How Many Pavers Do You Need?
Calculate pavers, sand, and gravel base for patios, walkways, and driveways.
The Paver Base System
A proper paver installation has four layers: compacted subgrade (native soil, compacted), gravel base (4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone), bedding sand (1 inch of coarse sand, screeded level), and pavers (set in pattern, compacted with plate compactor). Skipping the base is the #1 reason paver patios fail — they shift, settle, and grow weeds within 1-2 years.
Paver Patterns and Waste
Running bond (brick pattern): classic look, 5% waste. Herringbone 90°: strongest interlock, ideal for driveways, 10% waste. Herringbone 45°: most visually striking, 15% waste (most cuts at edges). Basket weave: traditional, easy to lay, 5% waste. Herringbone patterns resist shifting under traffic better than other patterns — recommended for any area with vehicle or heavy foot traffic.
A plate compactor ($60-80/day rental) is essential for pavers. Compact the gravel base in 2-inch lifts (not all at once). After setting all pavers, run the plate compactor over the entire surface to lock them into the sand bed. Without compaction, pavers will shift and settle unevenly.
