A paver patio is a fantastic addition to any home, but weather, weeds, and daily use can leave it looking tired and grimy. The good news is that with a weekend of work, you can restore its original beauty. Cleaning and resanding is one of the most effective outdoor DIY projects you can tackle.
This guide will walk you through every step, from the initial cleaning to the final sealing, to make your paver patio look brand new. Let’s get started!
Safety First!
Before you begin any work, your safety is the top priority. Always follow these precautions:
- Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris, cleaning solutions, and sand dust.
- Use Protective Gloves: A good pair of work gloves will protect your hands from harsh cleaners and scrapes.
- Put on Sturdy Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet.
- Use Hearing Protection: If you’re using a pressure washer or plate compactor, protect your hearing.
- Check the Weather: Plan this project for a few consecutive sunny days. Rain will wash away your hard work, especially the sand and sealer.
- Read the Manuals: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any equipment or chemical products you use.
Tools & Materials List
Gathering everything you need beforehand will make the project go much smoother.
Tools
- Stiff-bristle push broom
- Leaf blower (optional, but very helpful)
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Pressure washer (optional, but highly recommended for deep cleaning)
- Small trowel or weeding tool
- Hand tamper or plate compactor (rentable for large patios)
Materials
- Biodegradable paver cleaner
- Polymeric sand: This is the key to a long-lasting finish. It contains polymers that harden when wet, locking pavers in place and preventing weeds.
- Paver sealer (optional, but recommended)
- Paint roller or garden sprayer (for applying sealer)
Project Prep: Set the Stage for Success
Proper preparation is half the battle. Don’t skip these simple but crucial steps.
- Clear the Patio: Remove all furniture, planters, grills, and any other items from the patio surface.
- Do an Initial Sweep: Use your push broom or a leaf blower to clear away all loose leaves, twigs, and surface dirt.
- Inspect Your Pavers: Walk around and look for any major issues. Are there any weeds growing through the joints? Are any pavers loose, sunken, or raised? Now is the time to pull large weeds and re-level any problem pavers before you start the deep clean.
Step-by-Step Guide to a New-Looking Patio
Step 1: Deep Clean the Pavers
Your goal here is to remove all ground-in dirt, grime, moss, and stains.
- If using a pressure washer: Start with a low-pressure, wide-angle tip (like a 25 or 40-degree nozzle). Keep the wand moving and maintain a distance of at least 12 inches from the surface to avoid damaging the pavers. Work from one end of the patio to the other, overlapping your passes for an even clean. This will also blast out much of the old sand and weeds from the joints.
- If not using a pressure washer: Wet the entire patio with your garden hose. Apply a paver cleaner according to the product’s instructions and use a stiff-bristle push broom to scrub the surface thoroughly. Rinse everything clean with the hose.
For stubborn oil or rust stains, you may need a specialized stain remover.
Step 2: Remove Old Joint Sand
For the new sand to work, the old, dirty sand has to go. You want the joints to be clean and at least an inch deep.
- If you used a pressure washer, a lot of this work may already be done.
- Use a trowel, a flathead screwdriver, or a specialized weeding tool to scrape out any remaining old sand, weeds, and debris from between the pavers.
- Once clear, give the patio one final rinse to wash away all the dislodged debris.
- Crucially, you must let the patio and the joints dry completely. This can take 24 hours or more. Applying polymeric sand to a damp surface will cause it to harden prematurely on top of the pavers, leaving a permanent haze.
Step 3: Apply the New Jointing Sand
With a clean, dry patio, it’s time to add the magic ingredient: polymeric sand.
- Pour a generous amount of sand onto a section of the patio.
- Using your dry push broom, sweep the sand across the pavers and into the joints.
- Work in multiple directions (horizontally, vertically, and diagonally) to ensure every joint is completely filled.
- Continue this process in sections until the entire patio is done.
Step 4: Compact the Sand
This step settles the sand deep into the joints, eliminating air pockets.
- For small patios, you can use a hand tamper to firmly tap on top of the pavers.
- For larger areas, renting a plate compactor is well worth the cost. Run it over the entire patio surface.
- After compacting, you’ll notice the sand level has dropped. Sweep more sand into the joints until they are full again.
Step 5: Remove All Excess Sand
This is the most critical step when using polymeric sand. Any sand left on the paver surface will turn into a glue-like haze when you add water.
- Use a soft-bristle broom to gently sweep the excess sand off the paver surfaces. Be careful not to sweep it out of the joints.
- For a perfect finish, use a leaf blower on its lowest setting. Hold it at a low angle and blow all remaining sand dust off the surface of the pavers. Be meticulous! Your future self will thank you.
Finishing Touches & Cleanup
You’re almost there! These final steps will lock in your work and provide long-term protection.
Step 6: Activate the Polymeric Sand
Now it’s time to add water to harden the sand.
- Set your hose nozzle to a gentle “shower” or “mist” setting.
- Gently water a section of the patio for about 30 seconds. The goal is to saturate the sand without washing it out of the joints. Don’t use a strong jet!
- Once you’ve wet the entire patio once, go back and repeat the process one more time to ensure the joints are fully saturated.
- Follow the sand manufacturer’s instructions for curing times. Typically, you should avoid walking on the patio for 24 hours and keep it dry for at least 48 hours.
Step 7: Seal the Pavers (Optional but Recommended)
Sealing your pavers isn’t required, but it’s a great way to protect your investment. A good sealer enhances the color of your pavers, protects them from UV rays and stains, and makes them easier to clean in the future.
- Ensure the patio is completely clean and dry. Wait at least 24-48 hours after activating the sand.
- Apply the sealer according to the product instructions, using a paint roller or a garden sprayer for even coverage.
- Let the sealer dry completely before walking on it or moving furniture back—this can take another 24-48 hours.
Once everything is fully cured, move your furniture back onto the patio and enjoy your beautiful, like-new outdoor space! A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in preserving the beauty and function of your hardscaping.