If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. The pavers I'm using have a normal. Remove all sand residue with the leaf blower. red92s Discussion starter. You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. BEST BANG. 100 Diy Homemade Vibratory Plate CompactorI build this project Sand Compactor for home use, due to our renovation of our new home. Sweep sand into joints until full, being carefulThe 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. Techniseal recently came out with NOCO which does up to 4" joints and requires NO COmpaction. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity of the project. Once the pavers have been installed, the polymeric sand should be swept between each of your pavers to level with the top of the unit. Don’t install the sand until the pavers are secure. It has exceptional joint stabilizing properties, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as patios, pool decks, pavements, parking lots, and driveways. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . Manage expectations. Rain means that we cannot install. Step 1: protective clothing. Gently tumble bag, then cut the bottom and apply Pavermate Polymeric Sand evenly over the surface. Use the vibrating plate compactor to shake it down. Polymeric sand has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner, more finished look. I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. If you still have the compactor, use it on top of the brick (with the light layer of sand still present). Make sure to let the material dry completely before walking on it or using the area. How to use Polymeric Sand . There are several important reasons. A proper interlocking concrete paving installation starts with a 4" to 6" of COMPACTED base material graded to reflect any desired drainage pattern. Polymeric Sand Installation TIPS. Incorrect application of polymeric sand ruins the pavers. 3. Reply Quote. Now pour the sand. With small gaps simply brushing the polymeric around on the surface doesn't work well. Edging is important, because it keeps the pavers from shifting. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. You would also need crushed limestone (also called crushed gravel), polymeric sand, rope, sand, and safety equipment. The second layer should be applied in the same manner as the first layer. Spread more product to fill joints again. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Can I Use a Hand Tamper for Polymeric Sand? In the use of polymeric sand, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recommends compacting the pavers. 5) 4. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natural stone to lock in the product, prevent weed growth and insects, and to provide the final touches of any hardscaping job. The additives help lock the fine sand particle. Pro Tip: Installing cement sand uses the same method as installing polymeric sand. Polymer Sand should be wetted in three (3) steps. Properly com-pacted joint sand eliminates air pockets and provides optimal stabilization conditions. Using a hose on a gentle spray ('mist', or maybe 'flat' if you're adventurous), wet the sand in the gaps. How deep should polymeric sand be? We recommend the joint width between your pavers be between 1/8th of an inch and 4 inches and the joint depth to be at least 1 inch . Click here to download the 5 key differences between porcelain and concrete paver installation document. of centrifugal force. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a uniform layer is obtained. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. 4. This will cause the sand to consolidate. Polymeric sand does not merge with old sand but given its newness, it might work to fill the gaps - it really depends. Polymeric sand is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment. . Check Price. Sometimes referred to as a compactor, a tamper is a tool with a handle similar to a shovel's and a heavy, square base that is used for packing and leveling materials like dirt, sand, and rock. If you choose to install polymeric sand without a compactor, it is important to ensure that the sand is firmly packed into any cracks or joints in order to prevent the sand from spreading and to ensure that the sand is secure. This will both protect your pavers and prevent erosion. intervals. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. The cost of a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand ranges between $20 and $40. Because the sand is very coarse, you must use it regularly. Easy Install Procedure. This helps the sand settle into the gaps and ensures a better bond; Once the pavers are compacted, lightly mist the polymeric sand with water. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation. (bag. Regular sand can wash away after a heavy rainstorm. Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installationR. Sweep sand into joints until full, being careful not to push product over long distances on the surface. 10. However, you should make sure that the foundation is correctly laid and level, then use sand and gravel or grout to. Additionally, if you are filling a joint that is intended to be used as a pathway, you should avoid polymeric sand. Start by testing the pressure washer in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the pavers. polysand) Ideal for filling gaps between pavers, stones or bricks in patios, walkways, driveways or any hardscaping project. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Ideally, lay them in a Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is PERMANENT. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. . When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent. Paver sand is typically composed of coarse bleached white sand, which is washed and screened to remove impurities. Hand tampers are usually used to compact the soil in the garden or other outside areas before installing pavers for walks or patios, garden fountains, fire pits, garden tool. Now, on permeable paver installation, things works quite different. