GATOR NITRO VS. Best Polymeric Sand for Pavers and Stone Joints 4. ft. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather. If you’ve done this before, you may have used polymeric sand. It is suitable for all types of paving material provided there is a gap of at least a3mm wide and 25mm deep (narrow joint compound). Polymeric sand offers stabilized (hardened) sand joints once its activated with water. The downside of polymeric sand is the cost, but it does a much better job of keeping weeds out and while it does need to be refreshed periodically that is far less frequent than paver sand in my experience. To read more installation tips for Nitro, visit the Alliance Gator Blog. Scott. Edges and fasteners. If your polymeric sand didn’t harden up, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s a moisture issue. four varieties for varying gap sizes. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. Block paving is tighter than 3mm as a rule, another thing is my slabs were laid on wet mortar so stay put. I used Easy joint in my slabs and it was brilliant over a year and no trace of a weed. Our Gator Maxx G2 sand is our most resilient polymeric sand product. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use SAKRETE Polymeric Sand, a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand, available in Beige or Grey. Nitro is admittedly new and hot right now, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re better off sticking with polymeric sand for your hardscape jointing. Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers). Poly sand on a concrete overlay will not harden properly, it will stay fairly soft because of the drainage issue. It is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and proprietary resin formula which cures when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Ceramic Flex Polymeric Sand for Perfect Patio Joints. 9. #3 · May 25, 2018. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. stone dust and landed here. You will also need some sort of tool that is thin enough to fit into the crack, so you can compact the sand. Advertisement. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Gator Base is an evolution of foundation technology. They all described similar excavation and prep compacting in 2" increments. Any loose polymeric sand that remains on the surface should be blown away with the proper equipment such as a leaf blower and activated with water to initiate the solidifying. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. This polymeric sand comes in beige, slate gray, ivory, and black. Reduces weed growth. PolySweep polymeric sand offered by Trident304 views, 3 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 7 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Alliance Gator: What’s the difference between Nitro and polymeric sands? Nitro is new, catchy, and hardens like mortar,. SEK’s PolySweep is made with a blend of native sands conforming to the ASTM 144 standard, and polymer binders that allows the joints to expandCheck out our EZ joint sand compound, perfect for all your projects. May 2, 2010. The Polybind polymeric sand must pass this test with all sand remaining in the Petri dish. It is definitely a good option, but slightly more expensive. You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. most of the polymeric sand stayed in place. It’s also rain-safe within 15 minutes of setting, which can be a lifesaver. The minimum joint depth is 1”. wide. Unlike the natural sand tone, the taupe color for your polymeric sand brings a warmer shade. Anything marked as play sand is clean and uniform enough to use in sandboxes and in areas where the sand remains visible. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” (5 mm) to a maximum 2” (50 mm) joint width. Play Video. 4 and cover the entire excavated area. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. 4. Alliance Gator. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. The product. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. This creates a fairly strong bond between your pavers that is less likely to be eroded by weather. 69 reviews. 9. You must use the right type of aggregate and you must compact that sand until it chokes itself off and does not migrate down into the sub base. jointing sand for a fast, clean, durable and profitable installation. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. For joint sand, it’s best to use sand in various sizes of grain, according to the team at Braen Stone. Traditional Poly Sand: Stronger Isn't Always Better. Looks like this event is no longer available 👀. 