Polymeric Sand vs. Easy Joint: Which is Better? Two of the most commonly used joining compounds for pavers include polymeric sand and Easy Joint, These two are fairly similar but there are some functional differences you should be aware of.

What is Easy Joint?

Easy Joint is a special type of jointing compound designed to seal the joints in between pavers and other such stones. It is often used for sealing the joints ion between pavers on driveways, walkways, and patios.

Easy Joint is comprised of a special type of very fine sand that is then coated with a chemical formula. The Chemical Formula will begin curing when water is added to the mixture, however it is the oxygen in the air that actually causes it to cure.

since Easy joint is cured by oxygen that means it can be applied in both the sun and the rain, as well as down to -3°C. Easy Joint is also water permeable, which means that water will flow through it and escape from pooling up on the surface of your pavers.

What is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric Sand is  a type of man-made sand. It consists of regular fine sand particles, combined with silica and quartz, as well as other organic or synthetic binders.

When mixed with water, the curing process begins which will cause it to harden.

The main purpose of polymeric sand is also for sealing the joints between pavers and stones. This substance has to be applied when there is sunny weather in the outlook, as it cannot gets wet while drying.

Similarities Between the two

Now that we have a basic understanding of both of these materials. Lets see what makes these products similar.

1. Sand Is the Base Ingredient

The basic similarity here is that they both use sand as the main ingredient. They don't use the same type of sand, and there are other additional ingredients the differ as well.

2. Same Application

Both of these products are used to seal the joints between pavers or stones on driveways, walkways, patios, gardens, and other areas that use pavers or stones.

3. Colors

Both of these products come in a variety of colors including white, beige, grey, black, and possible a few others.

Differences Between the Two

Now that we know what makes these two products similar, lets see what makes them different.

1. Application Conditions

Polymeric Sand require completely dry weather conditions for a minimum of 24 hours. Easy Joint it doesn't really matter if it's raining. Easy joint will take longer to sure in the rain but you can still apply it without any issues.

2. Application Method

When Applying Easy Joint, You Simultaneously wet it with a hose and sweep it into the joints. so you either need two people to complete this or you purchase a specialized broom that connects to a hose to sweep the product into the cracks. Easy Joint also doesn't need to be compacted down afterward.

When applying Polymeric Sand you first sweep the dry sand into the joints which can sometimes cause hazing or Efflorescence on your stones(efflorescence occurs when water soluble salts migrate to the surface of the paver with the help of water), then you Compact the sand down, then wet it with a hose.

There isn't really that much of a difference between the two however Easy joint can take about two times longer to apply that Polymeric Sand.

3. Curing Process

Polymeric Sand Cures via Drying.

Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen.

4. Water Permeability

One of the main features of Easy Joint is that it is permeable, meaning that water will flow through it freely. Water cannot flow through Hardened Polymeric Sand.

5. Durability

Easy Joint does tend to be more durable, being capable of last for multiple years when compared to Polymeric sand.

6. Cost

Easy Joint does cost up to two times more when compared to Polymeric Sand. however when you factor in that You will need to either replace or touch up the Polymeric sand over the years the costs between the two even out a bit.

Polymeric Sand vs. Easy Joint: Which is Better?

Polymeric Sand is Cheaper and faster to apply, so if your looking for a quick solution and don't care how long it will last the this is your best bet.

If you want something to extremely long-lasting, and don't mind investing some extra money. then Easy Joint is your better choice with is extreme durability and water permeable joints.

Looking for Easy Joint you can find it here.

Or looking for Polymeric Sand, Here

So You've Decided to go with Easy Joint?

You've decide to invest some extra money in making your patio, walkway, etc. last longer and look beautiful for the year to come. Easy joint recommends using their Wet Application Method which we will outline here,

1.

Items required
-Appropriate quantity of EASYJoint
-Hose with spray attachment
-Medium bristle broom
-Squeegee (optional)
-Jointing Iron (optional)

2.

Wet the paving for a minimum of 10 minutes. Do not shortcut this process or worry if water settles in the joints - it will be displaced when the EASYJoint is swept in. The wetter the surface the better the end result - particularly with absorbent paving materials such as many varieties of natural stone.

3.

Open one bag and pour the contents onto the paving. If using the product for the first time, start with small quantities of EASYJoint, sufficient to work in a few minutes. NOTE. Do not pile up or leave EASYJoint standing in one spot, nor allow the paving to dry out with the compound on its surface

4.

Spread the EASYJoint across the surface with a squeegee or broom, allowing it to fall into the joints. TIP. Keep your eye on the area where you are not working and ensure they remain very wet at all times. This is particularly important in warm or hot weather conditions

5.

Once you have opened and spread one or two tubs, using a hose on a “fan” or “spray” setting, flush the compound into the joints to ensure it fully settles to the bottom. Again, do not worry about the amount of water being used. You can do this as often as you like—after each tub is fine. Remember - the wetter the better!

6.

Top up any sagging joints with more EASY Joint. Don’t be concerned about the mess for you are about to wash it in again with more water, repeating the process in Step 4. Continue to “top up” and “wash in” until you are satisfied. NOTE. Keep all of the paving soaking wet all of the time.

7.

Once all the joints are uniformly filled to within 1 or 2 millimetres of the surface of the paving, go over the entire area you have worked and apply a final gentle spray of water to wash away any final traces of compound from the surface. This also assists to obtain a relatively smooth finish to the joint, although it will have a slightly course texture Should any fine traces of sand remain do not sweep them away yet. Wait until the joints of set hard, (see Step 8).

8.

Optional. For a finer texture to the joint, "point" (otherwise know as “strike”) the compound with a suitable jointing iron or similar tool. This exercise should be carried out when the water has drained away and the paving surface has started to dry out. Ensure that the joint is not too soft and soggy — in this way the final “shape” of the joint will remain intact as it dries hard.

Finally, once the joint has set hard, a final sweep across the paving with a stiff broom, working diagonally to the joints, will remove any last traces of EASYJoint from the paving, including any that is left proud around the joint from the pointing exercise.

9.

What if it rains?
If it rains during the laying process, don’t worry. As can be gathered water does not damage the
product. If it rains after laying it has two effects:-

It will delay the setting process—as long as the product is wet it will not set (see Setting
Times)

Very heavy rain may spoil any finish you have applied to the joint, so it may be necessary to go back and re-point the joint. However, if you have finished the joint to a level just below the paving surface recommended, the rain should not wash away any of the compound