If you have spent any time researching how to finish off a new patio or refresh an old one, you have probably come across the term "jointing compound" more than once. It has quietly replaced kiln dried sand as the standard way to fill the gaps between paving slabs on driveways, patios and pathways across the UK, and once you understand what it actually does, it is easy to see why. This guide explains what jointing compound is, how it compares to traditional sand and mortar pointing, and walks through the Joint-It range so you can choose the right product for your own patio project.
What Is Jointing Compound?
Jointing compound is a ready-to-use, resin-based filler designed specifically for the joints between paving slabs. Unlike ordinary sand, it is formulated with a binding resin that locks the aggregate together once it has been worked into the joint and left to cure. The result is a solid, flexible joint that stays where it is put rather than washing out, blowing away, or slowly sinking over a wet British winter.
Most jointing compound products, including the entire Joint-It range, arrive pre-mixed in a bucket or bag. There is no cement to weigh out and no water to add in precise ratios. You simply brush or trowel the compound into clean, dry joints, compact it, and let it cure. For anyone who has ever mixed a barrow of mortar in the rain trying to beat the clock before it sets, this is a genuinely welcome change.
Jointing Compound vs Traditional Sand and Mortar Pointing
Traditional pointing methods fall into two camps: kiln dried sand brushed loose into the joints, or a wet mortar mix pointed in by hand with a trowel. Both have been used on UK patios for decades, and both come with well known drawbacks.
Loose sand is quick to lay, but it is not a permanent fix. It gets washed out by rain, disturbed by foot traffic, and offers little resistance to weeds and moss, which find the loose material an easy place to root. Mortar pointing solves the weed problem to a degree, but it is slow and messy to apply, it can crack and stain the surrounding paving if it is not laid by an experienced hand, and it needs mixing fresh in small batches, which makes larger patios a real test of patience.
Jointing compound is engineered to solve both problems at once. It has the rigidity of mortar without the mixing and staining risk, and it goes in far faster because there is no drying-time pressure once it is out of the tub. That combination is why jointing compound and pointing compound have become almost interchangeable terms in patio renovation projects across the country.
Why UK Patios Are Switching to Jointing Compound
There are a handful of practical reasons jointing compound, sometimes written as joint it, jointit or joint-it after the popular brand, has become the default choice for anyone laying or restoring a patio in the UK.
- Weed and moss resistance. A properly cured jointing compound joint gives weed seeds and moss spores nowhere to establish themselves, which means far less time spent scraping joints clean every spring.
- Frost resistance. UK winters put paving through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. A flexible, resin-bound joint copes with that movement much better than loose sand or brittle mortar, so joints stay intact for longer.
- Power-washer resistance. Anyone who has blasted loose sand straight out of their joints with a pressure washer will appreciate that a properly cured jointing compound holds firm even under regular jet washing.
- No mixing required. Every Joint-It product comes ready to use straight from the tub or bag, so there is no cement dust, no water ratios to get wrong, and no wasted material from an over-mixed batch.
- Quick application. Without a race against setting time, jointing compound can be applied methodically across a whole patio in a single session, which suits weekend DIY projects as well as professional installations.
The Joint-It Range Explained
Joint-It has built its reputation on offering a straightforward, honest range rather than an overwhelming list of near-identical products. Broadly, it splits into two main lines depending on the type of paving you have, plus two supporting products that make the job easier and more durable. You can browse the full range in our Joint-It collection.
Joint-It Simple
Joint-It Simple is the entry point into the range and is designed specifically for porcelain paving. It comes in 20kg bags and is available in four colours: Neutral, Grey, Dark Grey and Black, so it is easy to match to light, mid tone or dark porcelain slabs. It is a straightforward, no-fuss option for anyone jointing a straightforward porcelain patio. A popular choice from this line is Joint-It Simple Grey, which suits the mid grey porcelain tones found on many modern UK patios.
Joint-It Elite
Joint-It Elite is the more versatile option in the range, formulated to work on both porcelain paving and smooth natural stone, which Joint-It Simple is not rated for. It comes in 12.5kg tubs across three colours: Fawn, Dove Grey and Midnight. The tub format makes it easy to apply in smaller, controlled sections, which many people find more manageable on intricate patio layouts or when jointing around steps and edging. Joint-It Elite Midnight is a strong choice if you want a deep, near-black joint that gives dark porcelain or grey natural stone a crisp, defined finish.
Supporting Products
Two supporting products round out the range. Joint-It Slurry Primer is used to bed the paving slabs before jointing, improving adhesion between the slab and the base beneath it, which is particularly useful on larger or heavier porcelain slabs. Joint-It Pro Seal is applied after the jointing compound has fully cured and adds an extra layer of protection against staining, UV fading and general wear, helping both the paving and the joints keep their finish for longer.
How to Choose the Right Jointing Compound for Your Patio
The main decision point is your paving material. If your patio is porcelain only, Joint-It Simple will do the job in its 20kg bags. If you have natural stone, or a mixture of natural stone and porcelain across your garden, Joint-It Elite is the one to reach for since it is rated for both surfaces. From there, colour choice comes down to contrast. Darker joints like Midnight or Black make individual slabs stand out clearly, while lighter options like Neutral, Dove Grey or Fawn create a softer, blended look.
Whichever product you choose, take the time to prepare the joints properly before you start. Joints should be clean, free of old sand or mortar residue, and dry. A little preparation at this stage makes a noticeable difference to how neatly the finished compound sits and how well it bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is jointing compound made of?
Jointing compound is typically made from a graded aggregate, often a fine sand or stone dust, combined with a polymer or resin binder. The binder is what sets jointing compound apart from ordinary building sand, since it hardens the mixture into a stable joint once it has been applied and cured, rather than leaving loose material sitting between the slabs.
Is jointing compound better than sand?
For most UK patios, yes. Loose kiln dried sand is quicker to lay initially, but it needs regular topping up, offers little resistance to weeds, and washes out over time. Jointing compound forms a solid, long lasting joint that resists weeds, frost damage and pressure washing, so it holds up far better over the life of the patio.
Does jointing compound need mixing?
No, and this is one of its biggest advantages over mortar pointing. Products like Joint-It Simple and Joint-It Elite arrive ready to use straight from the bag or tub. There is no cement to weigh, no water ratio to get right and no risk of the mix going off before you have finished applying it.
Can jointing compound be used on any type of paving?
Most jointing compounds are formulated with a specific paving type in mind, which is why the Joint-It range is split the way it is. Joint-It Simple is designed for porcelain paving, while Joint-It Elite is suitable for both porcelain and smooth natural stone. Always check a product's suitability for your specific paving before buying, since using the wrong compound on the wrong surface can affect how well it bonds.
Jointing compound has earned its place as the standard finish for UK patios because it solves the real, everyday problems that come with sand and mortar, without demanding specialist skills to apply. Whether you are laying a brand new porcelain patio or restoring an older natural stone terrace, the Joint-It collection has a product suited to the job, backed up by primer and sealant options to help the finished patio look good for years to come.
