DIY paver guide
Paver Sand vs Polymeric Sand
Bedding sand goes under the pavers as a screeded setting bed. Polymeric sand goes between pavers after installation to fill joints and help lock the surface.
Quick answer
- Bedding sand belongs under the pavers.
- Polymeric sand belongs in the joints after pavers are placed.
- Coverage depends on joint width, joint depth, paver size, and product limits.
Interactive estimator
Polymeric Sand calculator
Example 12x12 patio: plan for about 2 bags of polymeric sand before checking the product chart.
Change joint width, joint depth, paver size, and bag coverage for your selected product.
Bedding sand
Bedding sand creates a level setting bed over the compacted base. It is usually estimated by area and depth.
The sand calculator is the better tool when you need cubic yards or bags for the layer under the pavers.
Polymeric sand
Polymeric sand is swept into joints after the pavers are laid. It is usually bought by bag coverage, and that coverage changes when joints get wider or deeper.
Use the polymeric sand calculator when you know joint width and product coverage.
Helpful next step
Use the complete paver material calculator when you want one combined order list for pavers, base, bedding sand, polymeric sand, edging, and cost. Use the focused calculators when you need to tune one material at a time.