How Deep Should Paver Base Be? Patio vs Driveway
How deep should paver base be? For patios and walkways with foot traffic, plan about 4 to 6 inches of compacted dense-graded gravel base. For driveways and areas with vehicles, plan about 8 to 12 inches. Add about 1 inch of bedding sand on top. Go deeper on clay or poorly drained soils and in cold climates with frost heave. Total excavation equals base depth plus bedding plus paver thickness.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Base depth by use
| Use | Compacted base | Bedding | Typical paver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkway | 4 in | 1 in | 2 3/8 in |
| Patio | 4 to 6 in | 1 in | 2 3/8 in |
| Driveway | 8 to 12 in | 1 in | 2 3/8 to 3 1/8 in |
| Clay soil or cold climate | Add 2 to 4 in | 1 in | — |
Excavation depth
For a patio with 6 inches of base, 1 inch of sand, and 2 3/8-inch pavers, excavate about 9 3/8 inches below finished height. Allow for slope away from buildings, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot.
Base material
Use dense-graded crushed stone, often called 3/4-inch minus, crusher run, or by state names like 21A or item 4. The fines help it compact into a firm, stable layer. Clean stone is used only for permeable paver systems. See how much paver base do I need.
Compaction
Compact the base in lifts of about 2 to 4 inches with a plate compactor, moistening as needed. A thick layer compacted all at once stays loose at the bottom and settles later. See compacting gravel base in lifts.
Bedding sand
Bedding is usually coarse concrete sand screeded to about 1 inch. Do not use the sand to fix uneven base; a thick sand layer leads to ruts and settling. See how much sand for pavers.
Soil conditions
| Soil | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Sandy, well-drained | Standard depth |
| Clay or silty | Add depth and fabric |
| Wet areas | Add drainage, deeper base |
| Frost-prone | Deeper base reduces heave |
Geotextile fabric between soil and base helps on soft soils.
Base extension
Extend the base at least 6 inches beyond the paver edges to support edge restraints. See paver edge restraint.
Material estimate
A 12x16-foot patio, 192 square feet, at 6 inches of compacted base needs 96 cubic feet, about 3.6 cubic yards or 5 tons, plus 10 to 20 percent for compaction. Use the asphalt base calculator for your size.
Bottom line
Paver base should be about 4 to 6 inches of compacted dense-graded gravel for patios and walkways and 8 to 12 inches for driveways, plus 1 inch of bedding sand. Add depth for clay, wet, or frost-prone soils, compact in lifts, and extend the base beyond the edges.
Questions people ask
How deep should paver base be for a patio?
About 4 to 6 inches compacted, plus 1 inch of sand.
How deep should paver base be for a driveway?
About 8 to 12 inches compacted.
Can I use only sand under pavers?
No, a compacted gravel base is needed for stability.
How much should I excavate for pavers?
Base depth plus bedding plus paver thickness.
Related guides
- How Much Paver Base Do I Need? Depth and Tons
- Compacting a Driveway Gravel Base in Lifts
- Paver Edge Restraint: Types and How to Install It
- How Much Sand for Pavers? Bedding and Joint Sand
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.