Should I use Morter or Sand with my Pavers?
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Should I morter the stones in?
No. Setting the pavers in wet mortar or concrete will eliminate the flexibility and superiority of sand set installation and will prevent interlock. It is recommended that you use course angular sand as the bedding course, and a slightly finer angular sand as the joint sand.
What is the best sand to use?
Use a angular washed sand with multi-sized grains (approximately 20 - 30 mesh). This angular sand will bind together during the compaction process. A problem with using very fine sand, even though it will fill the joints easier, it will also wash out easier causing a failure in interlock.
Will water drain through the paver joints?
No. pavers and the joints are not permeable. Water will seep into the joint sand gradually, but once the joint is saturated, water will shed off the paver surface just like any other pavement. Slope (or fall) needs to be designed into your paver project for water to run off naturally. A minimum of 1 inch fall every 8 to 12 feet of paving, away from your home, is recommended. This slope should be designed into your base course prior to installing the pavers.
What Sand should I use under the pavers?
Use a course, hard, angular washed sand. This is commonly called washed concrete sand. This type of sand will not deteriorate over time and will drain water well. DO NOT use stone dusts, limestone screenings, loam, rounded or fine sands.