If you’re just in the process of laying some pavers around your yard, you might be wondering what you should put between the gaps in the pavers. Should you use sand or stones?
In this guide, I’m going to run through the pros and cons of using either material.
Using sand in between your pavers
Sand is probably the most common filler in between pavers. Using the right type of sand will not only fill the gaps but also allow your pavers to stabilise and prevent weeds from coming through the cracks.
Polymeric sand
The most recommended of the different sands available is polymeric sand or paving sand. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. The silica is a binding agent that helps to hold the sand in place.
This creates a fairly strong bond between your pavers that is less likely to be eroded by weather. This paving sand is also available in a range of colours to suit the colour of your pavers.
Another advantage of using polymeric sand is that weeds will generally not take root and grow between the pavers. And, you’ll find that you won’t have a problem with moss either.
Finally, you should never have an ant problem if you use polymeric sand in between the pavers.
Coarse, granular sand
Another popular choice recommended by paving specialists is coarse, granular sand or masonry sand. As the grains of sand are relatively coarse, they help to keep the pavers in place.
Regular sand
As a last resort, you can use regular sand to hold your pavers in place but it won’t be quite as effective as the other two choices mentioned above.
Are there any disadvantages?
Although polymeric sand is highly recommended for use in between pavers, there are a few disadvantages that you need to consider.
In order to apply this sand correctly, it needs to be moistened to activate the polymers within the sand. This means you have to work quickly to get the sand in the cracks, otherwise, the sand grains can stick to the surface of the pavers and ruin their appearance.
For this reason, it’s really important that you closely follow the instructions and never attempt to apply this sand between your pavers if it’s about to rain.
Using stones in between your pavers
If you are planning on spacing your pavers, a popular alternative filler is stones or fine gravel. This adds another dimension to your landscape and can be very effective.
One of the benefits of using gravel or stones in between your pavers is that these materials are porous and the water will soak through to the soil beneath rather than running off or pooling.
You also have a wide choice when it comes to the type of gravel that you choose. And, there is also a range of different colours that you can choose from to compliment your landscape.
Gravel is fairly easy to place in between your pavers and doesn’t require any special kind of preparation.
Are there any disadvantages to using gravel in between your pavers?
One of the main disadvantages of using gravel in between your pavers is that some of the gravel will get dislodged from time to time. This means you’ll have to sweep your pavers more often than you would when using sand.
Gravel is also only suitable for use between pavers that are well-spaced and is not a good solution for pavers that are laid close together.
You’ll also find that you might need to top up the gravel or stones from time to time. Plus, you have to ensure that the gravel is laid thick enough so that weeds are unable to break through the surface.
What not to use between your pavers
You now know what is recommended for use between your pavers, but it also helps to know what you should avoid.
Avoid using mortar in between your pavers. This does not provide enough flexibility and can be prone to cracking, especially in the range of weather conditions that we experience here in Australia.
It’s also recommended that you avoid using fine sand in between your pavers. As the grains are so small and don’t provide any stability, they can easily be washed away when it rains.
Which is better for in between pavers: sand or stones?
If you plan to lay your pavers fairly close together and you just need something to fill in the small gaps, then sand is definitely your best choice.
If you use something like polymeric sand, you’ll also deter both weeds and insects.
On the other hand, if you want to create a more natural-looking landscape with lots of interest, consider spacing your pavers further apart and use gravel or small stones to fill in the gaps.