Stabilizing Crushed Granite Joints: Polymer vs. Concrete Mix

Crushed granite between flagstones keeps washing out, leaving mud. An HGTV episode showed mixing Quikrete with crushed granite swept into joints, then watered to create a permanent "grout." The viewer missed the mix ratio and wants to know if this works and the correct formula.

The Quikrete Method: Proceed with Caution

While cement-stabilized stone dust can work, risks include:

• Discoloration: Lime dust can stain paver surfaces gray
• No established ratio: HGTV source unverified; experimental
• Brittle joints: May crack with freeze-thaw or settlement

Better Alternative: Polymeric Joint Sand

Specifically engineered for paver joints, these products:

• Activate with water to bind sand particles
• Resist erosion, weeds, and ants
• Remain slightly flexible for movement
• Available in colors matching pavers

Reputable Manufacturers

• Gator Dust (gatordustbond.com) — ideal for wider joints
• Techniseal (techniseal.com)
• Polymeric Sand/Super Sand (supersandbond.com)
• Envirobond (envirobond.com) — eco-friendly option
• Surebond (surebond.com)
• Polysweep (sek.us.com)

Recommendation

For larger flagstone gaps, Gator Dust is specifically formulated. If attempting the Quikrete method, test on a small inconspicuous area first. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI.com) is the authoritative resource for paver installation standards—they don't endorse the cement-mix approach.