How To Polymeric Sand Concrete Paver Joints | (DIY)

Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. This method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver application. So if you are doing research to learn how to install polymeric sand, this video is full of tips and tricks, So enjoy the video!
The polymeric sand I used in this video is made by (Alliance). It is called (Super Sand) and the color blend is called (Slate Grey)
To see all the videos from this project, click this playlist link right here👉 • A Hardscapers Dream Pr...
#concrete #hardscaping #landscapeconstruction #hardscape #patio #landscaping #landscapedesign #hardscapedesign #hardscapes

[@BJ-sg6uk]

I commented before on your videos, but I want to emphasize how appreciative I am for these videos... I fired my contractor the other day because I didn't like what they were doing, the materials they used and they made a real mess of things, literally and figuratively. I spent a good chunk of change thus far for materials and their labor and I don't have enough cash to have someone go back behind them and make the changes. That said, I am doing it alone and your videos are a great help.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I am sorry you had to deal with that situation, I hate hearing stories like that. There are a lot of inexperienced guys out there doing work like this. Doing things the wrong way or half assed always shows... But anyway, I'm glad the videos have been helpful, that has been one of my main goals with this channel. Good luck with the project ✌

[@TjaMadison-oh5il]

Hahaha yeah make sure u report them at better business bureau

[@mhn...]

Thanks for taking the time to edit and explain each steps as WHY you do it in this way, it's appreciated. Best of success in your projects!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure, thank you! ✌

[@Dustin922]

What a beautiful patio. Great job man. I’ve been in Lawncare and landscaping for about 13 years now and I’ve never had the confidence to add hardscaping to my services. You make it look so easy. 😎

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man, I started in lawn care / landscape maintenance for years. As I grew in my career, i leaned into the construction side and haven't looked back. I love building with concrete and stone, very fulfilling work. ✌

[@garytman007]

Great job looks amazing! I keep picturing that area to the left where the patio curves around, as a pond filled with koi fish and plants. The best visual would be at 10:07 to 10:18 or so. Wow what a sight to behold that would be! I just love what you did here such a relaxing and calming space!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! That would be a perfect spot for a little pond, never even though of that... I can definitely picture it now for sure though!

[@pilotbroF22]

Starting my masonry business doing brick, stone, flagstone, block, pavers, patios etc and been looking for a bud like this one. Thanks for the upload. Gonna use these techniques for my jobs.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That's awesome brother, congratulations! It is a very fun industry, I love everything about it. Good luck! ✌

[@mtek532]

First time putting pavers in, all of your videos have been extremely helpful. You're amazing with the portable saw. Keep up the great work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear they are helping, good luck with your project! And that saw is like another arm to me, been cutting for 10+ years now. I love that thing! ✌

[@questionsociety]

Great project! Thanks for all the information and detail. As a contractor, I certainly appreciate the quality and build style. Thanks again!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I’m glad The videos are reaching other contractors, I appreciate the support ✌🏻

[@easlandscaping]

Another excellent video, thank you for sharing. I am a landscaper in Philadelphia and always trying to improve my craft. Your videos help me on that journey.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thanks for the feedback! It’s been very cool linking up with other people in the industry on here. I’m glad my videos are helpful, God Bless ✌🏻

[@32onfireify]

Amazing job ! I really like the color The shape and also the nice contrast of your solder course Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! I love how this project came out too 👍🏻

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

Looks great!

[@carlosmorell6680]

You did a great job!God bless!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, God bless to you too! ✌🏻

[@Nicholas_gabriel]

This video should have more views. Glad that you answer almost each question, I rarely see that.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it, thank you for the feedback!

[@Nicholas_gabriel]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Hi! I have an issus and would be much glad if you could provide me with your insight. I am about to redo my backyard in a townhouse complex where my backyard sits on top of our townhouse complex's underground parking garage. So I have about a foot and and a half ground/soil, then comes the rubber membrane wich protects the concrete of the underground parking from leaking water into underground parking. My questions is would it be fine if I were to use compactor on the ground, would it damage the membrane ? Ground is about foot and a half before the membrane. I am planning on using 4 inches of 3/4 crushed stone for the base and 1 inch of 1/4 inch stone as you suggested. Thank you so much in advance.

