Paver Sand Calculator

About the Paver Sand Calculator

Paver installation requires two types of sand: bedding sand (a 1-inch leveling layer between the compacted gravel base and the pavers) and joint sand (fills the gaps between pavers after installation). Both serve critical functions — bedding sand provides a smooth, level surface for setting pavers, while joint sand locks pavers together and prevents lateral movement.

This calculator estimates the quantity of both bedding sand and joint sand needed for your project. Bedding sand is measured in tons or cubic yards, while joint sand (especially polymeric sand) is measured in bags.

Polymeric sand has become the standard for paver joints because it hardens when moistened and compacted, creating a firm joint that resists erosion, weed growth, and insect penetration.

When This Page Helps

Bedding sand and joint sand are separate purchases with different quantities. This calculator gives you both amounts so you can order everything at once. Using the right amount of bedding sand ensures a consistent 1-inch bed — too thick and it compresses unevenly; too thin and you can't level properly.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the total paver area in square feet.
2. The calculator assumes a standard 1-inch bedding sand depth.
3. Joint sand is estimated based on typical 1/8" joint width.
4. Review tons of bedding sand and bags of polymeric joint sand.
5. Order concrete sand (also called C-33 sand) for bedding, not play sand or mason sand.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Use concrete sand (ASTM C-33) for bedding, NOT play sand, mason sand, or stone dust.
• Screed the bedding sand to a uniform 1-inch depth using 1-inch pipe rails.
• Don't compact bedding sand before laying pavers — it should be loose for final adjustment.
• Apply polymeric sand to clean, dry joints. Sweep excess completely before activating with water.
• Mist (don't flood) polymeric sand during activation to avoid haze on paver surfaces.
• Polymeric sand requires at least 24 hours of dry weather after activation to cure.

Screeding Technique

Set two 1-inch diameter pipes (or screed rails) parallel on the compacted base, spaced 6–8 feet apart. Fill between with concrete sand and drag a straight board across the rails to create a uniform 1-inch bed. Remove the rails and fill the voids by hand.

Polymeric Sand Application

Sweep polymeric sand into dry joints using a push broom. Ensure all joints are completely filled. Remove all excess sand from paver surfaces before wetting — any residue will cause permanent haze. Mist with a gentle shower setting, not a direct stream.

Quantity Adjustments

Wide joints (1/4"+) increase joint sand usage by 50–100%. Tumbled pavers with irregular edges require 10–20% more joint sand than smooth-edge pavers. Always buy an extra bag of polymeric sand for touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of sand goes under pavers?

  Concrete sand (ASTM C-33) is the standard bedding sand for pavers. It's a coarse, washed sand that compacts well and provides good drainage. Don't use play sand, mason sand, or polymeric sand for bedding.

• How deep should bedding sand be for pavers?

  Exactly 1 inch. Bedding sand thicker than 1 inch compresses unevenly and can cause paver settlement. Thinner than 1 inch doesn't provide enough material for leveling. Use screed rails to ensure uniform depth.

• What is polymeric sand?

  Polymeric sand is a blend of fine sand and polymer binders that hardens when moistened. It's swept into paver joints, then activated with water to create a firm, flexible joint that resists erosion, weeds, and insects.

• How many bags of polymeric sand per 100 square feet?

  Approximately 1 bag (50 lbs) per 75–100 ft² for standard 2-3/8" thick pavers with 1/8" joints. Wider joints or thicker pavers require more sand. Check the bag label for the specific product's coverage rate.

• Can I reuse old paver sand?

  Old bedding sand can be reused if it's clean conrete sand in good condition. Old joint sand — especially polymeric — should be removed and replaced when re-laying pavers. Contaminated or deteriorated sand should be discarded.

• Why not use stone dust instead of sand?

  Stone dust (crusher screenings) retains moisture and can become unstable when saturated. ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) recommends concrete sand, not stone dust, for paver bedding.