I'm in the process of building a 700 sq ft patio with gray 24x36 slabs, and my contractor is suggesting using play sand instead of polymeric sand. He's warned me about the risk of hazing with poly sand. I'm really unsure about this choice and whether I should push for polymeric sand instead. If things go wrong, how tough will it be to clean up? What would you do in my situation? Thanks!
2 Answers
Definitely insist on using polymeric sand! Play sand will wash away in no time, leaving you with a mess. Poly sand is a bit more expensive, but it holds up much better and would be worth it for your patio. Plus, it's not that hard to use if you decide to do it yourself!
I actually installed a large bluestone patio and found polymeric sand to be the easiest part of the project. Just follow the instructions carefully, and it’ll look great in the long run! If your contractor isn't experienced, it might be better to take the reins on this one. Just be sure to remind them that cutting corners can lead to problems later!

Thanks! Sounds like they really don’t know what they’re doing. I guess I need to keep pushing for the right materials!