Paver sand calculator for Utah

On a 300-square-foot patio, the bedding calls for about 1.25 tons, while the joints need only 4-8 bags. They are both sand, but the quantities differ by about twenty-fold. Use the calculator below to size a 1 inch coarse-sand bedding layer, calculated at 1.35 tons per cubic yard. The chart below that estimates joint fill, including coverage for each 50 lb bag of polymeric sand.

Two separate calculations

1. For bedding, take the paved area and include the base's 6-inch overhang, then calculate it at exactly 1 inch deep. A thicker bed can lead to unstable pavers later.
2. For the joints, calculate bags instead of tonnage. With typical 1/8 to 1/4 inch gaps, allow one 50 lb bag for 40-75 square feet.

Bagged joint sand

Because joint width and paver depth affect coverage, use the label chart and allow extra. Keep some joint sand for the quarter inch of settling that can follow the first wash-in.

Bedding guidance for the job

• One inch of sand is screeded on pipes or rails, with the channels filled as pavers are placed.
• Use only angular, coarse mason or concrete-grade sand. Rounded play sand can move when loaded, in the joints as well as beneath the pavers.
• Set pavers on uncompacted bedding sand, then compact the completed paver surface so it settles into place.
• Work from the pavers already placed instead of stepping on the screeded bed.
• Screenings make a firmer bed, though they give less forgiveness when leveling than sand. Stay with one material throughout the surface.

Plain sand or polymeric sand for joints

Once activated with water, polymeric sand sets up in the joints to limit weeds, ants and rain. It costs several times more per bag, requires completely dry installation, and an untimely sprinkle can spoil the full application. Fine mason sand is inexpensive, easy to sweep into place, and normally needs more added after a season or two. Polymeric suits sloped areas, driveways and pavers with heavy use. For a level garden walk, mason sand is suitable. In all cases, place plain coarse sand below the pavers because polymeric sand belongs only in the joints.

The joint re-sanding interval

Joint material gradually disappears through rain, ants, and leaf blowers. Plain mason sand should be swept in again every year or two, while polymeric may last 5-10 years before the joint edges open. Start on a dry day, compact the surface, and then mist it. Keep the leaf blower on a low setting around filled joints.

Example: a 20 x 15 patio

For bedding, include the overhang and figure about 320 square feet. At 1 inch, this comes to 27 cubic feet, or 1 cubic yard and 1.35 tons. Purchase 1.5 tons of mason sand. For joints, 300 square feet of standard gaps needs 4-8 bags of polymeric sand or 2-3 bags of mason sand. Beneath these layers, plan for a 4-plus ton crusher run base using the Paver Base Calculator. Keep the on-site sand pile under a tarp. Sand that is damp-to-dry levels cleanly, while soaked sand does not.

Choosing bedding and joint sand

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