How to Re-Sand Block Paving

While your driveway may have looked pristine when first installed, everyday wear and tear can take its toll as the years pass by.

And one of the most common – and unsightly – problems you’ll face is when gaps start to appear between your block paving. Not only will this ruin your kerbside appeal, but it could damage the structural integrity of your driveway, if left untreated.

In this article, we will talk through how to re-sand block paving, including the following steps:

1.     Gather the right tools and materials

2.     Clear and clean your driveway

3.     Fill the gaps with sand

4.     Remove any excess sand from the surface of the block pavers

For more details on how to re-sand block paving, as well as how to stop sand washing out of block paving, continue reading, below.

Why should I re-sand block paving?
 
With your summer to-do list likely already jam-packed with myriad gardening tasks, we understand how the small gaps between block pavers can continually drop to the bottom of the pile. However, this seemingly small detail can have a big impact on the longevity, maintenance, and look of your driveway.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, re-sanding block paving ensures the structural integrity of your driveway. The block paving sand helps to bind the slabs together, preventing them from shifting or moving over time.

If you don’t re-sand your block paving when those gaps appear, then you risk permanently damaging your pavers as they are more prone to cracking or breaking. Not to mention that a driveway littered with unsightly gaps can really take the shine off your kerbside appeal!

And for those fed up with the constant de-weeding, re-sanding block paving also helps to prevent those stubborn stalks sprouting up through the gaps in your driveway. That’s certainly one less task to worry about this summer!

How to re-sand block paving
 
1. Gather the right tools and materials
 
Not only is re-sanding block paving a fairly straightforward process, but you’ll likely find most of what you need in your shed or utility cupboard too!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the re-sanding essentials, below:

2. Clear and clean your driveway
 
To get a proper overview of the task at hand, you’ll first need to clear the driveway and prep your work area.

So, move any vehicles off the driveway, clear loose vegetation with a stiff-bristled brush, and remove any weeds sprouting up in the gaps. Only then can you survey the block paving and spot the gaps most in need of attention.

While you’re at it, you should take the opportunity to clean your driveway before re-sanding the block paving too. A bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge should do the trick here – just be careful of scrubbing too hard and removing even more sand. Pressure washers are also a no-go, as the jets of water are too powerful for the delicate sand.

Once you’re finished scrubbing, you must wait for the pavers to dry completely. Otherwise, if you’re re-sanding the block paving and it mixes with any moisture, the sand becomes much more difficult to work with.

3. Fill the gaps with sand
 
When your driveway is dry to the touch, you can cut right to the chase and actually re-sand the block paving.

Start by spreading the kiln-dried sand evenly over the entire driveway – or just the pavers plagued with gaps - with your shovel. Then, with a soft-bristled brush, begin sweeping the sand into the joints between the blocks. A simple back-and-forth motion will ensure the gaps are filled evenly.  

If you want the sand to settle more tightly into the gaps, you can use a compactor to create a firm and stable surface. It’s also worth bearing in mind that you may need to repeat this process a couple of times to ensure all gaps are filled to the brim.

4. Remove any excess sand from the surface of the block pavers
 
With the gaps filled and your driveway restored to its former glory, it’s time to clean up your work area.

There will likely be a lot of excess sand on the surface of the pavers, so grab your brush and sweep away the remnants until your driveway is looking pristine. After all, you don’t want that excess sand to mix with rainwater and ruin all your hard work!

Clearing the excess sand will also let you inspect the driveway for any remaining gaps where sand did not settle. If this turns out to be the case, repeat the process for re-sanding block paving until the sand settles properly.

To finish up, stand back and admire your handiwork!

How to stop sand washing out of block paving
 
Have you re-sanded your block paving a couple of times already, only for more sand to inevitably come loose on your next clean? Well, we have some solutions that will help keep that sand firmly in place:

Add a sealant: By sealing your block paving, you are not only helping to protect the paver, but you are also minimising the risk of sand erosion. For more guidance, read our how to seal block paving guide[AA1] .
Try a gentler cleaning method: If some sand is coming loose with every clean, then you need to opt for a gentler method. Avoid pressure washers completely, only using a sponge to gently scrub any spills or stains.
Re-lay the block paving: While it might seem like an extreme solution, constant sand erosion could be the result of an uneven foundation or sub-base. In this case, it would save more time in the long run to re-install the driveway – which you can read more about in our how to lay block paving guide.
And that’s everything you need to know about re-sanding block paving! For more DIY guides that can help transform your driveway or patio, head over to the Advice Centre. Or, if you’re ready to start shopping today, browse our paving slabs and block paving collection.