Wax Polymer Pathway Mix
Our Premium Erosion-Resistant Pathway Option
Kafka’s patented Wax Polymer Pathway Mix combines our natural crushed stone or decomposed granite with engineered polymers in a totally waterless process to create a unique paving alternative. It provides a dustless, sealed, non-permeable and natural-looking surface for pathways, patios, driveways and plazas. This unique process allows for greater creativity in design applications, and provides solutions for demanding traffic projects.
The Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is pre-mixed for easy installation and maintenance. No water is needed for this product — simply lay the material, level the surface and compact. The erosion-resistant mix can be dug up and re-laid when needed for subsurface access to utilities or site plan modifications, and is completely dustless and does not get muddy. Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is covered by U.S. Patents 10,675,525 and 11,420,104.
How It Works
Kafka Granite’s patented Wax Polymer Pathway Mix aggregate is 1/4″ minus with fines that are combined with engineered polymers in a proprietary process. This specific size allows the product to compact well, and the wax polymers create a very firm, sealed, non-permeable, but natural-looking surface.
Get a QuoteADVANTAGES
A wax polymer pathway provides a premium level of erosion protection, while delivering a natural-looking alternative to traditional paving and concrete. It also creates a dustless, sealed, non-permeable surface all with an ease of installation and maintenance that is second to none. Another advantage of working with Kafka is the ability to source your entire project from complementary categories of our natural stone products.
Installation & Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance is critical to the durability and longevity of any pathway, and that all starts with a plan. First, you should decide where you want your path to be. You can do this by drawing a crude sketch of your vision and pathway location or even by staking out the path along your intended route. Next, determine how much material is necessary for the project. This is dependent upon a number of factors, including the size of your path, the materials used for the aggregate, and the intended use of the pathway (pedestrian or vehicular). Use our pathway calculator below to determine the amount of mix you should order.
Note that the Kafka Wax Polymer Pathway should be installed on either a 4- to 6-inch or 8- to 12-inch DOT approved base for pedestrian or vehicular paths, respectively. The path should also be firm, but loose aggregate will appear on the surface as time passes for a natural look and feel. If the loose material on the surface is excessive, scarify the affected area, and re-compact as needed. Additional material can be spread and compacted if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kafka’s Wax Polymer Pathway Mix creates natural aggregate surfaces that are less obtrusive than asphalt and cement, and using them in your construction or design project could gain your points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification.
Furthermore, many of our natural aggregates are also sourced locally, which may aid in regional priority credits.
Standard Pathway Mix is ideal for low-traffic areas that call for a permeable and easy-to-manage pathway solution. This option doesn’t include any additives, but is crushed to the perfect size to warrant optimum compaction and drainage.
Stabilized Pathway Mix includes our aggregate mixed with an organic stabilizing binder. The addition of an organic binder enhances the durability of these pathways while not compromising its natural quality. These pathways remain permeable and work well in areas with slightly higher pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or in areas that require wheelchair accessibility.
The Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is the most durable pathway material offered by Kafka. Our crushed stone comes premixed with an engineered polymer that completely eliminates mud and dust. The addition of the engineered polymer creates an impermeable pathway, making it the ideal solution for areas that are steeply graded and prone to erosion.
The product is commonly shipped via bulk end-dump trucks and trailers, with an average truckload of material weighing approximately 23 tons — though the type of material and the size of the truck and trailer will cause this to fluctuate slightly. Less-than-truckload quantities are available in one ton increments, but may be subject to additional set-up fees due to small production runs.
If bulk truckload shipping is not an option, our Pathway Mixes can be packaged in ~3,000-pound super sacks. These 1½-ton bags provide easy transportation via flatbed, van, or LTL common carriers, and also facilitate easier storage and handling on job sites. Optional rain covers are also available. Specialty aggregates that are packaged in super sacks are available in 1 ton minimum orders and may be subject to set-up fees.
Wax polymer pathways can lend a highly desired natural aesthetic to virtually any space. While our Standard and Stabilized Pathway Mixes are not suitable for very steep areas, wax polymer pathways can withstand intense erosion and be laid on the steepest of hills.
From low- to high-traffic areas, flat to steeply graded hills, the engineered polymer used in this pathway mix is extremely durable and adaptable. These pathways can withstand areas which may have to endure lots of erosion or a dustless, sealed, non-permeable application is desired. Wax polymer pathways have become most popular for use at golf courses, as the product offers a more natural aesthetic than obtrusive blacktop or concrete, but can withstand the various terrain with minimal maintenance.
Commonly used for cart paths, pathways, patios, driveways and plazas, Kafka Granite’s Wax Polymer Pathways are good for a wide variety of applications, but most popular for use in hilly terrain where the Standard and Stabilized Pathway Mix are not recommended for use.
It is remarkably easy to install wax polymer pathways. This is a waterless pathway solution, which means that there is no need to mix the aggregate with water before installation.
- Prepare. Ready the subgrade material prior to laying the wax polymer pathway. The subgrade should have a minimum 1.5% cross slope and should be compacted to at least 90%. Make sure to clear the subgrade of debris, nails, etc.
- Edge. The use of curbing or edging for your pathway project is completely optional. However, if you choose to use any, ensure that the compacted polymer mix sits no further than ¼” below the top of the edging or curbing.
- Spread. If you wish to have a final depth of 3”, loosely lay the pathway mix 4” deep. Spread the pathway mix where desired, ensuring it lies even and smooth before compacting.
- Compact. Once your pathway material is laid where desired, it’s time to compact it. By using a 1-2 ton roller, go over the entire area. Misting the area lightly with water before compacting may help prevent material from sticking to the roller. However, avoid using the vibration mode. In tough-to-reach areas, making multiple passes with a vibratory plate compactor is acceptable. Your wax polymer pathway should be firm immediately after compaction, and the most-used areas will become even firmer with time.
The incredible durability of this pathway mix supplies a practically maintenance-free final product. Because the material retains flexibility, the product will not crack and crumble like asphalt or concrete. Over time, your pathway may darken with dirt and debris, but the surface can be refreshed by scarifying the surface 1/8” with a nail drag, then re-compacting.
Repairing wax polymer pathways is easy. Start by removing the damaged areas and squaring the edges and corners with a shovel. Lightly mist the newly exposed subgrade before filling in the area with fresh Wax Polymer Pathway Mix. Compact with a roller as you did during installation.
Featured Projects