[@AndrewFroude]

Great job and explanation, greatly appreciated. Awesome outcome (as always).

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, Thanks again for the support and feedback!

[@irismorales501]

Thank you so much for not only speaking clearly but also at a great pace, making it easier to follow and absorb what you are explaining. I'll be re-doing our walkway pavers because the contractor used a seriously inferior product and I totally hated the results. I've removed ALL of the failed product (yeah, it came out with little effort, even after having been done just over 3 months ago!) , and prepared the walkway for application of a quality product. I've checked the weather for daytime/evening temps AND to blocked out a time frame with no rain in the forecast. I'm feeling confident because I've had experience with all sorts of home projects. My interest in having an attractive paver walkway is my incentive. Thanks for doing this great video!😊👍🏼

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I'm glad the video was helpful for you, thanks for the support and good luck with your project! ✌

[@Travanators]

Absolutely beautiful job guys!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌🏻

[@hollyhenderson8564]

Beautiful work and very well explained to a layperson. Thank you!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I'm glad it was helpful for you ✌

[@locovideopro777]

I appreciate your video. What brought me here was that I just got my pavers done by a "professional" but he never advised me about something like this, obviously I wanted to do this to keep water from filtrating into the ground. Now I will have to suck the send they spread into the pavers in order to get this new sand in. Thanks a lot for the step by step instructions, your video was very well filmed and explained. I will subscribe to your channel and hope to get more tip. Until, keep up the good work man!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. Polymeric sand is key to the longevity of a project. Glad the videos have been helpful, good luck! ✌

[@illustr8life863]

Gorgeous! Well done!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌

[@clarkmcc]

Such great content you create, thank you. I have watched all your videos on poly sand install, and it appears that you pretty much always install the concrete edge restraint either before poly/tamp/poly process ... or at the same time (I have seen Benny in the background laying concrete while you're brushing out sand). Thanks so much for what you do!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure, glad the videos have been helpful. You got the procedure down perfect it seems. Doing the poly right after you put the concrete is the most ideal but it does not always work out that way. If not, definitely concrete first then poly. Thanks for the support and feedback, God Bless! ✌

[@conniesamuelsen3078]

Beautiful!!!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@garyfederico8533]

great job ! I have been in business for 36 years ! if everyone does the same process we will have know problems !

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks Gary! Poly Sand definitely needs to be done properly, it can destroy the entire project if you don't.... It is nice to hear from someone with years of experience, God Bless ✌

[@stevehastie4951]

Dude… looks like got this dialed in. Thanks mucho from Tollhouse, CA. Keep the videos coming you do fine, legit, custom, sweet work my friend. I’m inspired.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much, glad you like it brother ✌🏻

[@seanemac5146]

Awesome! Thanks for the great tips 👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thank you ✌🏻

[@lunahouseexterior]

This helped a lot, great instructional video... im in pressure washing for 2 years and was trying to find polymeric sand last couple of months.. finaly found some, got job next week so was looking for this from profesional :) Thank you , all the best 👋

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it! Good luck on the job and in the future with more of them! ✌

[@regulardude2011]

Beautiful work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌

[@Hashbrownxpress]

I wish I would have found your channel before i did the front. This will be super helpful for the back!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad you like the channel and good luck with your future projects!

[@JREV123]

Super helpful!!!! Thank you.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@artifactsantlersoh]

Thanks much for the great instruction.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@khalidyounes4614]

You've done amazing job 👍👍👍👍👏

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌🏻

[@MissAmberlee1]

Appreciate this content very much. Thank you

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure!

[@markkidman5111]

Great job 👏

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! ✌

[@brockyoutube]

Dang looks great

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@quetama9306]

Nice job!!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@Claude88ful]

😍👍 Bonjour de France. Beau travail. Hello from France. Good work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much!

[@tonyn6631]

Nice works!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!

[@HTBuild]

hello from japan.good job👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey, thanks!