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. Credit: Charles F. Ad. Additionally, polymeric sand helps to keep pavers from becoming loose or wobbling in areas susceptible to erosion or weathering. Updated on March 1, 2023. 2. I'm hoping a shop vac can remove the dry polymeric sand. 7% 0lvwdnhvwr$yrlgwr(qvxuhd 6xffhvvixo3rophulf6dqg,qvwdoodwlrq $vhulhvriwhfkqlfdoexoohwlqviurp6(. -6xuherqg« ³$fklhylqj,qvwdoodwlrq3huihfwlrq´Why Use Polymeric Sand as a Paver Base. This special combination offers several advantages over ordinary sand, providing enhanced performance and longevity for your paver installation. After the compactor has frozen, you will need to take. You can use a stiff brush to scrub the solution into the surface of the pavers and loosen any remaining haze. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Step-by-Step Instructions. Sweep sand into joints until full. Do not use a plate compactor on the pavers. installation. base installation. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. Another mistake people make is they don’t use a plate compactor. Ideal for flagstones and natural stones. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Over-Watering And Under-WateringTo use vinegar to remove polymeric sand haze, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Cleaners – Any cleaner specifically designed for pavers may be used for color restoration or general cleaning. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. This paper provides a review of the research on use of polymers for soil stabilization in pavement and geotechnical engineering. However, the drying time can be longer depending on how much it has rained in the area and how long the sand has been exposed to damp weather. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Then, use a broom to brush the sand into the joints between the pavers or stones. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Over-Watering And Under-Watering. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Start by laying perforated plastic drainage tubing along the base of the wall slightly above ground level so it can drain to daylight. Can I Use a Hand Tamper for Polymeric Sand? In the use of polymeric sand, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recommends compacting the pavers. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. STEP 6 INSTALL BROCK PAVERBASE PANELS Starting against a straight edge of the patio, lay the Brock panels, ensuring that the side flanges overlap. Repeat this dampening 3 times, in 15-20. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. Project no. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. )The most effective way to compact ground without a compactor is to use your feet by walking over the area. See instructions below when using PolySweep on a concrete overlay. 6. The sand will help hold the pavers in place. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. Paver Compaction - Always use a protective polymer pad on the bottom of your compactor when doing the final compaction of the pavers. How long does it take for polymeric sand to harden? 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. Step 2: prepare the substrate. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". Some people place a mat of sorts between the compactor and pavers, presumably to prevent scratching. For example, if your patio is 20 feet by 10 feet and you are installing 6 inches of granular material as a base, then you must excavate an area 11 feet (10’ + 6” + 6”) by 21 feet (20’ + 6” + 6”). The video I'm watching suggested to use polymeric sand between the bricks. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. This step is critical to obtain solid, durable joints. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. . Once that level is compacted, add more material and repeat the process. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Cutting Corners. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. I tried to look. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking finish on your pavers! (Product. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. -deep layer of compacted gravel. Step 2 Vibrate the SUPERSAND G2into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. Carefully pour the sand between the grout line of the pavers until they are filled. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. If you're in a freeze/thaw cycle climate that can also cause that. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. All sand. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. In this blog post, we will explore the functionality and benefits of the Polymeric Sand. The next step is to put the compactor into the freezer for a few minutes. Gently tumble bag, then cut the bottom and apply Pavermate Polymeric Sand evenly over the surface. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor. Ideal for flagstones, pool decks, patios and walkways • The first polymeric jointing product made specifically for surfaces that are not suited for mechanical compaction. This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. Polymeric sand also helps to protect and maintain the stability of the pavers. 5” min depth when using PolySweep, 1. Sealing. Now pour the sand. This is a DIY patio paver restoration pr. Rent one at a tool rental outlet. Po. After water activation,. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer. One simple method for compacting sand without a compactor is walking over moist soil. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is just to get vibration to help it settle. Check Price on Amazon. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. The sand gets swept around the pavers and a rubber mallet is used rather than a plate compactor with a pad or a roller compactor to consolidate the sand to the bottom of the joint. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. Drive a rebar into the sub-base with a mark after every inch. If you put a thin layer over regular sand, it will peel off. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in. Before laying bedding sand or pavers, your gravel base needs to be flat and firm, without any bellies or rises of more than 1/8″. The first step is to cut the sand into small pieces using a sharp knife. