What makes pavers stay in place?

Author: Dr. Margie McGlynn IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Filling in cracks between stone pavers with gravel or sand is a key part of keeping the whole system stable. You don't want any space for the pavers to wander, so raking in some gravel and tamping it into cracks will help keep the base solid.

How do you stop pavers from shifting?

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prevent Pavers from Shifting
  1. Regular Inspection of the Pavers. ...
  2. Remove the Damaged Pavers. ...
  3. Fix a New Base. ...
  4. Check for the Quality of the Edging.

What holds patio pavers in place?

Generally, pavers are laid on a layer or setting bed of masonry sand on top of a base material like compacted limestone or even concrete to prevent them from settling. Another answer suggests polymeric sand, but jobs I have done won't permit its use since it will impede water flow through the joints.

How do you support pavers so that they stay in place and maintain a constant level?

Install edging materials: Edging materials like concrete, plastic, or metal can help hold the pavers in place and prevent them from shifting. This will also help prevent soil erosion by creating a barrier around the installation.

How to make pavers stay in place?

5 Ways to Retain a Paver Edge in Landscaping
  1. Option 1: Plastic Edge Restraint. Plastic edging is one of the more commonly utilized edge restraint systems for landscaping pavers design. ...
  2. Option 2: Trowel-Finished Concrete. ...
  3. Option 3: Modified Concrete. ...
  4. Option 4: Concrete Bond Beam. ...
  5. Option 5: Concrete Curb.

How To Prepare And Lay A Base For Pavers - DIY At Bunnings

Does polymeric sand hold pavers in place?

Trusted by landscaping professionals and contractors, polymeric sand plays a crucial role in securing patio pavers in place and deterring the growth of weeds between pavers.

Is joint stabilizing sealer better than polymeric sand?

Stabilizing sealer is a special protective spray that contains the same stabilizing features as polymeric sand, but in a liquid form. When stabilizing paver sealer comes in contact with sand, it hardens and strengthens the pavers joint, just like polymeric sand.

How do you stabilize patio pavers?

Create a strong paver foundation or base by using a porous material first before you lay down your pavers. When you have a porous material, water will drain more easily from the pavers, and the pavers will remain stable. If you don't have a porous material, your pavers will take on water and eventually crack or shift.

Should I use cement between pavers?

Cement creates a solid, immovable bond between pavers, ensuring they remain firmly in place. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas like driveways or commercial walkways, where movement and shifting can cause misalignment over time.

Is it normal for pavers to shift?

Pavers that shift out of place can be caused be a number of things. One very common cause is a base that is not deep enough. A contractor can save a lot on materials by skimping the base, but it will compromise the structure of the pavement. Too much sand in the base can also cause pavers to shift or heave.

Can I put gravel between pavers?

Now you get to see the whole space come together, I used pea gravel between my pavers. It took about 12 bags for this area. once you empty the bags, make sure you rinse them off with a hose because they are really dirty fresh out of the bag. I packed them in pretty tight between my pavers to help keep them in place.

What do you put under pavers so they don't move?

What Kind of Sand Goes Under Pavers? Polymeric sand may be used to fill the joints and reduce movement. Repair is usually easier and more economical than a mortar system. Like other methods, uniform support of the paver is critical.

How to stop pavers from shifting?

3 Answers
  1. Lay a subbase made from a mix of aggregate sizes several inches thick. ...
  2. Compact using a plate compacter (tamping down with a large piece of timber or a cinder block would be ok for small areas).
  3. Excavate around the edges and bed the edge pavers in concrete.

What holds block paving in place?

To hold the unbound block paving place and fully secure the edge restrains, they should be backfilled with concrete (also known as haunching). The backfilled concrete will ensure the edge restraints are not going to move and provide the driveway lateral stability.

How to fix pavers that have shifted?

  1. Step 1: Fix the Underlying Problem. There is almost always an underlying cause for shifting pavers. ...
  2. Step 2: Pry Out the Pavers. Using your assorted levers, start prying out the pavers. ...
  3. Step 3: Clean and Repair the Base Layer. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Crushed Stone Dust. ...
  5. Step 5: Replace the Pavers. ...
  6. Step 6: Sweep in Polymeric Sand.

What can I use to hold pavers in place?

The two most popular materials for securing a concrete paver installation are a pre-formed edging, such as Snap-Edge, and concrete.

Why are my pavers moving?

Yes, pavers can shift and move over time due to various factors such as ground movement, poor installation, and dramatic temperature changes. In most cases, improper edging tends to be the leading cause of pavers shifting.

How to secure pavers?

Place edging stones along all the exposed patio edges and secure them with concrete or mortar. Another option is to add paver edging. This is a hard plastic edging that is the same height as your pavers. Stake paver edging in the ground to secure.

Is there a downside to sealing pavers?

As such, sealing your pavers can lead to increased maintenance requirements over time, in terms of both effort and cost.

When should you not use polymeric sand?

#1 - Damp Pavers or Joints

You must ensure that the pavers and joints are completely dry before installing polymeric sand. If there is any moisture present, it will cause the polymers to prematurely activate, leaving a haze on the surface or the sand won't set up properly.

What is a cheaper alternative to polymeric sand?

Concrete dust is a byproduct of concrete mixing. It is a fine powder that is produced during the mixing process, which can be used as an alternative to polymeric sand. While it's cheaper than polymeric sand, it isn't as durable and tends to clump if not mixed well when added to the masonry mix.

Can I put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?

Prior to the installation of new polymeric sand, you will need to remove any old joint sand or polymeric sand from the joints with a pressure washer. If remov- ing polymeric sand, a hot water pressure washer will help to soften up the binders in the sand.

Can you pressure wash pavers with polymeric sand?

To pressure wash with polymeric sand can help restore the original beauty of your pavers and make them look like new again.

How long do you let polymeric sand sit?

Protect from rain for at least 12 hours. No sealer is required. Sand remaining on paver faces can create a slight haze after wetting. A minimum of 24 hours drying time is required prior to allowing significant foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic on the paver surface.

Previous article
What is the best homemade dust mite spray?
Next article
What is the best pipe to use for underground water line?