Help with bedding sand type for paver patio

We are DIY homeowners installing a paver patio using manufactured stone pavers ranging from 12x12 to 24x24. We already have 1/4 of them down using masonry sand (fine grains) as the bedding sand. Just realized that concrete sand is preferred. We already had plenty of the masonry sand delivered. Is the neagatives of the masonry sand strong enough to switch to concrete sand (to include pulling up the already laid pavers)?

 

From your description, you are not installing pavers, but are putting in "stepping stones". They are probably precast concrete squares made to an unknown standard. This installation would be similar to setting flagstones if the joints are wide.

Interlocking concrete pavers are manufactured to ASTM standards and are usually set tightly on a setting bed (concrete sand).

Your units will rely on the base material directly under them and do not interlock or gain strength from adjacent units.

Not a major problem, but a different installation preparation and installation method.

 

Concretemasonry,

You are correct in your assumptions on our paver type. The joint width is anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2". I am concerned about the masonry sand holding too much moisture and then freezing temperatures causing the pavers to become "unlevel". Is this a true concern for us? Or, would you go forward with the masonry sand?

Bridog