[smodes]

We just finished laying down a 700 foot flagstone patio. natural stone with all different sizes. It's a buff/beige colour. We're now trying to determine the best filler. the joints are about 1-1.5 inches. Can anybody please help with the pros/cons of:
1. polysand
2. limestone screening
3. brick sand

Any response is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.



Admin edit: This discussion has been included in the site beginner's polymeric sand page.

[Lanelle]

The question to answer is: do you intend to put a sealer on the stone? If yes, than no polymeric sand.
Another issue is amount of runoff rainwater. If there's a lot, than poly is more stable than the others.
Poly has to be cleaned completely out of the ridges of the stone surfaces before misting.
Brick sand is the most likely to move out of the joints.
Screenings vary by area, here they set up and become fairly stable. We like them because they match the bluestone that we use.
If the client is going to be upset about weeds and won't use Round-up, then poly may be the best answer.

[Matt Kulp]

Polymeric sand would work, but it is not the best for that big of a joint. I would use screenings with a Portland Cement mix and water in.

[PSUscaper]

they make diff't poly sands for wider joint. I believe there are a few companies out there making it now. One is gator sand. It is basically polymeric sand with stone dust sized particles.

[Matt Kulp]

Here are some links.

http://www.polymericstonedust.com/

http://www.packagepavement.com/joint_lock.html#dist

[smodes]

thanks for your help...here's a picture of the patio. still haven't decided on the fill but leaning toward poly because of using a blower as there's a massive tree covering the full patio. it's constantly dropping things.

[trees]

Poly sand should work like a charm. I use the Techniseal HP for joints like that and haven't had any problems.

Looks good, BTW...