[@kynguyen2173]

Thanks

[@jamessims6621]

Very nice

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@maverickdoe6984]

You did a great job of showing and explaining almost everything. I was hoping you'd talk about how you secured the edges. You mentioned concrete in one of the first videos (you dug a trench for it), but I don't quite understand how that will work. Do you have any other video that shows that part? Thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I should have included something on that for sure... Here is another video that explains it a little more 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXmxo4uQgrinkKM

[@joelramos2301]

Hi Chris. This is a great work. Truly amazing and very professional. Im curious about how you have done the brick laying pattern. Hope you can make video of this style. thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. I actually do have a video in the playlist that this video is in on how I go about laying my pavers ✌🏻

[@joelramos2301]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks I'll go find it mate. Cheers

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Great product thanks for sharing your knowledge will do this at my place Melbourne Australia 🦘

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes it is, my pleasure to share! ✌

[@dustinmoe7462]

This will probably go unnoticed, but I watched this video prior to installing my own polymeric sand on my patio. The tips you gave were all very useful outside of saying you want to see the white to form when watering. I did this and quickly found out a couple days later it never completely hardened and is now soft. A quick google search about it today has led me to believe that the white you see is actually the polymers separating from the sand causing it to never fully harden. Correct me if I am wrong but I followed every other instruction to a tee and cannot think of any other reason for it to still be soft after almost 3 days

[@dustinmoe7462]

All that being said, I believe it was over watered and I am clueless as to where to go from here. Seems as though I have to start over with the poly sand. Do you have any other suggestions?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey there, I'm sorry you are having that issue. I'm not sure how much white foam you seen when watering but it is a normal thing for that foam to come out when watering. With that being said over watering is possible but it could also be something that will just take longer to set. I honestly have had some poly sand projects take up to a week to harden.... I would say be patient and give it some more time. How has the weather been since you did the sand? if it has been cool, cloudy or rainy, that may be a part of it taking awhile to set also. What polymeric sand did you use?

[@dustinmoe7462]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I really appreciate you getting back to me, especially so quickly. I activated it Tuesday night and it was fairly sunny and warm but fairly humid for about 48 hours then and a light rain last night where I noticed it being soft. It rained a little more throughout the night and I noticed some washout this morning. It was nice today and is supposed to be tomorrow and Sunday but then rain on Monday and Tuesday. Would you recommend covering it Sunday night till Wednesday in hopes of it just needing more time to cure?

[@dustinmoe7462]

@@TheChristianHardscaper forgot to mention I used the optimatrix dyna poly sand, which claims to be a great product but haven’t seen many people who used it or that left a review on it

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@dustinmoe7462 I haven't heard of that brand, there is a lot of manufacturers making polymeric sand. Some are better than others... But also, it is possible that you got a bad batch. That can happen with any manufacturer, even the best has made bad batches of sand and screwed up a lot of projects because of it. But like I said, give it some more time. it may set up up in a longer period of time.

[@cesar9155]

GRACIAS..!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌🏻

[@benwright5152]

Thanks for all of the great videos! I'm installing a DIY paver walkway and have found your channel to be the best when is comes to level detail & explanation. My walkway will connect a driveway to the base of our short deck stairs (2 steps). We currently have an ugly concrete landing under deck stairs and I prefer that this be replaced with pavers. I'll be using an open graded base design (your videos have more than convinced me!) with standard brick pavers (2"thick x 3.5" x 8"). Any modifications needed to base depth/design for pavers under the deck stairs? Should I use a different type of paver? Again, there are only 2 stairs, so not much load on pavers. Thanks for the help!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem at all, sounds like a cool project you got! I think just the typical base prep method will be just fine for the steps. Good luck with the project! ✌

[@dougferinga228]

1 more question before doing the polymeric sand.....Once my pavers and border edging are installed and I add the concrete around the edges, do I compact the pavers? Then I'm ready for sand? Thanks for your informative videos and humor. You can tell you love doing what you do!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You need to sweep the sand before you compact. Then after you compact, you need top sweep one more time to fill the joints up from it settling. Then blow the extra dust and water it down. ✌

[@vinhgolf]

As always, very informative video and enjoyable. do you have a video with the methods how to set the paver into a pattern like here? thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks again for the feedback, I'm glad you are enjoying them. Here is a link to the video of us laying the pavers on this project 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIfOhWuKYtykaqc

[@comet302]

Great videos! They've truly helped me figure out how to make my first small paver patio (8ft x 7ft) - I am at the final polymeric stage and I have one question: does the compactor loosen the outside paver from the concrete edging? I am worried that might happen - thanks for any advice / words of wisdom! 🙂

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it! Compactors can loosen the edge if you are not careful... I typically stay about 12" off the edge with the compactors when I use them and hand tamp the edges. Good luck finishing up the project!

