Patio Cost Calculator
Planning a backyard paver layout? Input your patio area parameters below to instantly estimate the interlocking pavers, gravel subgrade tonnage, bedding sand tons, barrier fabric roll size, and contractor installation labor fees.
Patio Base & Paver Parameters
Labor & Contingency Adjustments
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Step-by-Step Patio Paver Base Estimation Guide
Building a professional, long-lasting paver patio or walkway requires meticulous excavation and base compaction. 90% of paver failures (sagging, spacing weeds, shifting) are caused by inadequate gravel bases.
1. Excavation Depth Calculation
To calculate your total excavation depth, combine the thickness of the structural layers:
- Gravel Base: 4 inches minimum for pedestrian traffic (patios, walkways).
- Bedding Sand: Exactly 1 inch of coarse concrete sand.
- Pavers: Typically 2-3/8 inches (60mm) for standard concrete interlocking blocks.
- Total Excavation: ~7-3/8 inches deep from the desired finish grade line.
2. Base Compaction & Fabric Guidelines
Compact the soil subgrade first, then roll out geotextile fabric. Add the crushed stone gravel in 2-inch lifts, running a plate compactor over each lift to ensure absolute density before screeding the sand layer.
3. Paver Spacing and Polymeric Joint Sand
Lay pavers in your desired pattern (Herringbone, Running Bond, basketweave). Secure the borders using heavy-duty plastic edge restraints spiked into the gravel base. Once laid, sweep polymeric joint sand into the gaps, sweep away excess, and mist with water to activate the binding polymers.