Paver base calculator
Tons of gravel base and sand, and the paver count, for a patio or walk.
Gravel base
0 tons
How it works
base cubic yards = area x base depth / 12 x (1 + compaction) / 27 sand cubic yards = area x sand depth / 12 / 27 tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard pavers = area x (1 + extra) / (paver length x width / 144)
The base is crushed gravel with fines, sold as road base, crusher run or paver base, laid in 2 to 4 inch lifts and compacted with a plate compactor. Loose gravel shrinks as it is compacted, so order more than the finished depth; 20% is a fair allowance. The sand bed is an even inch of coarse concrete sand, screeded flat and left uncompacted until the pavers go on.
Typical base depths
| Job | Compacted base |
|---|---|
| Walkways and patios | 4 to 6 in |
| Patios on clay or wet ground | 6 to 8 in |
| Driveways | 8 to 12 in |
Weights depend on the stone and how wet it is. Ask the yard what their base and sand weigh and enter them. Pavers in a straight running bond cut little; herringbone, diagonal patterns and curved edges need 10% or more.
Questions
- How deep should the base be under pavers?
- 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel for walkways and patios, more on clay or wet ground, and 8 to 12 inches for driveways.
- Why add extra base for compaction?
- Loose gravel loses volume as it is compacted. Ordering about 20% more than the finished depth leaves enough to reach it.
- How thick is the sand bed?
- About an inch of coarse concrete sand, screeded flat. Thicker sand lets pavers settle unevenly.
- How many extra pavers should I order?
- About 5% for a running bond with straight edges, and 10% or more for herringbone, diagonal layouts and curves.
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