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. This helps set the sand and makes it easier to work with. Your polymeric sand should have a minimum of 1″ in depth in the joint to be able to create a strong bond. It's normal for it to loosen a bit the first season or two as things finish settling. Put down 3/4" of sand. Next come the pavers themselves, followed by polymeric sand applied in the joints (empty spaces between the pavers). It’s ok to surpass it a little. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. I am setting the pavers over uncompacted sand about 1/2 inch above the sidewalk and will use a plate compactor to settle them (i hope) down to the. The advantage of using this type of sand is that it can be used without a compactor. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. CheckEspecially grade level cement. You use the compactor to compact the pavers. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. But there’s an easier way. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. walk on the freshly pavers and twist your feet as you walk, you should notice a slight movement in the pavers as they are flowing on top of the sand. The polymeric sand acts as a bonding agent that holds the pavers together once it is sprayed with water. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. Use concrete sand and only 3/4" under the pavers. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. You always want to work in small sections. Plate compactors work best on granular soils such as gravel, sand or light asphalt. Please refer to this product's technical data sheet for complete. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Spraying water on the sand will activate the polymers, causing it to harden, so. Never use a vibrating plate compactor on the paved surface. 1. Step 2: prepare the substrate. 1. If using paver sand, maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 inches between the stones. 3. Planning on a 4" base of compacted crusher run, and a 1" bedding layer of granite sand (pretty typical walkway installation). Immediately afterward, wet the same section for an additional 30 seconds until the joints are saturated. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. Typically our guys only do this for vehicular applications, not pedestrian. If you don't own a compactor, you may be able to rent one at a local home improvement store. . You will not use a hand tamper at this part. ft per 50 lb bag. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. . 0. If the thin pavers are slightly higher than the border pavers, the plate compactor can settle them into the sand for an even height across the entire patio, according to McShane's Nursery & Landscape Supply. A lift and re-lay will make the project look better. How deep should polymeric sand be?Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the same amount of gravel. Compress the border’s encircling thirty to forty cm to provide an edge. If polymeric sand is installed prior to sealing, be sure surface is dry for 24 hours before applying sealer. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. PACKAGING Polymeric Sand Product Code Color Retail Size Units per pallet RG+ 291-637 Tan 50 lb. Designed to work with the WEN Plate Compactor, this pad can be easily installed and lasts job after job without needing a new replacement. Use a broom to fill gaps. In laying the bedding sand you should always remember to pour in an even 1/2" thick across the area and not to go over 1". This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. Vibrate the GATOR MAXX G2 into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. 3A. Ad. per foot. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . . By doing so make sure that you are excavating the right depth of the substrate. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Again, you can’t compact the sand base. This will help the polymeric sand stick to the pavers and prevent shifting and erosion. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. It can also be a long-term solution for repairing cracks on these surfaces. It may not even be the most popular option. Step 1: protective clothing. Do your best to saturate to the level of the sand. It is recommended to use a vibratory plate compactor to help settle the sand. How Polymeric Sand Works. To ensure accurate planning and efficient material estimation, the Polymeric Sand Calculator proves to be an invaluable tool. and on the width of joints. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking finish on your pavers! (Product used spe. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. To make the sand uniform, lay pieces of 1/2-inch outside-diameter PVC pipe on the ground and pour a layer of sand over the area. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. (1. To avoid damaging pavers, make sure to utilize a wet joint sand installation method. The first time you should just sprinkle regular water on the sand, and the second time you should lightly mist or sprinkle only enough water to make the. 0. If you are a homeowner that wants to take on a paver project, check out this video to learn how to install polymeric sand in the joints of the concrete paver. for pricing and availability. Pour the sand all around the pipes and screed it around, carefully removing the pipes afterwards. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. It has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner,BUY ON AMAZON | $59. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. ) Perform an initial showering of water. Do you have any other ideas or suggestions remove the sand? Perhaps sand paper along the top to. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. Application. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Once you’ve done that, you can form the base layer and flatten the area. ) Compact. Do this at a time when it won;t rain for at least 2 or 3 days Buy an appropriate amount of Polymeric Sand (get a bit more than you think you need) and rent a plate compactor from HD. