The Finishing Touches That Make a Patio Last and Stand Out
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Beautiful patios don’t just rely on paver stones. Long-lasting performance and aesthetics rely on finishing touches. M&G Landscaping believes that both joint sand and edge restraints are as critical to your patio as the base stones. The finishing touches complete your patio, protect your investment and improve the beauty of your landscaping.
Joint Sand: More Than Just Filling the Gaps
Filling the spaces between your pavers is just one of the functions of joint sand. It is essential for stability, drainage and the durability of your project. The type of material best suited for your patio system depends on the type of patio system you are installing.
Types of Joint Sand:
Polymeric Sand (Most Common for Traditional Patios):
Polymeric sand is designed specifically to harden when wet and provide a tight, locked surface.
- Prevents the growth of undesirable vegetation and related insect activity.
- Resists washout caused by rain and weather conditions.
- Ideal for tighter, uniform joint spacing.
- Most suitable for standard, non-permeable patio systems where water is not intended to infiltrate the surface.
Nitro Sand (Wet Application for Permeable Systems):
Providing drainage while allowing for joint stabilization, wet application nitro sand (or similar jointing aggregates) is a good option when considering permeable patios.
- Used as a wet slurry that fills joints
- Designed for larger joints and permeable systems
- Allows for liquid passage to the open-grade base
- Maintains permeability and decreases erosion when compared to loose aggregates.
This type of application works well with an open-grade base system in which water is intended to flow through the patio rather than over it. Unlike polymeric sand which seals a surface, nitro sand allows drainage to function within the surface and locks pavers in place.
Proper Application Matters:
It doesn’t matter what material you’re using. For any material to perform, installation is what matters most. For polymeric sand, it’s about the precise amount of water. For nitro sand, it’s about how even the slurry is spread and how it’s allowed to set. If the installation is done correctly, the joint material goes from a detail to an important structural component of the system.
Edge Restraints: Holding Everything in Place
If joint sand keeps pavers from shifting, edge restraints keep pavers from spreading. A patio will shift and lose its shape over time without well-defined edges, no matter how it is constructed.
Types of Edge Restraints:
1. Plastic Edge Restraints (Xtreme Edge or Similar):
One of the many good solutions for almost all patios.
- Flexible for curves and can be adjusted for custom layouts
- Spiked into the base material
- Lies below the completed patio
2. Concrete Edge Restraints:
The heavier choice, great for high-volume use.
- Best for busy areas like patios.
- Consists of locking the outer pavers with a concrete haunch.
- Best value for maximum long-term stability.
3. Metal Edge Restraints:
Used for a sleek, modern finish.
- Thin profiles create neat, sharp lines
- Perfect for modern design
- Long-lasting but needs careful installation
4. Paver Borders (Soldier or Sailor Course):
Built-in design elements often create the most effective edge restraint.
- Uses pavers arranged in a distinct pattern or direction
- Improves the appearance of the patio
- Usually combined with a structural edge restraint below for added strength
Where Function Meets Fashion?
The finishing touches applied to a patio are where real craftsmanship shines. Selecting the most suitable edge restraint and joint material takes time, but the patio will handle the impact of the changing seasons, the demands of the drainage system, and everyday wear.
At M&G Landscaping, we pay attention to details-base installation and the application of the final joint touch-so that your patio has a long-lasting aesthetic appeal. Don’t look any further for expert craftsmanship.
Maximize Your Outdoor Living:
First impressions matter, and so does your patio. Adding the last touch to either a new or an old patio is a job for the professionals. M&G Landscaping LLC will design your patio to have an aesthetically pleasing finish and withstand the test of time. Call Us Today!