Polymeric Sand vs. Silica Sand: Which one is Which and the Differences

If your paving project consists of the installation of a patio or even a driveway, you may encounter two common sands: silica sand and polymeric sand. They are both essential in hardscape construction but each serve slightly different functions. The surface you choose can determine whether it lasts, or shifts, or erodes or weeds out quickly.

Now, let us explore each of the types of sand, the differences between them, and how to choose the right one for your project.

What Is Silica Sand?

Silica sand is a natural raw material composed of small grains of quartz. It is recognized for its hardness, strength, and uniform size. These attributes make silica sand a popular choice for construction, glass making, water filtering and landscaping.

Silica sand is a popular choice as joint filler for pavers. It fills in the spaces between pavers and will help hold your paver pattern in place, preventing movement.

Key Properties of Silica Sand

• Hard, durable grains
• Consistent particle size
• Natural and widely available
• Good base or filler

Due to the uniform, angular nature of the grains, silica sand interlocks closely enough to give the pavers a structure, but it does not chemically bind as polymeric sand does.

What Is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric sand is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” product. It is a mixture of tiny grains of sand and an additive that serves as a binder. Dry polymeric sand is placed in paver joints and then watered, which activates the binder, causing it to harden and solidify into a semi-rigid joint.

It creates a solid joint which helps in prevention of weed, insect, and washout caused because of rain or irrigation. Polymeric sand hardens between pavers once cured.

Key Properties of Polymeric Sand

• Sand mixed with binding agents
• Activates with water to harden
• Resists erosion, weeds, and pests
• Creates a firm joint

A Comparison Between Silica Sand and Polymeric Sand

So, what do we know about these two sands compared to one another across a few key parameters?

Ease of Installation

Silica Sand:

Simple to umbrella, sweep into joints and get dense. There are no special steps other than ensuring the joint surfaces are clean and dry.

Polymeric Sand:

Installation requires more care. There cannot be any particles on the surface and the water has to be applied at the correct level. More than necessary will have loss of binder, while less than necessary will not hydrate the binder.

Performance and Durability

Silica Sand:

It gives pavers some support, but it can wash out in time (especially in wet climates). Weeds are also able to creep through the joints and so with the ants.

Polymeric Sand:

It sets into a solid bond that protects against the eroding forces of the wind, little weeds and even the small insect pests. It resists rain and irrigation damage better.

Polymeric sand is thus, stronger & long term tougher.

Weed and Pest Control

Silica Sand:

Doesn’t prevent weeds or insects. Unless you treat those joints regularly, you will probably experience growth.

Polymeric Sand:

Since the joint is consolidated into one solid surface, it does not allow for weed growth and keep the ants and other insects from tunneling their way to the area in-between the pavers.

Maintenance Needs

Silica Sand:

Requires more frequent reapplication, especially with weather or heavy use, as it can wash away. Maintenance, in addition to cleaning and weed control.

Polymeric Sand:

Lower maintenance once installed properly. Usually it withstands rain, wind and foot traffic with ease.

Cost Considerations

Silica Sand:

Less expensive upfront. Since this is just sand without any additives, your initial purchase will not cost that much money.

Polymeric Sand:

Costlier due to binders and cautious installation. However, that cost can be tamed in the long run, through the latter’s resilience.

When to Choose Each Sand

So, what is the important thing to determine here? Here is a quick guide:

Choose Silica Sand If:

• You’re on a tight budget
• Does your area have relatively less heavy rain or irrigation?
• You don’t mind occasional maintenance
• These are low-traffic areas where you love to fill the joints.

Choose Polymeric Sand If:

• A firm bed that lasts, which people seem to love
• You wish to reduce weeds and pests
• This is the case if your pavers are in a high-traffic area or a wet (not fully able to drain) area.
• Less upfront maintenance is what you want
• Patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks are all common areas where neat joints and durability play the most critical role, making polymeric sand ideal.

Examining Premium Silica Sand

If you are edging towards using silica sand in your next project, you should also opt for a reliable supplier. High-grade silica sand has process-oriented consistency (particle size and purity), meaning that it is easier to work with and becomes a more stable joint filler.

Visit Shree Ram Kaolin for high-quality varieties of silica sand. You can use their premium silica sand for construction, landscaping, filtration, and many more applications. Their products are consistent in quality and performance, ensuring an excellent foundation and reliable output for your project.Final Thoughts

Silica sand and polymeric sand are both effective in hardscape projects. Silica sand is cheap, unpretentious, and easy to install, and polymeric sand forms hard joints resistant to weed, erosion, and rodents. This all depends on how much you want to spend, what your project entails and how much maintenance you are willing to perform.

Polymeric sand is generally worth the additional investment and effort if you’d rather have durability without the constant maintenance. As an inexpensive alternative, silica sand serves its purpose, if you are willing to periodically replenish it with sand or treat joints over the years.

If you use the proper materials and install it correctly your outdoor surface landscaping will look great and last for many years to come.