When selecting the type of sand to use for your bedding layer, you should look for a material that is somewhat sharp, course, granular and features grains of sand in similar sizes. This is because, as you work to compact the bedding sand, you want the edges to grind together and lock it into place.
When this happens, you end up with a smooth surface upon which to lay down your pavers. The interlocking sand will tend not to shift or erode when it’s so tightly bound together. Washed paver bedding sand, also known technically as ASTM C-33 Sand, is quite course in nature and will meet these objectives it offers interlocking properties. The function of bedding sand for pavers is twofold. First, the sand will work its way into the voids between the crushed stone base and help to hold the gravel in place. Secondly, it creates a soft bed for the pavers that will prevent the units from shifting and sliding. To ensure that these functions are met, you’ll need to take care to apply the sand evenly and smoothly. Be sure to compact it down so that it is as consistent and durable as possible.
1. Paver bedding sand is spread over 4 to 6 inches of graded, leveled and compacted permeable Class II Road Base. 2. A 1 inch layer of paver bedding sand is applied with water as needed and leveled. 3. Pavers are laid on top of the leveled sand. Polymeric sand is then swept into the joints between the pavers, and a compactor should be used to ensure the sand is evenly distributed into the joints.
