1. What is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sands combined with additives that form a binding agent when activated with water. It's used to fill the joints between pavers, creating a durable, stable surface that resists erosion and weed growth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Total area of paved surface in square feet
• \( Joint\ width \) — Width between pavers in inches
• \( Joint\ depth \) — Depth of joints in inches
• 144 — Conversion factor from square inches to square feet
• 100 — Standard density factor for polymeric sand (lb/ft³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of joints in cubic feet and converts it to pounds of sand needed based on standard density.

3. Importance of Proper Sand Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of polymeric sand - too little won't properly fill joints, while too much is wasteful and can cause hazing on paver surfaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your paved area accurately. Typical joint widths range from 1/8" to 1/2". Joint depth is usually equal to paver thickness minus 1/2" for bedding layer.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much extra sand should I buy?
A: We recommend purchasing 10-15% extra to account for waste, spillage, and uneven joint filling.

Q2: What's the coverage rate for polymeric sand?
A: Coverage varies by joint size, but typically 50lb covers 30-60 sq.ft. for 4" pavers with 1/4" joints.

Q3: Can I use this for different brands of polymeric sand?
A: Yes, this calculator works for all standard polymeric sands including Lowe's brands like Sakrete and Alliance.

Q4: How do I measure irregularly shaped areas?
A: Break the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the totals.

Q5: What if my pavers have different joint widths?
A: Use an average joint width or calculate different sections separately if widths vary significantly.