81. Instead, a mock-up installation is recommended to determine the quantity required. Optimal performances in high-humidity environments, heavy vehicular trafic areas and steeper terrain. Asia based insect creates issues for Crape Myrtle trees in AlabamaPolymeric sand is best used on joints with gaps between an eighth of an inch to four inches. Polymeric sand is also easy to find but will cost you more—anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. The polymer is more susceptible to leaching which happens. Color Selector (Gator Nitro Joint Sand) CHOOSE YOUR COLOR BEIGE GREY BLACK SILVER CHOOSE YOUR PAVER CHOOSE YOUR COLOR BEIGE GREY BLACK SILVER CHOOSE YOUR PAVER PREVIEWDesert Sand: Sourced from desert areas and not suitable for construction uses due to grains being too fine and overly smoothed at present, although some are developing concrete substitutes using desert sand. If your only priority is to harden the sand in the joint of your pavers to prevent sand loss and weed growth, polymeric sand may be the better option. Enhance your next patio, driveway or other exterior project with this polymeric sand. EZ Sand 40 lbs. 2. ”. Biogenic/ Bio-organic Sand: Sand who’s makeup is largely from coral, shells and the skeletons of marine life. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Polymeric Sand vs. Gator Base. Often called “white sand,” it is also available in beige or tan. not even 1/8" of space, then it's probably not worth putting polymeric sand down because the grain sizes will be so large that significant quantities won't be able to fill the gaps. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. #3. Dominator Polymeric Sand. 14. Polymeric sand is a blend of refined grains and a binding agent that, when combined with a little amount of water, sets to create a strong sealant everywhere in the paver joints. The following year the sand started to breakup and discolored. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. Polymeric sand is the best choice for walkways in areas with lots of roots or water that can create shifting. for pricing and availability. Sakrete Paver Set. 6. Gain 1 Whole Work Day With Gator Base. Take caution with natural stone or thin style pavers and be sure to avoid disturbance of the bedding sand underneath. In smaller areas, pour in. 79. STEP 5. It lasts longer while keeping the paver bound. All Weather Durability: Designed to withstand Mother Nature’s toughest challenges, DOMINATOR XL Polymeric Sand’s innovative formula ensures unbeatable performance in any weather condition, including enduring. Insufficient color options. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up to. Coated with a water-activated polymer, polymeric sand bonds together when exposed to moisture, keeping the sand from washing away or blowing out of the joints. Filling joints between interlocking pavers and slabs has never been easier than with Sika FastFix-110, a high performance polymeric sand! Its superior quality provides for a durable joint that resists erosion, weed growth and insects. Gator Paver and Stone Sealers. PRODUCT LIST. This will justify the reason behind choosing it for this purpose for sure. The most obvious difference between regular sand and polymeric sand lies in the materials that they’re made from. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. PowerLoc Jointing Sand. These are the best buy products with high ratings from 116,271 objective reviews of consumers, we ranked the top 20 products you may be keen on the Best Polymeric Sands. 3. (25 mm). This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Winter Storage Tips. 1. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. The advantages of using polymeric sand for paving mostly revolve around its strength and durability as a joint filler. Model # SN264189 Store SKU # 1000144920. Yes, polymeric sand is superior to normal paver sand for several reasons. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather,. Poly Sands & NOCO. This will justify the reason behind choosing it for this purpose for sure. The smaller sand works better for flagstones that are closer together. Sweep off excess FLEXLOCK SAND polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft bristle broom. However,. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. com. Polymeric sand will eventually crack, thus allowing weeds to grow through. Base Sand (#1150-50) to provide proper drainage characteristics. So, when it rains, instead of the sand washing out of the joints, the. 1. •••. Techniseal EZ Sand is a trusted and proven mix of graded sand and binder that flows smoothly down joints for a fast and effective installation of pavers or slabs on surfaces exposed to normal traffic. C. A heavy one-hour rain event is simulated after a 24 hours polymeric sand installation. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main DifferencesThe easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. (5 mm) to a maximum 2 in. This will repel water, turn the sand rock hard and keep dirt and weeds from growing in between. Silica is an additive, in the sand that is often used to help lock the fine sand particles together. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. PRODUCT LIST. Mortar was used in between the stones. Then, you'll also pack the gaps between the stones or bricks. 3. This means that water can flow through it. 7 kg bag can cover up to 11 m2 (120 sq. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. not better, just different! In this article, we’ll discuss the primary differences between Gator Nitro and poly sand to help you determine which product might be the better choice for your specific application. