How Much Polymeric Sand Do I Need? Coverage by Paver Size
Part of the project planner: Planning a paver patio or garden path.
A 50 lb bag of polymeric sand covers about 69 square feet of 6 × 9 inch pavers with 1/8 inch joints, so 144 ft² needs 105 lb (3 bags). The paver size and the joint width change the answer a lot, and the polymeric sand calculator does your own patio.
Polymeric sand for 100 square feet
2⅜ inch pavers, 15% extra. The pounds, and the 50 lb bags to buy:
| Paver size | 1/16 in joint | 1/8 in joint | 1/4 in joint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 50 lb (1 bag) | 98 lb (2 bags) | 188 lb (4 bags) |
| 6 × 9 in | 37 lb (1 bag) | 73 lb (2 bags) | 142 lb (3 bags) |
| 12 × 12 in | 22 lb (1 bag) | 44 lb (1 bag) | 87 lb (2 bags) |
| 16 × 16 in | 17 lb (1 bag) | 33 lb (1 bag) | 66 lb (2 bags) |
| 24 × 24 in | 11 lb (1 bag) | 22 lb (1 bag) | 44 lb (1 bag) |
Small pavers and wide joints mean a lot of joint, so a mosaic of 4 × 8 inch pavers takes many times the sand of 24 × 24 inch slabs.
How it is worked out
- The joints are a share of the surface: one minus the paver area divided by the area of the paver plus its joint. For 6 × 9 inch pavers with 1/8 inch joints that is 3.4%.
- The depth to fill is the paver thickness less about 1/8 inch.
- The sand is about 100 pounds per cubic foot, plus 15% for sweeping and waste.
How to apply it
- Compact the pavers and let the surface dry completely. Clean old joints to a depth of at least 1 inch.
- Sweep the sand into the joints until they are full, working diagonally.
- Compact the pavers lightly with a plate compactor, then sweep in more sand.
- Remove every trace of sand from the surface with a broom and a blower: sand left on top leaves a haze.
- Mist the surface with a fine spray, as the bag says. Do not flood it or the sand will wash out.
- Keep traffic off, and keep it dry, for the time on the bag, usually 24 hours.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying it to damp pavers or joints, or in the rain.
- Leaving sand on the paver faces before wetting it.
- Using it in joints narrower or wider than the maker says.
- Mixing batches of different color.
See also the paver patio materials list and the paver patio calculator. Estimates only: follow the product labels.
Frequently asked questions
How much polymeric sand do I need?
For 144 ft² of 6 × 9 inch pavers with 1/8 inch joints, about 105 lb, which is 3 bags of 50 lb. Bigger pavers need far less and wide joints far more.
How many square feet does a bag of polymeric sand cover?
A 50 lb bag covers about 69 ft² of 6 × 9 inch pavers with 1/8 inch joints, and 35 ft² with 1/4 inch joints. With 24 × 24 inch pavers it would cover about 224 ft².
How wide should the joints be?
Most polymeric sands work for joints from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, at least 1 inch deep. Check the bag, since narrower or wider joints need a different product.
Do I need extra?
Yes: about 15% more than the joint volume, because some is swept away, and a spare bag in case of a poor first pass.
Can I put it on wet pavers?
No. The pavers and the joints must be dry, and no rain should be forecast for 24 hours after, unless the product says otherwise.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.