What’s the Best Base Material for a Paver Patio?

TLDR;

The best base material for a paver patio is compacted crushed stone or gravel, specifically Class 5 or ¾" minus angular stone. It offers superior drainage, load-bearing capacity, and long-term durability. Sand is only used as a bedding layer, not the primary foundation.

Why the Right Base Material is Essential for Paver Patios

A strong paver patio begins with the right base. Without it, your patio will shift, crack, or sink over time.

• A solid base supports heavy loads

• Promotes drainage and reduces water pooling

• Prevents frost heave in cold climates

• Improves patio lifespan and structural integrity

  
  

At Solid Ground Outdoor, we’ve seen firsthand how cutting corners on base prep leads to future repairs.

Best Base for Patio Pavers: Top Materials Compared

Crushed Stone (Class 5 or ¾" Minus Gravel)

This is the gold standard. If you're wondering what to use under pavers, crushed stone is the answer. It's also a reliable choice for natural stone installations, such as sandstone for patios, where stability and drainage are essential.

• Angular stones interlock when compacted

• Excellent drainage and load-bearing

• Supports patios in both hot and cold climates

• Common size: ¾" minus gravel (includes fines for better compaction)

  
  

Crucial tip: Always install it in 4–6 inch layers, compacting each one with a vibratory plate compactor.

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)

An eco-friendly alternative with similar performance to virgin crushed stone.

• Cost-effective and sustainable

• Performs well in driveways and heavy-use patios

• May contain impurities—choose high-quality RCA from reputable suppliers

  
  

Solid Ground Outdoor uses RCA when budget-conscious clients want green alternatives without sacrificing stability.

Paver Base Panels

These are synthetic panels that replace traditional gravel bases for light-load areas.

• Interlocking systems make installation faster

• Great for DIY patios

• Lightweight and low-profile

• Best for small patios, not recommended for driveways

Concrete Sand (As a Bedding Layer Only)

Concrete sand is not a base—it’s a bedding material.

• Spread 1 inch thick after compacting the gravel base

• Screed it evenly before laying pavers

• Helps level the pavers and improve interlock

  
  

Never use sand as the main base. It won’t support weight or provide drainage.

Geotextile Fabric & Geogrid

These are optional but highly recommended, especially in areas with clay soil or poor drainage.

• Prevents soil mixing with base layers

• Reduces weed growth

• Improves frost resistance

• Enhances load distribution with geogrid layers

  
  

Use these under crushed stone for maximum performance and longevity.

Proper Paver Patio Foundation Based on Conditions

Soil Type

Your soil will determine how deep to dig and what reinforcements you need.

• Clay: Poor drainage—always use geotextile + 6–8" gravel base

• Loam: Ideal for patios—standard 4–6" base works well

• Sandy soil: Good drainage—still compact well to avoid shifting

• High water table: Use deeper base + drainage pipe or permeable gravel

Use Case & Load Requirements

Different uses need different bases. Here’s what Solid Ground Outdoor recommends:

• Garden patio: 4–6" Class 5 + 1" bedding sand

• Driveway: 8–12" RCA with geogrid + bedding layer

• Pool deck: 6" crushed stone + drainage mat

• DIY path: Paver base panels + bedding sand

Climate Considerations

If you live in an area with freezing winters or heavy rain, consider:

• Frost heave risk: Go deeper with gravel, add geotextile

• Heavy rain zones: Choose high-permeability Class 5

• Dry, hot climates: Compaction is key—watch for dust layers

Step-by-Step Paver Base Installation Process

Marking & Excavating the Area

• Outline your patio space with stakes and string

• Excavate 6–12 inches, depending on use

• Ensure a slope of 1" per 4–8 feet for water runoff

  
  

Installing Geotextile Fabric (Optional)

• Lay over subsoil before gravel

• Acts as a weed barrier

• Prevents mixing between soil and gravel

Adding and Compacting Base Layers

• Add Class 5 or RCA in 2–4 inch lifts

• Compact with a plate compactor after each lift

• For driveways, go deeper—up to 12 inches total

  
  

Screeding Bedding Sand

• Use 1-inch pipes or rails to guide level

• Drag a screed board over the pipes to level the sand

• Keep surface dry and smooth before pavers go down

Laying Pavers and Edge Restraints

• Place pavers starting from a corner

• Use rubber mallet to set in place

• Add paver edging to lock everything in

• Sweep in polymeric sand for joints, then mist to harden

Cost Breakdown of Base Materials

Base Material	Avg. Price per Ton	Coverage (4") per Ton	Notes
Class 5 Crushed Gravel	$35–$60	~80 sq ft	Most reliable and cost-effective
Recycled Concrete (RCA)	$20–$40	~80 sq ft	Budget-friendly, eco-conscious
Paver Base Panels	$10–$15 each	~20 sq ft/panel	High for large projects
Geotextile Fabric	$0.50–$1 per sq ft	N/A	Optional but adds long-term value

Don’t forget: Proper base = lower long-term repair costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Paver Patio Base Prep

• Skipping excavation depth—leads to shifting

• Using sand or topsoil as base

• Failing to compact in layers

• Ignoring edge restraints

• Not checking for proper slope

  
  

Each mistake can cost you double in repairs later.

Eco-Friendly Base Material Options

At Solid Ground Outdoor, we care about sustainability. Here are some options:

• RCA: Recycles concrete waste into functional base

• Open-graded stone base: Allows stormwater infiltration

• Permeable systems: Reduces runoff and erosion

• Geogrid reinforcement: Allows thinner base layers = less material

  
  

These options qualify for LEED credits in many areas.

DIY vs Professional Installation: What You Should Know

DIY Route

Pros:

• Cost savings

• Satisfaction of building it yourself

  
  

Cons:

• Requires tools (plate compactor, screed, saw)

• Time-consuming and physically demanding

• Mistakes often go unnoticed until it's too late

  
  

FAQs – Paver Patio Base Questions Answered

Can I use sand as the main base? 

No. Sand lacks stability and drains poorly. Use it only as a bedding layer.

What is the best gravel for a paver patio? 

¾" minus crushed stone (Class 5) with fines for compaction.

How thick should the paver base be? 

4–6" for patios, 8–12" for driveways—adjust for soil type.

Do I need fabric under the gravel? 

Highly recommended, especially for clay or high-moisture soils.

Should I use paver base panels? 

Only for lightweight patios and DIY builds—avoid for driveways or heavy loads.

Best Paver Base Recommendations by Project Type

Project Type	Recommended Base	Why It Works
Garden Patio	6" Class 5 + 1" bedding sand	Balanced support, good drainage
Driveway	12" RCA + geogrid	Handles weight, cost-efficient
Pool Deck	8" crushed stone + geotextile	Resists water buildup
DIY Pathway	Paver base panels + bedding sand	Simple, fast, less digging
Sloped Backyard	8" gravel + geogrid reinforcement	Prevents shifting and erosion