[@stevenhaskins1655]

Hello, I love your work. How do you apply the concrete mix to apply to the edges to keep the edges from shifting? Is there a certain depth in the gravel before you pour?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! Here is a link to a video I made on how we to the concrete edge restraint 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmUpXajgq-Ep80 Hope it helps! ✌

[@michaellaura1231]

Thanks for the video! What sealer do you like for natural stone pavers? Travertine / marble, outdoors. Thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem! I actually do not seal my projects. It is a service I have not got into yet, a lot of horror stories of sealer ruining pavers / stone... I don't want that headache. I leave that to others who have more experience with that particular aspect. ✌

[@clarkmcc]

Did you use edging around the soldier course? I know you used the 1/4 directly around the fire pit, but it looks like youre avoiding the soldier course of darker pavers around the ouside of the field course when compacting (and spreading the poly). Awesome series, thank you.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We use concrete around the edge of our patios and walkways ( did not film it however.. ) I have a couple videos on how we install the concrete on my channel though. ( here is 1 of them 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXmxo4uQgrinkKM ). I do try to go easy on the edges when compacting to prevent any damage to the concrete. ✌

[@barkyman1]

Awesome! How much will the stone chips compact. I have to lay my pavers level to a deck drain so I need to leave some extra height for the compaction.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

If you are trying to compact down to a desired height, you want to be 1/4 - 3/8 inch higher than that desired mark.

[@martinrodriguez-ez6wx]

What’s a tip on not blowing out too much sand with blower besides some obvious points? Also typically how often does this need to be redone to keep pavers locked in nice and tight? Great video Thank you

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The best way is to keep the blower on like 1/3 throttle and you want to keep the stream of air above the pavers. Meaning don't point the blower tube straight at the pavers. You want to point it at the pavers about 5-6 feet in front of you. That helps only blow the dust off the top. And if done correctly and the area is in mostly sun the sand will last 4-8 years. When it is in a shady / very wet area, it will be more like 2-4 years before having to redo it.

[@colinmartin5994]

Great job, fellas. Enjoyed.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@christoforos4126]

I recently did a flagstone patio install with a 1/4 inch joint filled with polymeric sand. I had an issue where while I was wetting with the hose, some polysand would move out of the joints and ontop of the stone, and it just made a mess across the stone and was incredibly difficult to get off. Maybe I filled my joints too high? Have you ever had this issue of polysand moving out ontop of the stone? I started wetting from the lowest point like you mention in this video, and I also used fairly low pressure.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Sorry to hear you had that issue. I would say that it is most likely that you had a little too much in the joints.... Typically, I try to keep the sand about 1/8" or so lower than the top of the pavers / stone. But it could be the sand as well, not all polymeric sand options are the same. What type of sand did you use?

[@Maynardd]

Been watching several of your videos. Very detailed. Question, does the polymeric stop weeds from growing in between the bricks? I need to redo my sidewalk and there’s so many weeds you can hardly even see the brick. Thanks. Keep up the great work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the support, Polymeric sand will definitely prevent weeds from growing. What you will need to do is pressure wash the walkway very good to clean the joints thoroughly. Wait for it to dry, use a leaf blower to clean the remainder. Then follow the process in this video. ( to truly prevent weeds in the long run, keep the pavers free from any debris. And if the pavers are constantly wet/damp, weeds / moss will grow regardless of the joint sand you use. Keeping pavers dry and clean is the best way to prevent weeds. ✌

[@Maynardd]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Outstanding information! I very much appreciate the response.

