A paver patio is only as good as what is under it. The base does the work; the pavers are the surface.
The layers
From the bottom up: compacted subgrade, a gravel base, a bedding layer of sand, then the pavers. Edge restraints hold it all in place.
Typical depths
A common build is about 4 inches of compacted gravel base, roughly 10 cm, and 1 inch of bedding sand, about 2.5 cm. Heavier use or poor soil calls for a deeper base.
Estimating the materials
Work out the patio area, then calculate the gravel and sand as volumes at those depths. The paver calculator gives the paver count plus both base volumes in one step.
Estimate pavers, base and sand. Paver Calculator →
Common questions
How deep should the gravel base be under pavers?
About 4 inches, or 10 cm, compacted, with more for heavy use or soft soil.
How much bedding sand under pavers?
About 1 inch, or 2.5 cm, screeded level before laying the pavers.
More Calculators
Concrete New
Enter slab dimensions. Result rounds up with a 7 percent waste allowance.
Gravel New
Enter the area dimensions and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent waste allowance.
Mulch New
Enter the bed area and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent allowance.
Topsoil New
Enter the area and depth. Result rounds up with a 5 percent allowance.
Paint New
Enter total wall area and coats. Result rounds up to whole units.
Flooring New
Enter room area and the coverage printed on the box. 10 percent waste added.
Tile New
Enter the area and one tile size. 10 percent waste added.
Drywall New
Enter total area to cover. 10 percent waste added.
Paver New
Enter the patio size and one paver size. 5 percent waste added.
Sand New
Enter the area and depth. 5 percent allowance added.
Roofing New
Enter the roof surface area. 10 percent waste added. Three bundles per square.
Insulation New
Enter area to cover and the coverage printed on the package. 5 percent added.
Fence New
Enter total fence length and post spacing.
Sod New
Enter the area to cover. 5 percent allowance added.
Grass Seed New
Enter area and seeding rate. Default rates suit a new lawn.
Fertilizer New
Enter area, target nitrogen rate and the first number on the bag.
Cubic Yards New
Enter length, width and depth. No waste added.
Square Footage New
Enter length and width.
Board Foot New
Enter board dimensions and quantity.
Material Cost New
Enter quantity, unit price, tax and delivery. Figures are in your own currency.