How to Resand Block Paving for Lasting Strength

Loose sand between paving blocks can make an otherwise smart driveway look tired very quickly. It also leaves joints open to weeds, water and movement. Knowing how to resand block paving properly is a straightforward part of driveway maintenance, but the timing, weather and type of sand all make a real difference to the finished result.

For most homes, resanding is a practical job that can restore a neater appearance and help the blocks support one another again. If the paving itself is sinking, rocking or spreading apart, however, fresh sand alone will not solve the underlying problem. That is when a closer inspection is worthwhile before spending time and money on a surface repair.

Why block paving needs resanding

The sand in block paving joints is not there simply to fill the gaps. It helps lock the individual blocks together, spreading the load from cars and foot traffic across the paved area. When those joints are well filled, the driveway is more stable and better able to cope with everyday use.

Over time, rain, repeated cleaning, tyre movement and general wear can remove jointing sand. Pressure washing is particularly effective at lifting old dirt, moss and weeds, but it can also wash out a surprising amount of sand if used too closely or too forcefully. Empty or low joints then hold water and create space for weed seeds to settle.

Resanding is usually needed after a thorough clean, when joints look noticeably low, or when the blocks begin to rattle slightly underfoot. On a well-laid driveway, it is a maintenance task rather than a major project.

What you need before resanding block paving

The key material is kiln-dried paving sand, sometimes called jointing sand. This is a fine, dry silica sand designed to flow into narrow paving joints. Do not use ordinary building sand, sharp sand or damp sand from an opened bag. These products do not brush down properly and can leave a messy surface or poorly filled joints.

For a typical driveway, gather the following before you start:

• Kiln-dried paving sand

• A stiff outdoor broom

• A leaf blower or soft brush for clearing debris

• A pressure washer, if the paving needs cleaning

• Protective gloves, eye protection and a dust mask

• A plate compactor, if available and suitable for your paving

A plate compactor gives the best result on most standard concrete block driveways because it settles the blocks and helps the sand work down into the joints. For small patio areas, careful sweeping and repeated topping-up can still be effective. Avoid using a compactor on damaged blocks, loose edging or delicate natural stone without checking that it is appropriate first.

How to resand block paving step by step

1. Remove weeds, moss and loose debris

Start with a clear surface. Pull out larger weeds, sweep away leaves and remove loose mud from the joints. If moss has built up, treat it and allow it to die back before brushing it away. Resanding over organic material traps it in the joints, which gives weeds an easy route back.

Take a moment to check the condition of the paving as you clean. A few stained or weathered blocks are normal, but loose edge restraints, sunken areas and blocks that move significantly should be dealt with before resanding. Jointing sand supports sound paving. It cannot hold together a driveway where the sub-base or edging has failed.

2. Clean the driveway carefully if needed

If the paving is generally clean and only the joints are low, you may be able to sweep out the loose material and move straight to drying. Where the surface has algae, ingrained dirt or heavy staining, a proper clean first will give a much sharper result.

Use a pressure washer with care. Keep the nozzle moving and avoid aiming directly into the joints at close range, as this can remove more sand than necessary and disturb the bedding beneath the blocks. Work across the surface rather than lingering in one place. Once clean, sweep away any debris brought to the surface.

For oil stains, use a suitable driveway cleaner rather than relying on pressure alone. The right approach depends on the stain and the paving material, so test any cleaning product in a discreet area first.

3. Let the paving dry completely

This is the step homeowners most often rush, and it is one of the most important. Kiln-dried sand needs dry joints to fall freely into place. If the paving is damp after rain or washing, the sand will clump on top instead of reaching the bottom of each joint.

Choose a dry day with a decent weather window. In warm, breezy conditions, a cleaned driveway may dry in a day. After prolonged rain, shaded areas or north-facing sections can take longer. Check the joints themselves, not just the tops of the blocks, before opening the sand.

4. Spread kiln-dried sand across the surface

Open the bags only when you are ready to use them, as kiln-dried sand quickly absorbs moisture from the air. Pour small amounts onto the driest part of the driveway and use a stiff broom to sweep the sand diagonally across the blocks.

Sweeping diagonally helps direct sand into the joints rather than repeatedly following the same channels. Work it over the surface in several passes and pay particular attention to areas near vehicle tracks, drainage channels and the driveway edges. These places often lose sand first.

Do not worry if a light layer remains on the block faces at this stage. The aim is to fill every joint as fully as possible before clearing the excess.

5. Compact and top up the joints

For a driveway, compacting is the best way to settle the sand. A plate compactor fitted with a rubber or protective mat helps reduce the chance of marking the blocks. Make a steady pass over the paving, then sweep more sand across the surface. The vibration will reveal joints that were not as full as they first appeared.

Repeat the process until the joints remain filled close to the top. You do not need to pack sand above the block surface. It should sit neatly in the joint, leaving the paving faces clear.

If you do not have a compactor, sweep the sand in thoroughly, walk over the area and repeat the process a few times. This is less effective for a busy driveway, but it can be suitable for a small, sound patio where the blocks are already stable.

6. Clear away the final surplus

Once the joints are full, sweep or blow away excess sand from the surface. Do not wash the driveway immediately afterwards. Give the sand time to settle naturally and avoid heavy cleaning for at least a few days.

A small amount of sand may appear on the surface after the first rain or a period of use. That is normal. Sweep it back into the joints or remove it once the paving has settled.

Common mistakes that shorten the life of the repair

The most common error is resanding while the paving is damp. It can look as though the joints are full, yet the sand is sitting on top and will soon brush away. Using the wrong sand causes similar problems, particularly if ordinary building sand has been used because it was already in the shed.

Another mistake is treating resanding as a cure for movement. If blocks are rocking, the driveway has dips, or the edge blocks are coming away, the paving needs repair before jointing sand is added. Filling unstable joints may improve the appearance briefly, but it will not provide a lasting finish.

Be cautious with pressure washing too. It is useful when handled properly, but repeated high-pressure cleaning can strip the jointing sand and create a cycle of annual repairs. A gentler clean, followed by resanding only where required, is often the better value approach.

When it is better to call a paving professional

A well-maintained block driveway should last for many years, but it relies on proper foundations, drainage and edge restraint. If water is pooling, the blocks are spreading, or wheel tracks have sunk, it is worth having the area assessed rather than simply adding more sand.

For homeowners across Berkshire and Surrey, Lay Away UK can advise on repairs, driveway improvements and replacement paving where the problem goes beyond routine maintenance. A professional repair can address the cause of the movement and protect the appearance and value of your property for longer.

A dry day, the right kiln-dried sand and a little patience can make a marked difference to sound block paving. If the joints keep emptying or the surface no longer feels firm, take that as a useful sign that the driveway needs more than a cosmetic refresh.