[@kyzman9675]

Great video. Can you please tell me where I can find the fire pit covered?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks, that firepit Insert and cover is made by (Breeo)

[@richardpowers4200]

Great info, I just used this sand for the first time when applied there were some wet spots and I didn’t clear all the sand before wetting. Any tips on how to clean and start over? Hoping pressure washing works and no staining:-(

[@richardpowers4200]

Thankfully, the pressure washer worked!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, Im glad you liked it and Im glad you got the stains off with the pressure washer! ✌

[@rs-vl2im]

Do you have to use a compactor after the first layer of sand? or could you just hose it down once to sand is swept into the paver joints? thanks for the videos - awesome job

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would recommend compacting / tamping for sure. I only water once, after sweeping it in, compacting, sweeping it in again and then water it down 👍🏻

[@Shadow-wj1dp]

You forgot to mention to use a leaf blower

[@dcstang67]

What if you run out of sand before you finish filling the joints and you cant get any more until the next day? I only got 1 application on before I ran out. I was able to compact what was there but its about 3/4in from the surface and needs another application. Am I safe to water and activate it until I am able to get more?

[@ksully5298]

Ive watched more of your videos than I'd like to admit...... you guys are the real deal.. however did have a question, you said you put cement around the outer edges.... but didnt show HOW you did that.. did I miss a video? I'm putting in a small entrance way landing patio and was wondering how to do that cement part - pour it in dry and just wet it? or do you mix it first? just want the proper approach.. never mind .. found one!!!!! :)

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Thank you very much, glad you enjoy the videos! here is a link to a video I made on how we concrete the edges 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmUpXajgq-Ep80

[@MichaelNwatu212]

Give thanks for the video! After the second application would you use the compactor again?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, you do not need to compact a second time, just once. After the second application, just blow the extra dust off and water it down. ✌

[@phinsterc1275]

This is great, what other ways can you tamper the sand if don't have a machine?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can use a regular hand tamper, just find some kind of rubber or foam protect the pavers from the bare metal. ✌

[@LadyBug-co3iv]

Thank you for the video! Do you recommend applying sealer once polymer sand has dried?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure! Any kind of sealer should not be applied to about 60 days after the install. Pavers and polymeric sand needs time to set and cure before it is sealed. Depending on the sealer, that time frame may vary. But whatever sealer you choose, you need to read the label well. They explain how long you need to wait right on the label.

[@user-tx5rf2pf1t]

once you have laid your pavers, do you cement the edges first and THEN compact everything? then put the stone or sand in between and compact again?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The most ideal is to concrete just before you polymeric sand. That way the concrete will hold everything together and you can still tamp with no worries. If anything happens, you can still fix the concrete. If that just won't work, concrete first and just tamp carefully around the edges so you don't break the bond between the pavers and concrete

[@lakemarine484]

Looks great and thanks for the video. Ive got about 800sqft of paver walk and patio that I have power washed including all of the joints. Im kind of worn out and was going to hire someone to apply the polymeric sand but the guy told me the plate vibrator wasn't necessary. That kind of told me he was a hack. Anyway local rental has a plate compacter but it doesn't have a rubber pad on it. Did yours?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Honestly, when reapplying polymeric sand after power washing, unless you completely removed all the sand to the bottom of the joints, compacting probably is not necessary... If only half the joint is exposed, the sand will not settle much at all with compaction. And if the pavers are old, a heavy plate compactor could possible damage the pavers. I would say if anything, get some kind of rubber / foam pad and use a hand tamper to settle it down. It may take longer but less risk of damage.

[@lakemarine484]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks for the response. It is 200ftX4ft walkway and another 250sqft of patio and I power washed for 3 days! Its 15yrs old and there were very few areas where the original sand didnt blast completely out. I can drop a steel rule 1" to 1.5" deep in every joint I checked. 80% of the gap width is 1/16" - 1/8" with some areas wider. I think I will do a small area with a broom and see how well it fills. I dont think I can hand tamp this amount of pavers!

