How to Fill in Pavers

Sweep fine-grained sand over newly-laid pavers, filling up the joints. The crucial element in this filling process is ensuring the sand is neither too coarse, too fine nor too wet. It is best to purchase polymeric joint sand for this project since it hardens when it gets wet and won't blow away. Its density also tends to deter ants and weeds from taking root. Some do-it-yourselfers recommend mason sand or concrete sand, but while these may be cheaper in the short run, they will not stand up well to the wear. In general, if sand is too coarse, it will not compact. Fine sand will compact better and fill up the joints faster. However, if it is too fine, it will not do the job properly. If the sand is wet, it will also fail to do the job properly.

Sweep and clean the newly paved area after the joints between the pavers have been filled up with the fine sand. Make sure all debris is gone.

Apply a sand binding sealant to secure the fine sand filling up the pavers. Using a paint roller, cover the entire paved surface with a thin, even coat, and let it dry overnight. For this first sealing process, it is best to add 1 quart of xylene to every 2 1/2 gallons of sealant. It thins the sealant and allows it to soak into every crevice and dry fast. Let this first coat of sealant dry overnight. Apply a thin, even second coat over the entire surface of the pavers the second day, but don't use the Xylene then. Dry the pavers for 48 hours. Besides reducing risk of weeds growing, this final step also keeps the pavers from becoming stained from moss or algae or even oil or grease or tire marks.

Reseal your pavers every two years to ensure that the fill in the pavers stays secure.