Paver Base Calculator: How Much Paver Base Do I Need?
These guidelines will ensure you don’t get caught off base
Paver base is made of a base layer of gravel and a top layer of sand.
To calculate how much paver base you need, measure the length and width of your project area. You’ll also need to determine how deep the paver base should be.
The depth of your paver base will depend on traffic and soil conditions. Most patios are between 4 and 6 inches deep.
Whether you’re putting in a patio or a walkway, it’s essential that you know how much paver base you’ll need to properly support the pavers. Use the following tables and formulas to calculate exactly how much paver base you’ll need for your project.
How Much Paver Base Is Needed for Pavers
Use the following table to estimate the amount of paver base you’ll need based on the size of your patio.
| Patio Size (Feet) | Paver Depth (Inches) | Base Needed (Cubic Yards) |
|---|---|---|
| 7x7 | 4 | 0.6 |
| 7x7 | 6 | 0.9 |
| 7x7 | 8 | 1.2 |
| 7x7 | 12 | 1.8 |
| 12x14 | 4 | 2.1 |
| 12x14 | 6 | 3.1 |
| 12x14 | 8 | 4.1 |
| 12x14 | 12 | 6.2 |
| 16x18 | 4 | 3.6 |
| 16x18 | 6 | 5.3 |
| 16x18 | 8 | 7.1 |
| 16x18 | 12 | 10.7 |
Calculating Paver Base Amount
A proper paver base actually consists of two layers: a thick layer of gravel and a thin layer of sand. The gravel will go between the ground and the sand, and the sand is the layer in which the pavers will rest. To calculate the amount of paver base you need, you first need to know the depth of the base. For patios and pedestrian walkways, you can stick to between 4 and 6 inches. For driveways, you’ll have to go with 8 to 12 inches. The sand layer should be about one third of the gravel layer.
Base paver material is calculated in cubic yards, so you’ll have to do some calculations to get the correct number.
First, start by measuring the length and width of your paver project in inches and multiply those values together to get the area in square inches:
Paver base area (square inches) = length (inches) x width (inches)
Then determine the volume in cubic inches by multiplying the area by the desired depth:
Paver base volume (cubic inches) = Paver base area (square inches) x desired depth (inches)
Then you’ll take the paver base volume in cubic inches and divide it by 46,656 to determine the cubic yards, which will be the amount of base you’ll need to purchase.
Amount of base (cubic yards) = Paver base volume (cubic inches) / 46,656
Who To Hire to Measure Paver Base
While you can measure for materials yourself fairly easily, the actual installation requires equipment to excavate the area, compact the ground below the base, and spread the gravel and sand base on the paver area. Many homeowners opt to hire paver installation contractors for their hardscape projects to ensure high-quality, long-lasting results.
Deciding between concrete, stone, or brick pavers comes down to your budget and the ease of installation. Concrete is the least expensive material, followed by brick and then natural stone. Concrete pavers are also the easiest to install, but bricks are relatively easy as well. Stone pavers require more time and labor because their natural shapes make them harder to fit together. Professional stoneworkers, however, are able to shape them as needed.
The recommended minimum amount for a paver base is 4 inches. From there, it depends on the kind of traffic the pavers will see and the current soil conditions. Two inches of paver base won’t create the amount of stability and support that pavers need to remain securely in place over time.
While patio installation requires some heavy equipment to excavate the area and compact the soil, you can learn how to do a DIY patio installation and potentially save money versus hiring a pro to do the work. You should be familiar with taking measurements and doing calculations to determine the right amount of materials, and you’ll need to be comfortable working with the necessary equipment.
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