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Yes, placing polymeric sand between pavers is essential for keeping them securely in place. However, sand alone cannot secure pavers. A well-made compacted paver bed that holds pavers should be at least 6 inches deep to keep pavers secure.

If you’re installing pavers over an existing concrete slab, you don’t need to affix the majority of the pavers, but you should use a polyurethane-based adhesive on the border pavers. Polyurethane will expand and contract with temperature changes, which will help keep the pavers firmly in place throughout the year. It’s also strong enough to stand up to foot traffic. You’ll use polymeric sand between the non-border pavers to keep them in place and prevent shifting.

If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:

• Permeable pavement: This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. 

• Gravel: Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.

• Natural stone pavers: Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.

Interlocking pavers can last 50 years or more, but you’ll need to keep up with some basic routine maintenance to get the most out of them. This includes regularly applying a sealant and keeping up with any weeds that start to grow within them. Avoid metal shovels in the winter, and only salt the pavers ahead of snow and ice if the pavers are part of a necessary walking path—salt and other chemical-based de-icers can take a toll on your pavers over time.