The layers under a paver patio
A paver patio that stays flat for decades has three layers: compacted soil, a crushed gravel base, and a thin bed of sand that the pavers are set into.
| Layer | Patio / walkway | Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed gravel base (crusher run, ¾ in minus) | 4–6 in compacted | 8–12 in compacted |
| Bedding sand (concrete sand) | 1 in | 1 in |
| Pavers | 2⅜ in thick is standard | 3⅛ in thick recommended |
How this calculator works
Pavers = Area ÷ (Paver length × width ÷ 144) × (1 + waste)
Gravel base loses about 20% of its volume when compacted, so we add 20% to reach your finished depth. We use 2,900 lb per cubic yard for crushed base. Bedding sand gets 10% extra for screeding.
Worked example
A 12 × 12 ft patio (144 sq ft) with a 4 in base and 4 × 8 in pavers needs about 3.1 tons of base gravel, 27 bags of bedding sand and 713 pavers with 10% extra.
Common paver sizes
| Paver size | Pavers per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in (brick / Holland) | 4.5 |
| 6 × 6 in | 4 |
| 6 × 9 in | 2.67 |
| 12 × 12 in | 1 |
| 16 × 16 in | 0.56 |
| 24 × 24 in | 0.25 |
How much waste to allow
Use 5% for a simple square with a straight running bond pattern, 10% for most patios, and 15% for herringbone, diagonal layouts or many curves. Keep a few spare pavers for future repairs, because colors change between production runs.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should paver base be?
4 in of compacted gravel for patios and walkways on well-drained soil, 6 in on clay or in frost-prone climates, and 8–12 in for driveways.
How many bags of paver base do I need?
Paver base comes in 0.5 cubic foot bags. For 100 sq ft at 4 in compacted, you need about 40 cubic feet with compaction allowance, or 80 bags. For more than about a ton, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.
Can I use sand instead of gravel for the base?
No. Sand alone shifts and washes out, which makes pavers sink. Use compacted crushed gravel for the base and only a 1 in layer of sand on top.
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 10 patio?
With standard 4 × 8 in pavers, 100 sq ft needs 450 pavers, or about 495 with 10% extra for cuts.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Material weights are typical industry averages and vary by supplier, moisture and compaction.