Enter your Project Length, Project Width, Gravel Base Depth, and Sand Layer Depth into the Paver Base Calculator, and you'll get the exact Gravel Needed for your project, plus Sand Needed, total Project Area, and Gravel Weight so you know exactly what to haul home from the store.
Gravel Needed
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Sand Needed
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Project Area
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Gravel Weight
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For patios and walkways, use 4-6 inches of gravel base. For driveways and areas with vehicle traffic, use 6-8 inches. A deeper base provides better stability and prevents settling over time.
Use crushed stone or gravel with angular edges like 3/4 minus or road base gravel. The angular pieces lock together better than rounded gravel, creating a more stable base that won't shift under load.
The sand layer (typically 1 inch) provides a smooth, level surface for laying pavers. It allows for fine adjustments and helps create uniform gaps between pavers for a professional appearance.
Order 10-20% extra gravel to account for compaction and settling. Our calculator includes a 20% compaction factor for gravel. For sand, order 5-10% extra to account for waste and future maintenance.
Yes, compaction is essential. Compact the gravel base in 2-3 inch lifts using a plate compactor. The sand layer should be screeded level but not heavily compacted before laying pavers.
Use coarse sand or concrete sand for the base layer, not fine sand which doesn't drain well. For joint filling, use polymeric sand which hardens and prevents weed growth and ant infiltration.
You'll need a shovel, rake, level, plate compactor, screed board, and wheelbarrow. For larger projects, consider renting a mini excavator for excavation and a walk-behind compactor.
Break irregular areas into rectangles and triangles, calculate each section separately, then add the totals. For curved areas, use the largest rectangle that fits within the curve as an approximation.