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, is the best choice for pavers as it is comprised of extremely fine particles that are also coated with polymers. Combined with additives, including silica, that bind when exposed to water, it produces a strong, stable, durable surface. Polymeric sand is basically 85% to 90% sand and some sort of cement (either portland or organic). Just pull, add sand where you're pavers are low and replace brick. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. Some unscrupulous contractors or naive diy'ers have been known to 'thin' the polymer sands by mixing in a trowelful or two of kiln dried block. 15. Color: Beige and Slate Gray. A single panel is equivalent to 130 kg (288 lb) of crushed stone, saving you a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) of. If the gaps are too wide,. Because of the consistency of the product, Gator Nitro would be very challenging to install in tight, hairline joints. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. . PRODUCT LIST. Description. 2. Polymeric sand is so durable that it can actually be power washed, with care. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16 in. -Polymeric sand. Nitro Sand & Polymeric Sand Simplified Calculator Enter sizes in Imperial measurements Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this. Ideal forNever pressure wash polymeric sand immediately after you install it because it will ruin it. Narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Filling joints between interlocking pavers and slabs has never been easier than with Sika FastFix-110, a high performance polymeric sand! Its superior quality provides for a durable joint that resists erosion, weed growth and insects. For expansion joints, I've seen backer rod squeezed in, self-leveling goop put in, then sand sprinkled on top. Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC. a. 9 kg | 35 lbs (bag) 40. 86. Polymeric sand was first introduced to the hardscaping industry about a dozen years ago, and we at Stonehenge started using it as soon as it was available in this market. The joint paver sand must be considered as this will allow the hardscape to be durable, resilient, and stable; plus, this extends the lifespan too. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. GATOR NITRO VS. The proper silica sand for paver joints is a mesh 20/30. Get it now on Amazon. For a more solidified joint, polymeric sand is used which contains the same sand but with binders included into the mix which will react with moisture to form a solid erosion proof joint As the. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. Benefits of Polymeric Sand: Strength and Durability: The hardened polymeric sand forms a robust bond between the pavers, ensuring they stay securely in place. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill the paver joints, which are the empty spaces between each paver. 2 posts · Joined 2018. So we tested 5 brands of polymer. However, the life expectancy could vary based on the specific products. Paver sand is the type of sand you prefer to use. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. Silica sand has 95 percent or more silicon dioxide as its main component. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). 1. 20. After applying the material to the paved surface, the sand is sprayed down with water which causes the polymers to harden. Gator Binding Agents. . Regular sand is easy to obtain and offers several advantages when compared to polymeric sand. It is more flexible than fine dry sweeping sand but should not be used in driveways. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, contains polymer-coated particles that bind together when water is added. **Nitro Sand should never be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to heat above 120. Brush the polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers, tamp it down with the compactor, and then lightly water to activate the polymer. $84. Water cannot really flow through hardened polymeric sand. Once Gator Tile Sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the porcelain tile joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long lasting, durable jointing material. If the joint is too narrow, there will not be enough polymeric sand to create a proper bond. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. When used for something like sealing paver joints, polymeric sand should last for 10 or 15 years, whereas grout will only last for three to five years. Silica sand has 95 percent or more silicon dioxide as its main component. Add to cart. Cutting corners and not following the manufacturer’s instructions tops the list. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. Coverage : For narrow joint installations, one 22. This creates a stable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Made of graded sand and binder, this highly reliable residential jointing sand flows smoothly into the joints and lets you install pavers quickly and efficiently. Do not apply when your pavers are damp or wet. 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 used spe. ft. 3. Details: GATOR MAXX G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. 