[@tvnguyen7311]

HI, did you install anything on the outside edge to hold pavers in place? or cement the bottom of those outside pavers?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We install concrete around the edges of the border pavers. 👍🏻

[@JustInspireMe]

Looks beautiful - what type of pavers are these? Cambridge ledgestone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The Pavers used on this job are all manufactured by (Genest) out of Maine, the name of the main patio paver is called (Grand Katahdin) and the color tone is (Meadow). The border pavers are called (Hollandstone) with a color tone of (Charcoal). ✌

[@kylemackenzie398]

What are you using for edge restraint? Love the videos

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I use concrete because I use open grade base for my installs, thanks for the support 🤙🏻

[@pujo28]

I will be re sanded my paver joints. 30x45 yard with a pool and kitchen so cut that size by like 60%. Can I hand tamp the pavers or should I rent a compactor. Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

As long as you can get a compactor with a rubber mat which can attach to the bottom of it, yes. The compactor will give you the best results in the shortest time. With that being said, I have used just my hand tamper on dozens of installs and is without a doubt good enough, just takes longer and can get tiring… Good luck on the project 👍🏻

[@cocobj8116]

❤❤🚀🚀

[@kristenmarciniak3737]

Do you ever put a sealer on the pavers? If so what do you use? And do you put sealer on before the poly sand?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I haven’t ever sealed pavers. It’s something that once you do it, you have to do it every year / every other year. But if I were to do it, it would be after polymeric sand.

[@smoochreynolds4865]

Im clleaning my 3 year old patio, do i need to compact it with a machine to refill and touchup?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It is probably not necessary at that point

[@sbxbabe]

Really appreciate all your videos. We have about 2100 Sq ft. 2 walk ways and 27x23 square patio. What do u think I'd using asphalt milling for base and screed material? Thanks in advance. We are richmond va.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it! That sounds like a big project, should be very cool! I don't recommend asphalt millings, however I know some people have used it before. Personally, nothing is better than clean crushed stone. Here is a video I just made recently explaining the method and material 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKfbnZh3bJdrp9k

[@sbxbabe]

@TheChristianHardscaper Yes, I've seen the video u attached, Praise God, I also learned the slip knot tie, thank you & it reminded me to pick up some stakes & string leveler for my slope. Your videos are a great guide & I do rereview as a go to source of reference. God Bless

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Awesome, glad to hear it! That slip knot is a game changer. God Bless you too! ✌

[@togodbetheglory9725]

Beautiful job man,,,i have a question,,do you do the concrete around de border before you contact or after,,thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! I usually do the concrete a day or so before we polymeric sand. It helps keep the sand in the joints, you just need to be careful when compacting the pavers around the edge so you don't ruin the concrete edge. ✌

[@togodbetheglory9725]

@TheChristianHardscaper thanks brother

[@deigo2629]

I sure wish you would have shown the cementing the edges step... would have been cool to see the sitting wall install as well

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Sorry I did not include that in this video, but here is a video I made which shows how we concrete the edges 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmUpXajgq-Ep80 And here is a playlist link to all the videos from this project 👉kzbin.info/aero/PLo6xdtKoDxWaYAO7zSwtZ6ESqdMfdAVOP

[@deigo2629]

@@TheChristianHardscaper got it .. found it in the next 30 hrs of videos I watched 😁

[@yukonpeteneff]

Great work. In northern climates, over time and movement due to freeze thaw cycles, will this polymeric sand start to crack and come out? I have seen this type of failure here in Vermont. Is that a result of Mother Nature or an improper polymeric sand installation?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Here in Massachusetts, it is very common for poly sand to fail like that. The reason why in my opinion is due to not have a proper base. I use open grade base which allows for water to freely drain into the sub soil. So the less water there is under the pavers, the longer the poly will last. If the base of the pavers or surface of the pavers are constantly wet, the poly will fail quicker. There are many other reasons for failure also though, like a possible bad batch from the manufacturer ( happens more than you would imagine ), maybe the contractor / homeowner did not properly install the sand (causing it to fail), sometimes the sand is left outside at the supply yard you buy it from for to long, then the polymers have been activated and are now weaker... so many things can happen with poly sand. But if you do all the steps in this video, it will last a long time. ✌

[@yukonpeteneff]

@@TheChristianHardscaper if a customer wants a permeable patio what would you use between the blocks instead of the polymeric sand? Washed/concrete sand? Rock fines without the stone dust?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

They sell clean, crushed stone at 1/4 inch and less which is meant for the joints of permeable applications. But, that will not work with just any paver, permeable pavers are designed to have wider joints to accept the small crushed stones.

