Paver base depth guide (how thick should base be?)
A practical paver base guide: common depth ranges, compaction notes, and why drainage and soil matter.
Common depth ranges (rule of thumb)
| Use case | Typical compacted base depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patio / walkway (light use) | 4-6 inches | Soil and frost can push this higher |
| Driveway (vehicle traffic) | 8-12 inches | Often deeper in freeze climates or weak soils |
Compaction in lifts
Paver base should be compacted in thin lifts. A thick loose layer is harder to compact evenly and can lead to settlement.
- Compact each lift before adding the next.
- Moisture content affects compaction quality.
Edge restraint matters
Without edge restraint, pavers spread and joints open. Plan restraint as part of the base system.
- Use edge restraints compatible with your paver type.
- Install restraints after final compaction.
Why soil and drainage matter
Base depth depends on soil strength and water. Soft or wet subgrade consumes material and settles. When in doubt, prioritize drainage, geotextile separation (as needed), and proper compaction over perfect math.
Compaction note
Order for compacted thickness, but expect to place more loose material to reach the final compacted depth. Your supplier or compactor guidance is usually more reliable than generic percentages.
Bedding sand thickness (typical planning)
| Layer | Typical thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted base | 4-12 in | Depends on use case and soil |
| Bedding sand | 1 in (approx.) | Not a thick leveling layer |
Sand: bedding vs leveling (why base matters)
- Sand is typically a thin bedding layer, not a structural leveling layer.
- Base stone and compaction control stability and drainage.
- If you need to correct grade, fix base depth and compaction first.
Estimating tip (treat layers separately)
Estimate base stone and bedding sand as separate materials. Base depth is often ordered in cubic yards or tons; sand is a thinner layer with different density and delivery minimums.
Step-by-step base build (high level)
- Excavate to the planned depth, accounting for paver thickness, bedding sand, and compacted base.
- Set grade and slope for drainage before placing base material.
- Place base in lifts and compact each lift (project dependent).
- Screed a thin bedding sand layer and set pavers without using sand to “fix” base problems.
- Install edge restraint before final joint sand so the field can’t spread.
Common mistakes that cause settlement
- Using thick sand to correct grade instead of fixing the base.
- Skipping compaction (or compacting only the top).
- Ignoring drainage so water saturates the base and subgrade.
- No edge restraint, allowing pavers to migrate and joints to open.
Ordering checklist
- Confirm compacted base depth target for your use case and soil.
- Order base and sand separately (different densities and delivery minimums).
- Plan a small buffer for edge cuts, grading, and cleanup.
- Confirm whether your supplier sells by cubic yard or ton and use their conversion.