When designing a beautiful patio, driveway, or walkway, most people focus on the pavers themselves – the shape, colour, and pattern. But what goes in between pavers is just as important as the pavers themselves.
Choosing the right material can determine whether your outdoor space stays solid and weed-free for years or starts shifting, cracking, and growing weeds within months. The right material is the key to an outdoor space that stays nice for years.
In this complete guide by GLscapes, you’ll learn:
- The best materials to put between pavers
- Pros and cons of each option
- How to pick the one for your project
- Tips on how to install things so they last a long time
If you are a homeowner or you are getting ready for a test or a project, this guide will give you a really good understanding of things.
Why What You Put Between Pavers Matters
The material between pavers is called jointing material, and it plays several critical roles:
- Locks pavers in place and prevents movement
- Distributes weight evenly
- Prevents weed growth and insect infestation
- Â Improves drainage
- Enhances overall appearance
Without proper joint filling, even the most expensive pavers will fail over time.
Best Materials to Put Between Pavers
Let’s break down the most effective and commonly used options.
1. Polymeric Sand (Best Overall Choice)
What is it?
It is a mixture of sand and special polymers.
When you add water, the polymers harden. That makes polymeric sand a great solution. It is often used by professionals.
Benefits:
- Â Locks pavers tightly
- Prevents weed growth
- Resists ants and insects
- Reduces erosion from rain
- Â Long-lasting and durable
Drawbacks:
- Slightly more expensive than regular sand
- Requires careful installation
Best for:
- Patios
- Walkways
- Driveways
Pro Tip: If you want a clean, low-maintenance surface, this is your best choice.
2. Regular Sand (Budget-Friendly Option)
Also known as joint sand, this is the simplest and most affordable material.
Benefits:
- Â Easy to install
- Cheap and widely available
- Good drainage
Drawbacks:
- Washes away easily
- Allows weeds to grow
- Needs frequent refilling
Best for:
- Â Temporary setups
- Â Low-traffic areas
3. Stone Dust (Compact and Stable)
Stone dust, also known as crusher dust, is a powder made from crushed stone. It is really a byproduct of crushing stone.
Benefits:
- Compacts tightly
- Â Provides strong base support
- Â Affordable
Drawbacks:
- Â Poor drainage
- Â Can become muddy when wet
- May crack over time
Best for:
- Â Dry climates
- Areas needing strong compaction
4. Gravel or Small Stones
Using gravel between pavers creates a natural, decorative look.
Benefits:
- Â Excellent drainage
- Unique aesthetic
- Easy to install
Drawbacks:
- Moves easily
- Not comfortable walking barefoot
- Can scatter outside joints
Best for:
- Garden paths
- Decorative landscapes
5. Mortar or Cement (Permanent Fix)
Mortar creates a rigid, permanent bond between pavers.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- No weed growth
- Strong and stable
Drawbacks:
- No flexibility (can crack with ground movement)
- Difficult to repair
- Requires professional installation
Best for:
- Driveways
- Heavy-load areas
- Formal designs
6. Grass or Moss (Eco-Friendly Option)
For a natural look, some homeowners plant grass or moss between pavers.
Benefits:
- Beautiful and eco-friendly
- Â Reduces heat
- Â Improves aesthetics
Drawbacks:
- Requires maintenance
- Not suitable for heavy traffic
- Can get muddy
Best for:
- Garden walkways
- Backyard patios
Comparison Table
| Material | Durability | Weed Resistance | Maintenance | Cost |
| Polymeric Sand | High | High | Low | Medium |
| Regular Sand | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Stone Dust | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Gravel | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Mortar | Very High | Very High | Low | High |
| Grass/Moss | Low | Low | High | Medium |
How to Choose the Right Material
Choosing the right joint filler depends on several factors:
1. Traffic Level
- High traffic → Polymeric sand or mortar
- Low traffic → Sand or grass
2. Climate
- Rainy areas → Polymeric sand
- Dry areas → Stone dust
3. Budget
- Low budget → Regular sand
- Premium finish → Polymeric sand
4. Aesthetic Preference
- Clean look → Polymeric sand
- Natural look → Gravel or grass
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Between Pavers (Polymeric Sand Method)
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Clean the surface.
Get rid of dirt, dust and weeds from the area. Make sure it’s clean.
Step 2: Pour Sand
Spread sand all over the pavers. You can pour it evenly.
Step 3: Sweep into Joints
Use a broom to fill all the gaps between the pavers with sand. Make sure to get it into all the spaces.
Step 4: Compact
Use a plate compactor or gently tap on the pavers to settle the sand properly. This helps it stay in place.
Step 5: Remove Excess
Sweep off the polymeric sand from the surface of the pavers. You want to leave it in the gaps.
Step 6: Activate with Water
Spray water on the sand to activate the binding agents. This helps it harden.
Step 7: Let it cure.
Let the polymeric sand sit for 24 hours so that it hardens properly.
Just wait a day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong sand type
- Overwatering polymeric sand
- Skipping compaction
- Â Leaving gaps unfilled
- Not preparing a proper base
Avoiding these mistakes can extend the life of your pavers significantly.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your pavers looking new:
- Â Â Â Â Sweep regularly
- Â Â Â Refill joints if needed
- Â Â Â Seal pavers annually
- Â Â Â Remove weeds early
- Â Avoid pressure washing joints
FAQs
Q1. What is the best thing to put between pavers?
Ans: The best option is polymeric sand because it hardens, prevents weeds, and improves durability.
Q2: How do you keep weeds from growing between pavers?
Ans: Use polymeric sand, apply a weed barrier underneath, and maintain regular cleaning.
Q3. Can I use regular sand between pavers?
Ans: Yes, but it requires frequent maintenance and does not prevent weeds effectively.
Q4: Is polymeric sand worth it?
Ans: Yes. It costs more upfront but saves time and maintenance in the long run.
Q5: What is the cheapest material for paver joints?
Ans: Regular sand is the most affordable option.
Q6: How often should I refill paver joints?
Ans: For regular sand, every 6–12 months. Polymeric sand can last several years.
Expert Tips from GLscapes
- Always install a proper base layer before pavers
- Use edge restraints to keep pavers in place
- Â Choose materials based on long-term durability, not just cost
- Â Â Invest in polymeric sand for a professional finish
Conclusion
Choosing what to put in between pavers is not just a small detail—it’s the foundation of a strong, long-lasting outdoor surface.
If you want:
-  Durability → Go with polymeric sand
-  Affordability → Choose regular sand
- Aesthetic appeal → Try gravel or grass
-  Maximum strength → Use mortar
The right choice will save you time, money, and maintenance headaches in the future.
Ready to transform your outdoor space with perfectly installed pavers?
Contact GLscapes today for a consultation and bring your vision to life with long-lasting results!