Pressure Washing vs. Sealing vs. Sanding & Sealing: What's Best for Your Paver Driveway?

Photo -Paver Washing - High pressure Rinse of the surface.

A paver driveway is a major feature of your home's curb appeal, but over time it naturally collects dirt, algae, oil stains, weeds, and fading from sun exposure. Homeowners often aren't sure which service they actually need — just pressure washing, washing and sealing, or a full restoration including new polymeric sand. Each option has different benefits, different timelines, and different long-term results.

Below is a full guide to help you understand the differences, the process for each service, and how the relative cost increases as you add more protection and restoration.

1. Pressure Washing Only

Best for: Light dirt, yearly maintenance, HOA cleanups

Pressure washing is the most basic and budget-friendly level of paver care. It focuses on removing surface dirt and organic growth like mildew, algae, and general discoloration.

What It Does

Removes surface grime

• Brightens the pavers

• Clears out loose debris from the joints

• Improves appearance short-term

• Removes surface grime

What It Does Not Do

• Does not stop weeds from coming back

• Does not protect pavers from future staining

• Does not stop joint sand from washing away

• Does not prevent fading from UV rays

Process & Timeline

1. A pretreatment may be applied to loosen dirt and kill organic growth.

2. Pavers are cleaned with a surface cleaner and detail wand.

3. The driveway is rinsed thoroughly.

Timeline: Usually 1–2 hours for an average driveway.

When It Makes Sense

Pressure washing only is ideal when your pavers aren't in bad shape — maybe they just look a little dirty from a few months of weather. Many homeowners use this as a once-a-year cleaning to maintain appearance.

Relative Cost Level

This is the lowest cost option. Everything else builds on this foundation.

2. Pressure Washing + Sealing

Best for: Homeowners who want richer color, stain protection, and long-lasting results

If you want your driveway to stay cleaner longer and really look refreshed, washing and sealing is the next level. A high-quality paver sealer transforms dull pavers by restoring color, adding a slight sheen (matte, satin, or gloss depending on preferences), and locking out moisture.

What Sealing Does

• Restores the original color of the pavers

• Adds protection from oil, car leaks, and stains

• Reduces weeds and algae growth

• Helps prevent fading from UV rays

• Keeps pavers looking "wet" or enhanced if desired

Important Note

Sealer protects your pavers — but it does not replace missing sand or stabilize joints. If your joints are low or washing out, you may need the sanding + sealing package (explained next).

Process & Timeline

1. Full pressure wash (same as the first service).

2. Allow proper drying time — usually 24 hours depending on weather.

3. Seal is applied with a sprayer and back-rolled for an even finish.

4. A second coat may be applied depending on product and condition.

   
   

Timeline: 24–48 hours total including drying.

When It Makes Sense

• Pavers are in good shape but look dull

• You want long-term protection from stains

• You want enhanced color

• You want a cleaner, richer look

Relative Cost Level

Sealing adds a noticeable jump in cost compared to pressure washing alone because of the materials and labor involved. You're paying for both the cleaning and the protective finish — but the results last much longer than washing alone.

3. Pressure Washing + Sanding With Polymeric Sand + Sealing

Best for: Driveways with low joints, weeds, shifting pavers, or anyone who wants the "like-new" look

This is the most complete option — often called paver restoration. It includes everything in the first two services, plus the installation of new polymeric sand, which hardens and locks the pavers in place.

If your pavers have weeds, sinking, ant hills, or sand constantly washing away, this is the level of service that corrects those problems.

What Polymeric Sand Does

• Fills the joints to the correct height

• Hardens when activated, stabilizing the pavers

• Helps prevent weed growth

• Helps prevent ant intrusion

• Reduces shifting or movement in the paver system

• Reduces future washout during rain

Without proper joint sand, sealing alone won't give you the best results — the sand is what stabilizes the structure.

Process & Timeline

1. Pressure Washing – Deep clean to remove old sand, dirt, and weeds.

2. Drying Time – Pavers must be fully dry before sanding.

3. Sanding – Polymeric sand is broomed into joints until fully filled.

4. Blowing Off Excess – Excess sand is blown off the surface to prevent hazing.

5. Activation – A light mist of water is applied to activate the polymers.

6. Drying & Hardening – The sand hardens typically within a few hours.

7. Sealing (Optional but recommended) – After sand cures, sealer is applied to lock everything in.

Timeline: Usually 48–72 hours depending on weather.

When It Makes Sense

• Joint sand is low or missing

• You have weeds or ant hills

• Pavers look uneven or unstable

• You want the longest-lasting, highest-quality finish

This service is the closest thing to making an older driveway look brand-new again.

Relative Cost Level

This is the highest investment because it includes:

• New polymeric sand

• Precision labor

• Sealing

• Deep cleaning

Expect the price to be noticeably higher than washing + sealing alone, but also expect the longest-lasting results and the best structural improvements.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If you want simple cleanup:

Pressure washing only is enough for general maintenance.

If you want protection and color enhancement:

Choose pressure washing + sealing.

If you want maximum durability and a complete refresh:

Go with pressure washing + polymeric sanding + sealing.

Many homeowners don't realize how big a difference new sand and sealer make until they see one side of the driveway restored and the other side untouched — the transformation is dramatic.

How Often Should You Do Each Service?

• Pressure Washing Only: Once every 6–12 months depending on your environment.

• Sealing: Every 2–3 years depending on sun exposure and traffic.

• Polymeric Sand: Every 3–5 years, or when you notice joints getting low.

Final Thoughts

Your paver driveway is an investment, and maintaining it properly not only keeps it looking great but also extends its lifespan. Whether you choose a quick clean, a protective seal, or a full restoration, each option has its place depending on the condition of your pavers and the result you're looking for.

If you want the longest-lasting, most dramatic improvement, the full restoration with sanding and sealing delivers the best long-term value. But if your driveway simply needs a refresh, a basic washing or wash-and-seal may be the perfect fit.