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner,Check Price on Amazon. May 16, 2022 A paver installation requires many steps. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . • Can be used with a hard base or a cement/sand base. 5” min depth when using PolySweep,1. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. This is why itÕs important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paverÕs edge or chamfer. Polymeric sand was installed in most of the pavers. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. Discover compactor machines for your next project at Lowes. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. (bag. Get a leaf blower and blow it at an acute (shallow) angle to blow any sand and dust off the top of the pavers/bricks. Spacers must be used between pavers to provide enough space for polymeric sand. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the same amount of gravel. Polymeric sand has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner, more finished look. 25” min depth when using X-Treme). Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. Lastly, fill the area evenly with sand and compact the area. 3. Pour The Sand 2. Run the compactor over the pavers in overlapping passes. Add Sand Between the Cracks Sweep polymeric sand into the cracks between the pavers to help bond the pavers. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Do I need a compactor for polymeric sand? One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. Polymeric sand is a special blend of fine sand and polymer additives that stops the growth of weeds, resists erosion, and helps protect pavers and other hardscaping projects. Spray nozzle and garden hose. Pour a 4 to 6 inch layer of gravel into the patio trench and compact it using the ground compactor, also called a plate compactor. Gently tumble the bag, then cut the bottom and apply SimplyTough™ evenly over the surface. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Moreover, polymeric sand gives the best result when used in full depth. CheckEspecially grade level cement. Watch on. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Lightly rap with the hammer down the length of the groove until the paver breaks apart. The material will settle when you hose it down, so. Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installationR. This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. Brush the polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers, tamp it down with the compactor, and then lightly water to activate the polymer. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Typically our guys only do this for vehicular applications, not pedestrian. There should be absolutely no dampness or moisture present. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Polymer sand takes 12 hours to cure and 24 hours to dry. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. 1. Inspect for moisture. Step 4: Build the base course. To remove polymeric sand haze from pavers, use a pressure washer with a fan tip nozzle. Table Of Contents. 4 – Adding Sand. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Sunniland. When you install polymeric sand in the joints of pavers, the manufacturers suggest that you spray the paved area with water and leave time to dry. Plate compactors work best on granular soils such as gravel, sand or light asphalt. 6. Pour two inches of sand over the landscape fabric. Draw the chisel across the paver in the same way you might cut cardboard with a utility knife. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. If using polymeric sand, a tighter seam must be maintained: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch. This allows for it to prevent washout, but inevitably it will washout over time and will be subject to weed growth more so than polymeric sand. It took me a while to understand the importance of following the instructions that are included on your bags of sand. I don't know what polymeric you are using but the two brands I've used work in much smaller gaps than 1/4". After sweeping and consolidation, ensure that the sand is approximately ⅛” below the level of the chamfer of the paver or the surface of the paver if there is no chamfer. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. Step 1: protective clothing. . Use a powerAt Home Depot, one of the best-selling plate compactors is the Wen 7 JP 4500-Pound Plate Compactor, which will set you back around $600. Ad. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. 1. I am setting the pavers over uncompacted sand about 1/2 inch above the sidewalk and will use a plate compactor to settle them (i hope) down to the. Polymeric sand is essentially a sand that when combined with water and something such as silica forms a tight bond. Rain means that we cannot install. You should not pour it over a low spot on the base if there is any because this will cause your pavers to shift. All three wettings must utilize a fine misting spray. of centrifugal force. First, examine the pit’s interior. Ideal for flagstones and natural stones.