What Is the Best Material to Put Between Pavers?
What Is the Best Material to Put Between Pavers?
Blog Article
When it comes to building a long-lasting and visually stunning walkway, every detail matters—including what you use to fill the spaces between the pavers. Homeowners often ask, “What is the best material to put between pavers?” Whether you’re taking the DIY route or working with professionals, choosing the right joint filler is critical to the performance, appearance, and longevity of your paver walkway. At Lakota Design Group, we specialize in premium Bay Area Paver Installation, and we've tested every jointing option under the sun. From traditional sand to cutting-edge polymeric products, this guide breaks down your best options based on durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs. If you’re searching for guidance on How To Install Paver Walkway correctly from start to finish, knowing the ideal joint filler is a key part of that process.
Why Joint Material Matters
The material you place between pavers does more than fill gaps—it helps lock the pavers in place, prevents weed growth, supports drainage, and keeps pests or ants from creating problems under the surface. It also has a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your walkway. Using the wrong material can lead to shifting, erosion, or a messy appearance over time. In climates like the Bay Area, where moisture, sun exposure, and soil expansion all come into play, jointing material plays a critical role in the success of any bay area landscape design project.
The 3 Best Materials to Put Between Pavers
There are several options available for filling the gaps between pavers. Below are the top three, each with unique benefits and ideal use cases.
1. Polymeric Sand: The Premium Choice
Polymeric sand is widely considered the best material to use between pavers for modern walkway installations. It’s a fine sand that’s been mixed with bonding agents like silica. Once it’s swept into the joints and misted with water, it hardens to create a semi-solid, flexible seal. This prevents shifting, resists weed growth, and deters ants and pests from burrowing in the joints. Because it locks into place, polymeric sand is ideal for high-traffic areas. At Lakota Design Group, we recommend polymeric sand for most Bay Area Paver Installation projects because it performs well in changing weather conditions and requires very little maintenance. Pros: Long-lasting, weed-resistant, flexible yet firm, and easy to install for both professionals and DIYers learning How To Install Paver Walkway. Cons: Higher cost than traditional sand and requires precise installation (overwatering or under-watering can affect performance).
2. Jointing Sand: Traditional and Cost-Effective
Regular jointing sand is another option, especially for smaller or low-traffic walkways. This is the traditional method where dry sand is swept into the joints and compacted. While it’s more affordable than polymeric sand, it doesn’t lock into place. As a result, it may wash out during rain, promote weed growth, or shift over time. However, in dryer areas or where maintenance is frequent, jointing sand remains a popular choice. If your bay area landscape design includes a casual garden walkway or decorative path that won’t endure much weight, regular sand may be enough. Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install and reapply. Cons: Weeds and pests may return, sand can wash away, requires ongoing upkeep.
3. Gravel or Pebble Fillers: Natural and Decorative
For a more rustic or decorative look, some walkways use pea gravel, crushed granite, or small pebbles between the pavers. This option creates a looser, natural appearance and is popular in organic or desert-inspired designs. Gravel doesn’t lock the pavers together, so it’s not suitable for high-traffic areas unless combined with strong edge restraints. It also allows excellent drainage. If aesthetics are your top priority and the walkway is mainly decorative, gravel fillers can be a beautiful choice. However, they do require frequent raking and may become displaced. Pros: Visually appealing, promotes excellent drainage, adds texture and contrast. Cons: Shifting material, not ideal for stability or heavy use, can create tripping hazards if not maintained.
What We Recommend for Bay Area Walkways
When installing walkways in the Bay Area, climate and soil movement must be taken into account. At Lakota Design Group, we almost always recommend polymeric sand for residential and commercial paver installations. Its stability, resistance to erosion, and clean finish make it ideal for Bay Area Paver Installation projects where rainfall, slope, and root growth can otherwise cause pavers to separate or sink. That said, we also use decorative fillers like gravel for specific bay area landscape design themes where visual impact outweighs functionality. Our team always assesses your goals, soil type, and property style to recommend the best filler for your walkway project.
How To Install Paver Walkway with Proper Joint Filler
Choosing the right jointing material is just one step in creating a durable walkway. Here’s how to apply it correctly:
Step 1: Lay and compact the pavers – Once your pavers are placed and leveled on the bedding sand, compact them with a plate compactor to settle them into position.
Step 2: Sweep joint material into gaps – Use a broom to spread your chosen filler (polymeric sand, jointing sand, or gravel) over the surface. Ensure all joints are filled fully and evenly.
Step 3: Compact again – For sand fillers, a second round of compaction helps fill any air pockets and settle the material deeper into the joints.
Step 4: Clean the surface – Clear excess sand or debris off the top of the pavers to prevent staining or residue.
Step 5: Activate if using polymeric sand – Lightly mist the surface with water to activate the binding agents in the polymeric sand. Avoid over-saturating to prevent runoff or haze.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Paver Joints
Even with the right material, poor application can compromise your walkway. Here are common errors to avoid:
- Using play sand instead of jointing sand
- Over-watering polymeric sand, which causes runoff or haze
- Under-watering, which prevents proper bonding
- Skipping compaction after applying sand
- Leaving joint gaps too shallow or too deep
- Not cleaning excess sand off paver surfaces
These small mistakes can lead to big problems over time. That’s why we recommend working with experienced professionals like Lakota Design Group, especially if you’re installing a long walkway or incorporating intricate bay area landscape design elements.
Maintenance Tips for Paver Joints
No matter what material you use, occasional maintenance will keep your walkway in top shape. Sweep the surface regularly to remove debris and inspect the joints each season. For polymeric sand, check for cracking or separation and reapply as needed. For loose materials like gravel or regular sand, refill or rake into place whenever displacement occurs. Applying a paver sealer can also enhance durability and lock in the color and texture of both the pavers and jointing material.
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How to Choose the Right Filler for Your Walkway
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you choose the best material to put between pavers based on your specific needs:
| Use Case | Best Joint Material |
| High foot traffic | Polymeric Sand |
| Decorative garden paths | Gravel or Pebbles |
| Budget-conscious installs | Jointing Sand |
| Low-maintenance walkways | Polymeric Sand |
| Rustic or organic aesthetics | Pea Gravel |
Still not sure what works best for your project? Our team at Lakota Design Group offers customized consultations for all Bay Area Paver Installation projects and will evaluate your site to determine the most effective and attractive solution.
Trust Lakota Design Group for Paver Expertise
With over 49 years of experience, Lakota Design Group is a trusted leader in bay area landscape design. We understand that the details—like what goes between your pavers—make all the difference in long-term satisfaction and curb appeal. From suburban walkways to modern commercial hardscapes, we know how to select and install the perfect joint filler to match your needs, style, and budget. Whether you're building a brand-new path or restoring an old one, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is the best material to put between pavers, you’re ready to take the next step in building your perfect outdoor path. If you want long-lasting results without the trial and error, trust the professionals at Lakota Design Group. We offer expert Bay Area Paver Installation and personalized design solutions that reflect your lifestyle and landscape. Let’s bring your walkway vision to life.
Contact us today at Lakota Design Group to schedule a consultation.
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