How this calculator works
Polymeric sand fills the joints between pavers. The joints take up a share of the surface equal to one minus the paver area divided by the area of the paver plus its joint. Multiply by the paver area and by the depth of fill (the paver thickness less 1/8 inch) to get the volume of joint, then by about 100 lb per cubic foot, plus 15% for sweeping and waste.
Worked example: 144 ft² of 6 × 9 inch pavers, 2⅜ inches thick, with 1/8 inch joints, has 3.4% of its surface in joints and needs 105 lb of polymeric sand: 3 bags of 50 lb, so a bag covers about 69 ft². With 1/4 inch joints it is 205 lb, and with 24 × 24 inch pavers only 32 lb.
Bags of 50 lb polymeric sand for 100 ft² of pavers
2⅜ inch pavers, by paver size and joint width.
| Paver | 1/16 in joint | 1/8 in joint | 1/4 in joint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in | 50 lb (1 bags) | 98 lb (2 bags) | 188 lb (4 bags) |
| 6 × 9 in | 37 lb (1 bags) | 73 lb (2 bags) | 142 lb (3 bags) |
| 12 × 12 in | 22 lb (1 bags) | 44 lb (1 bags) | 87 lb (2 bags) |
| 16 × 16 in | 17 lb (1 bags) | 33 lb (1 bags) | 66 lb (2 bags) |
| 24 × 24 in | 11 lb (1 bags) | 22 lb (1 bags) | 44 lb (1 bags) |
Tips before you buy
- Joints must be clean, dry and at least 1/8 inch wide, and at least 1 inch deep, for most polymeric sands.
- Sweep the sand in until the joints are full, compact the pavers, and sweep again. Remove every trace from the surface before you wet it, or it will leave a haze.
- Do not use it in the rain, and do not let it rain for 24 hours afterward unless the product says otherwise.
- Buy all the bags from one batch so that the color is the same.
- Joints wider than 1/2 inch need a different joint material.
Tools & materials for this project
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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 about 35 ft² with 1/4 inch joints. Large pavers go much further.
How wide should the joints be for polymeric sand?
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 to buy extra polymeric sand?
Yes, about 15% more than the joint volume, since some is swept away, and a spare bag in case of a poor first pass.
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Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.