Sand for Paver Installations
Paver installations use two types of sand: leveling sand (bedding sand) and joint sand (polymeric sand). They serve completely different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Leveling sand is concrete sand (coarse, angular) spread 1 inch deep over the compacted gravel base. It creates a smooth, level bed for the pavers to sit on. Screed it to a uniform 1-inch depth using screed rails -- the surface must be perfectly flat because the pavers follow every contour.
Polymeric sand is a specialized joint-filling sand containing polymer binders. After sweeping it into the joints between pavers and activating with water, it hardens into a semi-rigid fill that locks the pavers together and prevents weed growth. One 50-lb bag covers 30-60 sq ft depending on paver size and joint width.