Project planner
Paver Base Project Planner
Enter dimensions and layer depths to estimate excavation volume, base and bedding quantities, edge restraint, a bag-vs-bulk check, paver guidance, and a printable project report.
Print a 10-page worksheet for base depth, slope, shopping notes, bag-vs-bulk comparison, and supplier calls.
Download the free Paver Patio Planning Pack Open paver base calculator Open paver calculator Open gravel calculator Open calculator directory
Project configuration
Project planner output
Update inputs to recalculate excavation volumes, material quantity, cost checks, and a printable report.
Enter valid project dimensions to generate a planning estimate.
Material selector and alias guidance
The base material dropdown uses common local names for compactable paver bases:
- crusher run
- quarry process / QP
- road base
- 3/4 minus
- dense grade aggregate
Ask for screening and exact grade with your supplier and confirm compatibility with your chosen paver and drainage setup. Use supplier instructions and manufacturer guidance where relevant.
Common mistakes
- Pea gravel usually does not compact as a base for pavers.
- Decorative river rock is not a structural base layer.
- Skipping compaction can cause settlement and loose movement.
- Overdig changes excavation footprint and should be included in volume planning.
- Ignoring edge restraint can lead to edge lift and slab drift over time.
- Comparing bag vs bulk without delivery minimum and fee can produce a misleading winner.
FAQ
Can I use river sand for paver bedding?
Use clean, coarse, angular bedding sand when possible, such as concrete sand or paver sand. The bedding layer is normally thin and even, about 1 inch above the compacted base. Unwashed river sand can contain silt, clay, and other fines, may hold water, and does not lock together as well, which can lead to settlement.
Can I use extra sand to raise pavers by 3 or 4 inches?
No. Do not use several inches of loose sand to make up height. Build the height with compacted base material in layers, set the final slope in the base, then add a thin bedding sand layer on top. A raised edge of 3 or 4 inches may also need a stronger edge restraint, retained edge, or border detail to keep the base and sand from washing out.