Bedding sand
Bedding sand is the 30 mm layer of coarse washed concrete sand laid over the sub-base before segmental pavers. Spec per AS 3727.1:2016.
Ask Chalkline about this →Bedding sand is the layer of coarse washed concrete sand laid over the compacted sub-base before segmental pavers (concrete, clay, or brick) are placed. Its purpose is to provide a uniform, level bearing surface for pavers, not to bond or glue them. Per AS 3727.1:2016, the bedding sand layer must be 30 mm thick (uncompacted), compacting to approximately 25 mm under the paver. Exceeding 30 mm creates an unstable bed and causes rocking and differential settlement.
The correct material is coarse washed concrete sand (sharp sand), not fine beach sand or brickies sand. Fine sands migrate through joints under traffic load and cause settlement. After pavers are laid and compacted, kiln-dried fine sand is brushed into the joints to lock interlock.
Also known as: paving sand, screed sand, laying sand
Category: Materials, paving installation
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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.