Sand has two applications in a paver installation: for the bedding and the grout lines. So let’s expand a bit on exactly what types of paver there are in the market.

Polymeric Sand
The most important kind of sand used in a paver installation. It is a type of  sand that allows the interlocked mechanism to work. It is specially designed to be applied in the joints of pavers. Furthermore, it looks exactly like regular paver, the difference is that, when wet, polymeric sand becomes a strong bonding agent that keeps the pavers tightly locked amongst each other.

Concrete Sand
Concrete sand is a cheaper form of sand, used mostly in the creation of a base for several construction projects, the installation of pavers included. Being the cheapest form of sand, many homeowners choose to use it as joint material as well. However, this is not recommended, as this sand can be easily washed away, and it doesn’t properly protect the joints.

Masonry Sand
That would be the “regular sand”, used in general construction. People also often use it both in bedding and as joint sand. Masonry sand is basically the same thing as concrete sand, the only difference is that it is made of finer grains, and therefore a little better for joint purposes.