Block paving · prices checked 28 October 2026
Cobble lock re-sanding in Limerick
Power washing takes the sand out of the joints. Here's why it has to go back in, how it's done and what it adds to the bill.
Prices checked against each source on 28 October 2026. Each figure links to its source. How we check
Re-sanding puts dry sand back into the joints of block paving after it's been power washed. The jet takes most of the old sand out with the dirt. Without new sand, blocks can move, weeds come back faster and water gets under the paving. HomePros.ie's 2026 guide gives €2–€4 per m² for re-sanding, as an add-on after power washing.
Kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints once the surface is completely dry. A sealer can go on afterwards to help hold it.
Why the sand matters
Block paving, or cobble lock, isn't held together with mortar. Each block is locked in place by the blocks around it and the sand packed tight between them. That sand stops the blocks shifting under a car, keeps the edges tight and closes the gaps where weeds take root. Take the sand out and the paving loosens a little each time a car drives on it.
What it costs
| Job | Price | VAT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block paving re-sanding, after power washing | €2–€4 per m² | Not stated | HomePros.ie, 23 Jun 2026 |
| Sealing a patio or driveway | €50–€200+ | Not stated | HomePros.ie, 23 Jun 2026 |
| Sealing and protective coatings | €4–€10 per m² | Not stated | Spooners, 2 Jun 2025 |
| Resealing | 50% of the cleaning cost | Incl. | Squeeky Clean, Wicklow, 2026 |
Checked 28 October 2026. At HomePros' rate, re-sanding a 40 m² drive would add €80–€160 to the clean. That's our arithmetic from their per m² figure, not a quote.
How it's done
- Clean the paving.Weeds and moss come out of the joints, then the surface is cleaned. See driveway cleaning.
- Let it dry.Fully. Damp joints clog the sand at the top, so it never fills the gap. In Irish weather this can mean coming back another day.
- Spread the sand.Kiln-dried sand is spread over the surface.
- Brush it in.It's swept back and forth across the joints until they're full.
- Settle and top up.A plate compactor with a protective pad, or simply time and traffic, settles the sand. The joints are topped up.
- Seal, if you want it.A sealer can bind the top of the sand and slow staining. It needs a dry day.
Kiln-dried sand or building sand
Kiln-dried sand is dried in a kiln, so the grains flow freely into narrow joints. Building sand is damp and sticky. It bridges at the top of the joint and leaves the gap empty underneath. Use kiln-dried sand for paving joints.
Does it need sealing?
Not always. Sealing can help on drives that stain easily or where weeds keep coming back, and some sealers stabilise the joint sand. It adds cost and needs redoing every few years as it wears. Ask the company what they'd recommend for your paving, and why.
Signs your paving needs re-sanding
- Joints you can see down into, with no sand at the top
- Weeds and moss in every joint
- Blocks that rock or sink when you step on them
- Water pooling in dips after rain
- It's just been power washed
Blocks that have sunk or lifted need relaying, which is a repair, not a clean. A good company points that out and prices it separately.
Weeds coming back
Weeds grow in joints because seeds land in the sand and find moisture. Full joints help. So does keeping the drive swept. A weed treatment before the clean deals with roots. Expect some regrowth over time on any paving.
Questions to ask
- Is re-sanding included in the clean, or extra?
- Will you come back if the paving is too wet to sand on the day?
- What sand do you use?
- Would you recommend sealing, and what product?
- Is VAT in the price?
Listing a company's prices here doesn't mean it's the company we pass your request to.
Questions people ask
How much does re-sanding cobble lock cost?
HomePros.ie's 2026 guide gives €2–€4 per m² for re-sanding block paving after power washing, VAT not stated.
Why do I need to re-sand after power washing?
The jet washes most of the joint sand out. The sand locks the blocks in place and keeps weeds out, so it needs replacing.
What sand is used for block paving joints?
Kiln-dried sand. It's dry and flows into narrow joints. Damp building sand bridges at the top and leaves the joint empty.
Can you re-sand on a wet day?
Not properly. The paving and joints must be dry, or the sand clogs at the top. Sometimes the company comes back on a dry day to do it.
Should I seal my cobble lock?
It's optional. Sealing can slow staining and help hold the sand. HomePros.ie gives €50–€200+ for sealing a drive or patio.
Sources (3)
Prices and facts on this page were checked against these published pages. We are not connected to these businesses.
- HomePros.ie: homepros.ie
- Spooners: spoonerscleaning.ie
- Squeeky Clean: squeekyclean.ie
Check the price, then get it done
Three taps show what your job typically costs. Or call 087 162 1846 between 8am and 8pm, or send a photo on WhatsApp. We pass it to one local power washing company that covers Limerick.