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. Sealing is not required. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. This is completed by using an appropriate vibratory plate compactor with a protective layer between the compactor and the pavers. We trust you have taken in a great deal concerning this article on the best way to compact pavers without a plate compactor, compacting soil, laying polymeric sand, putting pavers on the patio, and other relevant subtopics discussed in the content of the article. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. Use a backpack blower to remove all dust. For Concrete Pavers: Run vibratory compactor over Rthe pavement to allow the vibrations to shift sand particles into the joints and. Application Step 3. Pour a 4 to 6 inch layer of gravel into the patio trench and compact it using the ground compactor, also called a plate compactor. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. These rammers, forward plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, and slab roller compactors speed up soil and paver work for hardscaping projects. A worse way to go about it would be to lay the flagstone upon a bed of gravel and then cement the joints between stones. In some cases, you can add dirt surrounding the patio, but you’ll need to plan that out before you get started. Thick and durable design prevents pavers from breaking or marring. A leader of innovation in the hardscape industry for more than 35 years, Techniseal introduced the very first polymeric sand for paver joints on the market in 1999. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient solution for issues associated with patios. Additionally, applying polymeric sand to a damp surface can lock in moisture and cause staining. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. 2. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers. . 1How to portable sand without a compactor . I tested 2 bricks but don't like the look of it. Perfect for joints from ¼ to 4 inches wide, NOCO is the ideal jointing solution for pool decks, patios, and walkways. 8 m2) if the joints are about 1″ to 2″ (2. Sunniland. Walking over Moist Soil for Soil Compaction. It also requires at least 48 hours before vehicular activities are allowed on pavers with polymeric sand. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Step 1: protective clothing. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Before laying bedding sand or pavers, your gravel base needs to be flat and firm, without any bellies or rises of more than 1/8″. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. Is it just a polymeric sand that is hyped up and put in a bag?. Anchor the Edging. ) Pour the sand. This will prepare you for the next step. The second layer should be applied in the same manner as the first layer. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. With the wheelbarrow and shovel, transfer the base material to the patio area. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. This allows for it to prevent washout, but inevitably it will washout over time and will be subject to weed growth more so than polymeric sand. Remember, you shouldn’t over-pour the sand initially. But this isn’t an issue with polymeric sand, which reduces the amount of water that will work its way into the space between your pavers. Others just run the compactor directly over top with a layer of paver sand between. Use a quality plate compactor (I recommend WEN 56035T) to run over the surface and let it help put the sand down. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Sand the surface. Today, I wanted to check back to give you a review of how things are holding up one year later. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. When used correctly, paver sand will help to extend the lifespan of your pavers and prevent cracking or sinking. Tomahawk Power 6. Plan A – Shop Vac I started with a shop vac to suck up all of the sand. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. . Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Out of these three main ingredients, the first two make up approximately 85-95% of the product by volume. For more tips on laying pavers, check out our guide — How to Design and Build a Paver Patio. Polymeric sand is a blend of properly graded fine sand and a binder compound (polymer) that is specially formulated for filling in the joints between bricks, pavers and natural stones for hardscapes such as patios, driveways and walkways. My intention was to sweep the sand over the patio and run the plate compactor over top of the stones. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. com. We then. Compact the pavers using a plate compactor and a protective pad or a paver roller compactor. A compactor is a machine that is used to reduce the size of objects by compressing them. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. It also helps to ensure that pavers are firmly set and secure on the surface. 2. It’s that simple. • In case of uncertainty regarding the installation of this product or for any further assistance, please contact technical support at 1 (800) 465-7325. Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. Polymeric sand is essentially a sand that when combined with water and something such as silica forms a tight bond. Ottawa. Once this has been done, the sealer can be applied in 2 thin coats with a soft brush. Be careful while driving the spikes with a hammer, as they can sometimes snap. It is used heavily in construction projects, hence its name. 4. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. Don’t install the sand until the pavers are secure. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is just to get vibration to help it settle. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Lay Base Material. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. You should stop every 4 feet and pull a string line along the laying face, with a screwdriver, adjust that face to the string line. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right.