How to Lay a Paver Patio (Base, Sand & Depth)
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
Build a paver patio in layers: excavate ~7–9 inches, lay 4–6 inches of compacted crusher run as the base, add a 1-inch screeded sand (or stone-dust) bedding layer, set the pavers, then sweep polymeric sand into the joints. Use a contained edge so the pavers can't spread.
A paver patio is only as good as what's under it. Pavers don't fail because the brick is weak — they fail because the base wasn't deep enough or compacted, so it settles and the surface goes wavy. Get the base right and the surface lasts decades.
The layers, bottom to top
- Excavate: dig down to fit your base + sand + paver thickness (about 7–9 in for a patio).
- Geotextile fabric over the soil so the base can't migrate into it.
- Base: 4–6 in of crusher run (road base) added and compacted in 2-in lifts.
- Bedding: 1 in of coarse sand or stone dust, screeded flat — do not compact it before setting.
- Pavers: set them tight, tap level, then run a plate compactor over the surface.
- Joints: sweep in polymeric sand and mist to lock the pavers together.
How much base do I need?
| Use | Base depth | Sand bed |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway / light patio | 4 in | 1 in |
| Standard patio | 4–6 in | 1 in |
| Driveway / vehicles | 8–12 in | 1 in |
| Soft or clay soil | +2 in base + fabric | 1 in |
Size the base order with the crusher run calculator (area × base depth → tons), and the bedding sand at about 1 cubic foot per 12 ft² for a 1-inch layer.
FAQs
How much gravel do I need under pavers?
A 4–6 inch compacted crusher run base for a patio, or 8–12 inches for a driveway. Multiply your area by the base depth in feet to get cubic feet, then convert to tons to order.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
Use coarse, sharp concrete sand (or stone dust) for the 1-inch bedding layer, and polymeric sand swept into the joints on top. Don't use fine play sand — it won't hold the pavers in place.