Paver Base Material Guide
A proper paver base ensures your patio or walkway stays level for decades. The base consists of two layers: gravel (for structural support and drainage) and sand (for leveling the pavers).
Layer 1: Gravel Base (4-6 inches)
The gravel base provides structural support and drainage. Use 3/4" crushed stone (also called "road base" or "Class 5").
- Patios and walkways: 4 inches of compacted gravel
- Driveways: 6-8 inches of compacted gravel
- Heavy vehicle areas: 8-12 inches
Gravel compacts by about 20%, so order 5 inches of loose gravel for every 4 inches of compacted base. Use the Gravel Calculator to estimate volume.
Layer 2: Sand Bedding (1 inch)
On top of the compacted gravel, add 1 inch of bedding sand (concrete sand, not playground sand). The sand provides a leveling bed for the pavers.
Sand volume = area × (1/12) cubic feet
For a 120 sq ft patio: 120 × 0.083 = 10 cu ft of sand (about 5 bags at 2 cu ft each).
Edging Restraint
Paver edging (plastic or aluminum restraint) prevents pavers from spreading. Install edging along all edges that aren't bordered by a wall or curb. Buy 1 linear foot of edging per linear foot of unbounded edge.
Material Summary for a 12 × 10 ft Patio (120 sq ft)
| Material | Depth | Volume | Approximate Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed gravel (3/4") | 4" compacted | 40 cu ft (1.5 cu yd) | ~2 tons |
| Bedding sand | 1" | 10 cu ft | ~5 bags (2 cu ft each) |
| Paver edging | — | 22 linear ft (perimeter) | 1-2 packs |
| Polymeric sand (joints) | — | — | 1 bag (40 lb) |
Use the Calculators
- Gravel Calculator — for base material volume
- Paver Calculator — for paver quantity
- Mulch Calculator — if using mulch elsewhere