[@darryelsanchez1309]

How long after the poly sand is lay down and wet do you have to wait before using the patio?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I usually say give it 48 hours to be safe

[@MrDynamik1]

How did you set the paver pattern down? It looks like you're following a pattern but if you follow it from the driveway back, once the pavers start towards right going to the the fire pit path, you can see a big bunch of just the square pavers with none of the rectangle piece between them. Was this due to a paver shortage or a pattern issue?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I don't follow any patterns, it is laid randomly with a few things to look out for. There is a video of us laying the pavers and you can check it out by clicking this link right here 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIfOhWuKYtykaqc I don't like the look of a patio that has been laid with a pattern, while it looks good in a sense that it's a repeated pattern, That is exactly why I don't like it... lol. Unfortunately most paver manufacturers give way too many squares in with their 3 piece pattern styles which cause you to add as many in as you can in spots that allow you to. But check out that video and you will understand what im saying a little more.... ✌

[@SuperBillybabe]

Awesome work sir! How do you keep your border from blowing out?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, we concrete the outer edge of our patios and walkways ✌🏻

[@SuperBillybabe]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you very much, I can't wait for more videos. 😀

[@040498wb]

hey guys, great job. Just curious, you set the pavers in concrete before compaction, wouldnt this break the new concrete support structure? thanks again, have enjoyed watching

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! We don't set the pavers in concrete, we set the concrete around the outer edge of the pavers. We set the border pavers a touch lower and with more slope that the main pavers to account for the compaction when poly sanding. But even if the compactor breaks the bond of concrete, it will not move the concrete. ✌

[@040498wb]

@@TheChristianHardscaper sweet guys, appreciate the responce and explaination

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

no problem. ✌

[@joefowler9600]

Hi, did you set the edge border slightly lower than the pavers? Or don't the pavers go down when running the compactor over?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We set our border pavers slightly lower and pitch them slightly more than the patio. When we compact the pavers, they settle no more than 1/8 of an inch ✌🏻

[@joefowler9600]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you for explaining this ,👍

[@socalsand86]

I just installed a small 8’x8’ area of pavers that are 2 3/8” thick. They have the separation nubs on the side and the beveled edges on the top, but I barely have like a 1/16” gap where they butt up together. Should I avoid polymeric or should I use it anyways due to the beveled top edges? What’s another option? Thanks.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would definitely still recommend poly sand. It is harder to install with tight joints like that, but still very helpful with locking the pavers together and preventing weeds from growing.

[@socalsand86]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks for the reply. I’ll install the poly if I have get down and dirty with it to get it all in.

[@TheChloe8461]

Just did my first paver project, a small landing with no border. How do you keep the polymeric sand from emptying out of the joints at the edge of your patio before you wet it? I tried blue painters tape, but that wasn’t all that helpful.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We use concrete mix for our edge restraint on the outside of our paver installs. We trowel at an angle to just below the top of the pavers which holds the pavers tight but also holds the polymeric sand in. Here is a link to a video I made about how we do that 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoHMk2yVmrSZl8U

[@TheChloe8461]

Thanks. I had watched that,but I didn’t think you took the concrete up that high.

[@imotomoves]

Is it not necessary to tamp a second time?? Thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nope, just the 1 time is more than enough. ✌

[@joshg9143]

Hi Chris, do you have a specific brand of polymeric sand you'd recommend? I was in pinch to finish project earlier - and ended up buying some gray ez-sand from Home Depot. I should've read the reviews first, because I can tell it doesn't seem to be locking for the most part. I expect to see most of it washed away and lots of haze on the pavers unfortunately. Thanks in advance. Josh

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We typically use poly sand made by “Alliance”. That ez sand you used from Home Depot is a little different than polymeric sand. If I am not mistaken, I think that is installed with water right? If it’s what I’m thinking of, it is a different process than regular polymeric sand

[@joshg9143]

Yeh, the instructions were nearly identical to what you did in video.. it actually didn't turn out terrible surprisingly. Thanks for the response

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@joshg9143 I looked at the sand you are talking about, I was thinking something else. Glad it worked out ✌

[@Packer8503]

