Summer is prime time for DIY home improvement, and nothing transforms an outdoor space quite like a custom paver patio, walkway or fire pit area. As you map out your design and haul home those heavy pavers, there’s one less visible but incredibly important detail you shouldn’t overlook: the type of sand you choose to go into the joints between the stones.
If you want to avoid weed-choked joints, ant infestations and sand that washes away with every rainstorm, there’s a smarter alternative to basic patio paver sand: ACCEL® Dust-Preventing Polymeric Sand, available at Lowe’s® retail stores. This engineered product isn’t an everyday filler; it’s a key component in building a paver project that lasts.
What Is Polymeric Paver Sand?
Traditional paver joint sand may hold your patio together temporarily, but it’s not designed for long-term durability. Polymeric sand is a specially engineered blend of fine sand and polymers that, when activated with water, forms a durable, flexible bond. It locks your pavers in place while repelling weeds, bugs and erosion.
ACCEL takes paver polymeric sand to the next level, adding dust-suppression technology that significantly reduces airborne particles and post-installation haze. That means less mess, cleaner joints and a patio you can enjoy when you’re done.
Why DIYers and Pros Swear by ACCEL
Whether it’s your first backyard patio or your tenth landscaping project, using the right joint sand can make or break your results. Here’s how ACCEL helps you build smarter, faster and with less frustration:
1. Virtually Dust-Free Installation
ACCEL’s proprietary polymer paver sand formula produces up to 90% less dust than traditional paver locking sand. You can pour it directly from the bag without coating your landscaping—or yourself—in a cloud of grit. No haze means no rinsing, scrubbing or second-guessing.2. A Strong Bond That Flexes With the Seasons
Thanks to its water-activated polymer blend, ACCEL cures to form a tight, flexible joint that resists cracking, shifting and washout. It handles freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain and foot traffic with ease—all while deterring weed growth and insects.
3. DIY-Friendly Application
Never installed pavers before? No problem. ACCEL is as DIY-friendly as it gets. Just sweep it into the joints, compact the surface, remove any extra sand and residue, and activate it with a light mist of water. For a haze-free finish, make sure the surface is clean before wetting. You can watch the step-by-step installation video on our website for guidance.
4. One-and-Done Performance
Unlike regular sand, which often washes out and requires frequent replenishment, ACCEL is the best sand for paver joints in terms of long-term performance. That means fewer repairs and maintenance chores—so your weekends stay focused on relaxation, not rework.
5. Easy to Find, Easy to Match
Each 40-pound bag of ACCEL covers approximately 40 square feet of surface with paver joints from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in width. It’s available in two classic shades, Saddle Tan and Shadow Grey, allowing you to match your joint color to your pavers or surrounding materials for a polished finish. Because it’s sold at Lowe’s stores, it’s always within reach when inspiration strikes.
Polymeric Paver Sand vs All-Purpose Sand
It might be tempting to save a few bucks with less expensive basic sand. However, that shortcut can increase your costs in the long run. Here’s why:
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No bonding agents = accelerated sand washout
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Loose fill = weeds, ants, erosion
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Lack of durability = ongoing maintenance headaches
Think of polymeric sand as the grout for your patio—essential for structure, stability and long-term good looks. When it comes to polymeric sands, ACCEL stands out for ease of use and performance you can count on.
Planning Your Paver Installation: Tips for Success
If you’re in the early stages of patio planning, here are a few quick tips to help ensure your finished project is solid from the ground up:
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Start with a proper base: Use compacted crushed stone topped with a thin layer of bedding sand. ACCEL performs best on a stable, well-drained base.
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Mind your slope: Pavers should slope 1/8" per foot away from buildings for proper drainage.
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Dry pavers only: Because moisture can prematurely activate the sand, surfaces must be completely dry before installation. ACCEL is not recommended for use with clay pavers due to their inherent moisture content. Instead, choose materials such as concrete, flagstone and natural stone.
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Install in moderate weather: Avoid extreme temperatures and install when the temperature is expected to remain above 32°F for 48 hours after installation to allow for proper curing.
Sustainability Bonus: Fewer Replacements, Less Waste
By eliminating the need for frequent reapplications, ACCEL contributes to lower maintenance and reduces waste. Using fewer bags over time means fewer trips to the store, less material in landfills and more time to enjoy your hardscaping instead of fixing it.
Plus, because it’s made in the USA, you can feel good about supporting a product that’s manufactured closer to home and in accordance with high quality and safety standards.
Versatility Across Outdoor Projects
ACCEL isn’t just for patios. Its strong yet flexible properties make it ideal for:
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Walkways and garden paths
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Fire pit surrounds
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Driveway edging
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Flagstone or natural stone hardscapes
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Outdoor kitchens and seating areas
Wherever you’re placing pavers, ACCEL can help keep them in place and looking great.
What to Expect After Installation
Once cured, ACCEL leaves behind smooth, clean joints that resist weathering and growth. Your patio will look professionally finished, and your family and guests will appreciate the even surface and tidy appearance.
Over time, you’ll notice the difference: no loose sand between your toes, no springtime weed-pulling sessions and no muddy runoff after storms.
Build It Once. Enjoy It for Years.
When you choose ACCEL Dust-Preventing Polymeric Sand, you’re investing in more than a bag of sand—you’re investing in a better build, a cleaner finish and a longer-lasting outdoor living space.
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Less dust
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Stronger joints
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Minimal maintenance
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DIY ease
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Long-term savings
Pick up ACCEL at Lowe’s or visit our website to learn more and watch the installation video.