10 Pound Titanium Gray DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Ceramic Flex Technology for Stabilizing Paver Joints/Gaps, 1/8” up to 4”, Professional Grade Results. Listed below you will see major brands as: alliance, techo-bloc, gator, rain-guard-water-sealers, rhino, alliance-gator, buddingco, kawayy,. Save enough space. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. What applications make the best fit? Gator Nitro Sand is a great fit for hardscape contractors and masons who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. GATOR NITRO OINT SAND eo ate : 08032023 Page 3 of 7 PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES) A. For instance, it is easy to use, suitable for numerous applications, and available in many colors. ) Note that this product's coverage power can vary depending on the type of paver used. If you are a hardscape contractor, it's likely you've had issues with poly sand over the last year or so. Polymeric Sand. com before installing. However, as soon as it gets wet the additives activate and it turns into a hard, resistant gel. Gator Supersand Bond Polymeric Sand by Alliance Designer Products – Best Overall Choice. Level and straighten: Use a level to make sure your pavers are flat while. Polymeric sand is a thin sand that when combined with additives and water forms a binding agent. The silica is a binding agent that helps to hold the sand in place. Aqua Rock Permeable Stone. Product name : Gator Super Sand Bond G2 Use of the substance/mixture : Various Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet Supplier : Alliance Designer Products Inc. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. This assumes you sweep sand, vibrate and sweep a second time for traditional pavers (slab type wet cast pavers should not be vibrated). That process will give you the best long term patio. JJS. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. Durability. This can occur if the sand is not. Need some RFD expertise My driveway is made of interlocking brick. We used to very lightly use a leaf blower (just idling) to make sure the paver surface was nice and clean. Ideal for paving areas with high traffic movement or areas prone to high winds. @DanielWoodward Yes, that's a valid point -- polymeric sand is usually for joints of a certain width. The products listed below can safely be stored outdoors: Polymeric sand and dust*. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric. For more tips on laying pavers, check out our guide — How to Design and Build a Paver Patio. Regular sand will need a touch-up every couple of years, while touch-ups for polymeric sand would only be once every decade. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. Polymeric sand is a specialist material used by paving installers to achieve even, durable joints. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. Easy Joint is 27. Grout is generally an interior joint sealer, whereas polymeric sand is usually an outdoor joint sealer. ft. Sakrete Paver Set. For best results, make sure the joint sand is dry before the sealer is applied. It’s swept into the joints dry, only to be wetted down after the joints are filled and the paver surface swept clean to prevent hazing or staining. Gator Nitro. A polymeric sand would potentially not work as well because it needs to completely dry in order to fully cure. Minimum joint width: 1/16” Maximum joint width: 4”*The blue stone was laid on a dry base which consisted of four to six inches of minus compacted, with about a half inch of sand and then the stones. And a $50 gallon container that covers 100 square feet. Rated 1 out of 5 by Shannon from Might as well be ant food This stuff might as well be ant food. 4. Alliance polymeric jointing sand and dust material are a unique calibrated mixture of sand and binders. Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC Sand is a critical component to creating inviting and durable. For any hardscaping project to bear fruit, it must last a long time. Note, this is why we always recommend. . Here are photos of the expansion joint. Cutting Corners. Gator Grids and Fabrics. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences. Jointing Material G2 SAND STEPS How We’ve Made Our Haze Free Polymeric Sand Even Better How to install POLYBIND COMPLETE G2 polymeric sand How to install POLYBIND Sand G2 polymeric sand How to install Polybind Sand polymeric sand Crystalline silica testing with Polybind Sands Everything. BUY ON AMAZON | $59. Spread polymeric sand in sections. It’s fine-grained, clean sand that works well as an ingredient in mortar and concrete used to lay bricks, blocks, and stones. Stone dust is a good alternative--it does not wash out or displace as easily as paver sand--costs less than polymeric but a bit more than sand. It is one of a few different jointing compounds available on the market to fill the joints of pavers for the purpose of achieving horizontal interlock in the interlocking concrete pavement. 0. Step 1. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. Polymeric sand doesn’t hold in moisture, thus preventing the growth of mold and mildew. I just plan to buy a rool of that 1/2" x 4 inch white foam and cut it down to 2" and stuff it into the joint, its 1/4" - 3/8" wide and 2 3/8" deep (the depth of. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Play sand should be kept in the sandbox rather than in the pavers. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Step-by-Step Instructions. Now, using a coarse bristled broom, you’ll sweep the sand across the installation. Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Quikrete 50 lb. Ideal forNitro vs. Polymeric sand is a mix of different fine sands and other additives. Gator Jointing Material Polymeric Sand Gator Maxx Sand G2 Rapid set technology For pavers, slabs, Natural and wet cast stones joints up to 4″ in traditional applications and 2″ in overlay For residential & commercial use Traditional applications, Rain safe 15 minutes after water activation Overlay applications, Rain safe 24 hours after water activation OSHA […] The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Leiden Cambridge Blend. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. Simply install the pavers, get rid of the excess sand, and spray down the pavers with water. You must use the right type of aggregate and you must compact that sand until it chokes. Gain 1 Whole Work Day With Gator Base. Two years ago I power washed all of the existing polymeric sand from my pavers. If a polymeric sand is too hard, it can also make it too brittle, causing cracking from ground movement. Leiden Cambridge Blend. Choosing the right polymeric sand. Step 2. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Allows for. . EnviroSand, on the other hand, is water permeable, so water can flow away. For wider gaps, you. What’s the difference between Nitro and polymeric sands? Nitro is new, catchy, and hardens like mortar, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. It'll use more sand than you expect, but once it dries it should be fine. 7cm) joint. You can also use cement as an. Rinse any remaining jointing compound off of the surface. The contractor used stone pavers as a retaining wall due to my yard being sloped. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” (5 mm) to a maximum 2” (50 mm) joint width. Beige; Grey; BlackDescription. But when pressed together, the polymer makes the sand stick to itself and keep its shape like wet sand yet leaves your hands completely dry. First off, polymeric sand is designed to improve the interlocking capabilities of paving bricks, slabs, and stones. #hardscapelife #pavers #alliancegator Gator Nitro vs. I now need to removed the faulty polymeric sand. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. Pavers are 2" thick. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Cutting corners and not following the manufacturer’s instructions tops the list. 1. -Sakrete Paver Set Polymeric. Preferably you'd scrap out some base, add fresh base. The chemical sand consolidation methods involve pumping of chemical materials, like furan resin and silicate non-polymer materials into unconsolidated sandstone formations, in order to minimize sand production with the fluids produced from the hydrocarbon reservoirs. It sells for about $15 for a 18. Polymeric sand is installed into the joints of interlocking concrete pavement. Builder’s sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, and it is easy to access and affordable. After curing, a strong andPrimary Ingredient. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. How to. Just like all-purpose sand, polymeric sand comes in a wide range of colors. A sloped driveway may be more subject to erosion than a flat patio. 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. First thing’s first: Make sure you have enough sand before you start pouring! The quantity of sand you’ll need depends on the shape and size of the concrete pavers as well as the width of the joints. What is the argument for jointing sand vs polymeric sand? Well, we do not believe there is one anymore. 6. Easy to apply: unlike polymeric sand, regular sand is quick to install. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Paint 2 coats of paver sealant over entire patio. Play sand has the potential to degrade the quality of the paver sand. They’re Both Very Fine. The purpose of polymeric sand is to fill the joints between pavers and to help stabilize the surface of a patio, walk, or driveway. Differences Between Easy Joint and Polymeric Sand. 2. 7/8. So I googled sand vs. Paver Joint Sand. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. 0. Play Video. However, the life expectancy could vary based on the specific products. Once FLEXLOCK SAND polymeric sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints while still. Cheap and quick. The material will settle when you hose it down, so repeat. SF Gate writes that during the installation of pavers, sand plays an integral role. They’re Both Very Fine. Always refer to the latest GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND Technical Data Sheet (TDS) at AllianceGator. Instead, a mock-up installation is recommended to determine the quantity required.