🧱 Paver Sand & Base Calculator
Calculate materials for paver patio or driveway
"The gravel base is where everyone cheats, and it's why their patio sinks in two years. Four inches COMPACTED, not loose. That means you dump 5 inches, rent a plate compactor ($60/day), and compact it down to 4. Skipping compaction or using too little base is the #1 failure I see when fixing DIY patios. Also, use 3/4-inch minus crushed stone—not pea gravel, not river rock. Those round stones don't lock together and your pavers will shift. And polymeric sand isn't optional if you want a patio that lasts. Yes, it's $50 a bag versus $7 for regular sand, but it stops weeds, ants, and washout. I've repaired too many patios where people went cheap on the sand."
🏗️ Proper Paver Installation Layers
A professional paver installation requires multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose:
Layer 1: Compacted Soil (Bottom)
Remove grass, roots, and organic material. Compact the soil with a plate compactor. Grade for 1-2% slope away from buildings for drainage.
Layer 2: Landscape Fabric
Lay geotextile fabric over compacted soil. This prevents soil from migrating into gravel and maintains drainage. Overlap seams by 12 inches.
Layer 3: Gravel Base (4-6 inches)
Use 3/4-inch crushed stone (road base or crusher run). Spread in 2-inch lifts, compacting each lift. Final compacted depth: 4 inches minimum, 6-8 inches for heavy traffic or poor soil. This is the most important structural layer.
Layer 4: Bedding Sand (1 inch)
Coarse concrete sand (not play sand, not mason sand). Screeded level using pipes as guides. Do NOT compact this layer—it provides a cushion for pavers to seat into during final compaction.
Layer 5: Pavers
Lay pavers in desired pattern. Leave 1/8 to 1/4 inch joints. Cut edge pavers with a wet saw or guillotine splitter.
Layer 6: Polymeric Sand (Joints)
Sweep polymeric sand into joints when pavers are completely dry. Compact pavers with plate compactor to vibrate sand deep into joints. Sweep off excess, mist with water to activate polymers. Let cure 24-48 hours.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Skipping compaction: Every layer must be compacted. Loose base will settle, pavers will sink. Rent a plate compactor—it's mandatory, not optional.
Wrong sand type: Play sand is too fine and washes away. Mason sand is for mortar. Use coarse concrete sand for base, polymeric for joints.
No edge restraint: Pavers need rigid edge restraint (plastic paver edging, concrete, or soldier course). Without it, edges creep outward and the whole patio fails.
Poor drainage slope: Grade your base 1-2% away from house (1/4 inch drop per foot). Standing water kills paver installations.
❓ FAQ
How much sand under pavers?
1 inch of coarse bedding sand directly under pavers. For 100 sqft = 0.31 cubic yards = about 8 bags of 50 lb sand.
What is paver base made of?
4-6 inches of compacted 3/4-inch crushed stone (road base, crusher run, or Class II base). Provides drainage and stable foundation.
Can I use regular sand instead of polymeric?
No. Regular sand washes out and allows weeds. Polymeric sand hardens and locks pavers together. Worth the extra cost for longevity.
Do I need landscape fabric?
Yes, between soil and gravel. Prevents soil migration and maintains drainage. Do NOT put fabric between gravel and sand.
Lisa Chen
Professional Landscaper, 12 years experience