How often do you have to resand pavers? I got my pavers installed two years ago and they already look like it needs to be resanded.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Every 2 years is not an uncommon thing... Polymeric sand fails mainly due to it always being wet. If you have a base material that always holds onto water, the polymeric sand will break down quicker. But also, polymeric sand can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even at the same manufacturer... There are batches out there that just don't seem to work as well as others. For an example, I warranty my paver projects for 5 years. But I only warranty the polymeric sand for 2 years. Because even if you do everything perfectly, sometimes you get a bad batch that just will not last as long as others. That being said, If done correctly and if your base is properly done and you have a good batch of polymeric sand... You should be good for 5-10 years. ✌

[@Packer8503]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks for the info.

[@TjaMadison-oh5il]

Ok others put the two sand layer down then soft sprinkled

[@Matt-tn4xl]

Do you think its unnecessary to seal pavers? I just did the polymeric sand a few days ago and unsure if sealing them is going to be worth it. Curious what you think?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

In my opinion, it is not necessary... It is something that could possibly ruin the pavers and it will also need to be done every couple years or it wears off. But if you do decide to seal them, I would wait a month or 2 for the polymeric sand to set properly and the pavers to cure more.

[@Matt-tn4xl]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question. I am absolutely going with your advice and will not seal my pavers. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate the knowledge you have shared. The work you guys do is awesome to see, and always entertaining to watch. But your willingness to respond to so many viewers is unique. Thanks again man, that's pure class!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure man! I love this work and helping others learn / do it themselves has been a big goal behind the channel.

[@brianpoe9860]

How did you cut outside curve of firepit main body inside edge of charcoal soldier course?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I made a video on that as well. Basically everything on this project, I filmed. Here is a link to the video where I cut around the fire pit 👉🏻How to Make Inner Radius Cuts on Concrete Pavers | Stihl TS-420 kzbin.info/www/bejne/opqZlmOEj5hnppI

[@brianpoe9860]

I was referring to the outside edge cut

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Oh ok, that’s this video right her 👉🏻 How To Cut Pavers For a Circular Patio (DIY) kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHLZeWOKrrFsr80

[@miloboo63]

Is there a rule of thumb for how long it takes to install polymeric sand?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

As long as it takes you to do it correctly. Then the more you do it, the less time it takes. But for me and this project, poly sand took about 6 man hours to do it properly.

[@kynguyen2173]

What type of sand he put over?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It is called (Polymeric Sand)

[@eagleeye5890]

What would a project of this scale cost, ballpark figure?...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

prices vary depending on many different circumstances, a project like this could cost anywhere from $20,000 - $30,000 and maybe more depending on material choices. ✌

[@ThatPainterGuyKy]

So is this your company or do you work for a larger company?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

This is one of my older videos where I sub contracted myself out to my cousins company. He paid me to install jobs that he sold. I did that in 2021 but I have been on my own since 2022.

[@ThatPainterGuyKy]

Ohh ok I’ve only been on my own for 7 months now. I’ve done some landscaping/hardscaping here and there. Love the trade and now I’m learning from one of the best. I might try to land some jobs when it warms up.

[@georgea6403]

You don’t need to use a sealer?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nope, sealing it is not necessary.

[@user-eh7sv2ds1q]

How many much would I need for 2000sqft

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Most polymeric sand will cover 80-120 sq ft per bag depending on the joint size.

[@geevenom8098]

What part of Mass you’re from?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I’m from Oxford but this job is in Shrewsbury

[@pjkobes007]

What did this entire project cost?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Not sure as I was a sub contractor who only installed it, but a good estimate would be in the $20,000 range

[@CBofficial_1]

What’s the estimated cost of a project like this? Anybody know?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

$20,000 - $30,000 depending on all the variables.✌

[@CBofficial_1]

@@TheChristianHardscaper wow. Thank you.

[@brandonmoore1930]

Nice work! May start wearing a mask while installing that sand . It’s extremely bad for you to inhale. My friend is dying from silicosis right now and it’s not pretty

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you and you are not wrong. thanks for looking out ✌

[@Harvardfacebook]

Some good tips, but next time, you might want to wear a mask to protect your lungs.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, you are not wrong... Thanks for looking out ✌