Plain old sand can be used to fill the joints between pavers, but polymeric sand offers many advantages: Improves durability: The binding agents in this product help lock the pavers together. This will give your installation more strength over the long haul. Polymeric sand also reduces the amount of water that will wash between the pavers and down into the base materials. This will help keep the foundation of your project sturdy as well. Prevents washouts: A heavy rain won’t wash all of the sand out of the joints between pavers if you use polymeric sand. With plain old sand, this is a common problem. Deters weeds: Weeds are amazingly resilient and can grow almost anywhere. Using this product won’t guarantee that weeds won’t grow in your new walkway or patio, but it will help considerably. Plain sand is a much more inviting home for weeds than polymeric sand. Resistance to ants: Ants will have a much more difficult time getting into and making homes in the spaces between your pavers if you use polymeric sand. Colors. Polymeric sand comes in a variety of colors, usually in different shades of gray and beige. Choose the color that goes best with your pavers.