If you’ve been in hardscaping for a while, you’ve probably used polymeric sand more times than you can count. It’s been the go-to for years — but like everything else in the industry, innovation keeps moving forward.

Enter Gator Nitro and Nitro-X resin sands: the next generation of jointing materials that can transform the way you install pavers. If you’re wondering why resin sands are gaining popularity amongst contractors, we’re about to share six standout advantages that put Nitro and Nitro-X in a class of their own. First, however, let’s review a few key points on both of these products.

Gator Nitro being swept into paver joints

Nitro & Nitro-X Key Points

Gator Nitro and Nitro-X are air-cured resin-based jointing materials that can offer a number of benefits to a hardscape installation: they provide top-to-bottom strength within the paver joint, they can be installed rain or shine, and they’re considered permeable when installed. In order to use Nitro and Nitro-X, the pavers or stones must be completely secure and they must be installed on top of a drainage base.

Now for the reasons you might consider a resin sand over traditional poly sand …

1. Permeability That Works With (Not Against) Water

Let’s start with a big one. Gator Nitro/Nitro-X is permeable, meaning water can pass through the joints instead of sitting on the surface. This isn’t the case with poly sand. Permeable joints help prevent puddles, reduce freeze-thaw cracking, and work beautifully with modern drainage or hybrid base systems. So instead of fighting the elements, Gator Nitro/Nitro-X lets your installation breathe — literally. (Note: Because of this permeability characteristic, it’s imperative to use Gator Nitro/Nitro-X on a base that drains!)

2. Install Rain or Shine

Weather delays are the bane of any contractor’s schedule. Traditional polymeric sand? You need a dry day for a successful installation.

Nitro changes the game with a rain-or-shine formula that can be installed in damp conditions — even during rain. In fact, the wetter the better when it comes to installing Gator Nitro and Nitro-X. That means fewer canceled workdays, tighter timelines, and less frustration when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

For anyone managing multiple jobs at once, this flexibility can make a big difference.

3. Perfect for Hybrid Base Installs

Hybrid base systems are becoming more popular for their strength and drainage benefits. Unfortunately, not every jointing material is well suited for this style of application. Because of the void space within the stone base, polymeric sand will migrate downward during the compaction phase. This means more sand will be required to fill and choke off this space (which ultimately equates to more time compacting and more money spent on product). Gator Nitro/Nitro-X, involves a wet application and no compaction. Between this and the added benefit of permeability, these products make a great option for hybrid base projects.

Table showing differences between resin sand and polymeric sand by Alliance Gator — WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

Use this table to determine when to use resin sand and when to stick with traditional poly sand!

4. You Can Actually Tool the Joints

Here’s something you can’t do with polymeric sand: tool your joints for a clean, professional finish.

Once Gator Nitro/Nitro-X is in place, you can shape or smooth the joints to get that crisp, intentional look clients love. It’s a small detail, but it adds up — especially for modern paver patterns or natural stone where alignment and precision matter.

Think of it like the difference between “good enough” and “craftsmanship.”

5. Power Wash Without Worry

Once cured, Gator Nitro/Nitro-X can stand up to power washing — something you’d never dare do with polymeric sand.

After about 28 days, you can give your surface a refresh without loosening or eroding the joints. That’s especially useful for pool decks, outdoor kitchens, or high-traffic patios where grime and debris tend to build up over time.

A quick rinse, and your surface looks brand new again.

6. More Color Options to Match Any Design

Because of the make-up of resin sands, a more diverse color palette can be achieved. Gator Nitro is available in four colors (Black, Silver, Grey, and Beige) while Nitro-X comes in five colors, including some non-traditional lighter shades (Black, Gunmetal, Platinum, Taupe and Vanilla). This wider range of modern tones pair beautifully with today’s paver and stone styles, giving you design flexibility that helps the joints blend or contrast exactly how you want.

The Bottom Line

When you compare traditional polymeric sand to Gator Nitro or Nitro-X, there are some serious reasons to consider trying resin sand. You get better drainage, weather flexibility, hybrid base compatibility, and easier maintenance — all wrapped up with a professional finish and more color options.

Whether you’re a seasoned hardscape pro or new to the paver installation scene, Nitro and Nitro-X make the job smoother, cleaner, and more resilient from start to finish.

If you’re ready to explore the world beyond polymeric sand, check out Gator Nitro and Gator Nitro-X to see the difference yourself.

6 Reasons To Consider Resin Sand Over Poly Sand