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Porches & Decks

Stone dust or sand for in between pavers...

16 years ago

I recently installed a paver patio (tumbled pavers) and am almost done, just need to fill the joints and compact with the plate compactor.

I am stuck on this part because I am confused as to whether I should use stone dust or sand (and what kind of sand) in between the joints. I have done several searches and can't seem to get the answer I need. We are in MA

I called the stone yard and they said some installers like the sand because it drains better and some like the stone dust because it forms a tighter bond. Sand has a less tight bond and Stone dust does not let the water drain through. I was afraid that with the tumbled pavers the stone dust might enable puddling since the pavers aren't as flat as bricks, for example. My fear with sand is ants.

Can anyone help me so I can finish this project??

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

beenie130
Original Author
16 years ago
Not sure if I posted this on the wrong forum. Also posted in Landscape design and the consensus is stone dust...Anyone have a paver patio with sand or stone dust in between? Would love to hear your advice.

Here are some pics of the patio

Here is a link that might be useful: Patio
tom8344
16 years ago
I used sand, I do get some weeds but spray them. I'm going to give a polymer like http://www.supersandbond.com/ next time I repack them. The sand does wash out eventually.
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Geez... don't know what to tell you but the truth, Zec. We put in a stone path using large Pamona Sandstone with stone dust between the pavers a year ago. The stone dust has not hardened. It has compacted, but that washes away somewhat when it rains.. also weeds do crop up from the stone dust. It's kind of like brown sugar when it compacts,but it's not a solid kind of substance at all. I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has experience with this material. Molie
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fivefootzero
16 years ago
We had a paver patio installed recently and they used stabilizing sand from Techobloc. It's got portland cement in it and it "cures"...it's almost like grout.

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