Sand is rated coarse -> fine

“Sharp sand” is coarse sand, like concrete sand. Mason/Playground sand is much finer so it feels “softer”.

That is why I mentioned, if you must use sand, to use a coarse sand like concrete sand BUT it should still ONLY be used as the top 1” of bedding under the pavers, and NOT used for the base foundation. Even then, I would still recommend DG or 1/4” chip stone for the 1” bedding instead of sand.

Watch a few videos by “The Christian Hardscaper” on YouTube.

Btw I sent you a PM if you want to check it out!

Sand sucks for various reasons. Mason/Paver/Concrete sand is commonly used as a bedding material for pavers (only ~1” depth on top of compacted base) but it erodes easily with water and doesn’t compact well. I know several Hardscapers that strongly recommend against sand.

Depending on your area, you want a minimum of 3-4 inches of compacted Road 2, 3/4 minus, or equivalent. If you have poor foundation and/or get a lot of rain and settling, 6-8” is more ideal. On top of that use 1” or 1 1/4” rails to screed a 1”layer of DG or 1/4” chip stone and then lay your pavers. Use polymeric sand to fill the joints. If you must use sand as a bedding material for the pavers, then concrete sand is preferred because it is more coarse. I would NOT use sand as a base.