What size gravel to use for paver base? In case you don?t know, gravel is considered the best base for pavers and similar floorings, and certainly the only material that will keep them in place. Laying pavers without a base will eventually lead to loosened pavers and useless patios, so it?s better to keep them straight in their spot as much as you can. How to keep pavers straight, though? If you don?t know, don?t worry: this gravel for paver installation guide will teach you how.
What Size Gravel to Use for Paver Base ? Fine, Medium, or Coarse Gravel?
Whether you have stamped concrete or pavers it is important to consider the size of gravel you will use. This guide will list the best size gravel materials you can use as paver bases. If you?re planning on installing a paver patio and don?t know where to start, or are planning on reinforcing yours but don?t know how to keep pavers straight, this article must be your first stop: laying pavers without a base is the worst place to start from!
Fine Gravel
Fine gravel is the best base for pavers who don?t have subsurface drainage problems. Fine gravel is similar to sand, as it compacts into an extremely tight surface that prevents water drainage or seepage into the ground below. Don?t use fine gravel in humid areas, though, as that would lead to pockets of water under the pavers, which will eventually freeze and damage the pavers.
Medium Gravel
Medium gravel tends to rank as one of the best bases for pavers in the market. Although it compacts tightly, it allows small gaps between stones for water to flow into the dirt below. Medium gravel forms a solid base that can withstand most weights, making it an ideal base for driveway surfaces.
Coarse Gravel
Coarse gravel is the best base for pavers subject to heavy weights, such as driveways and parking spots. Although coarse gravel doesn?t compact as tightly as the previous gravel, the stones provide a major support for heavy loads and good subsurface drainage.
Coarse gravel tends to be used as a first base, followed by an amount of medium gravel and topped by sand bed, in most paver base installations.
Recycled Gravel
Recycled gravel is made of repurposed concrete material, such as limestone and other old crushed minerals, and works as good as actual limestone. Although it?s not exactly the best base for pavers, it does work well, and it?s even cheaper. This is the best option for those looking for a sturdy and affordable alternative for their pavers.
Last Considerations
Do I need gravel under pavers?
Laying pavers without a base will make them sink, break and dislocate over time, hence becoming a problem. You don?t need necessarily gravel as your paver foundation, but you need to shape an incredibly solid base with sand and other materials in order to keep the pavers from moving.
How many inches of gravel do you need for pavers?
If your patio will be used for foot traffic only, you need 4 inches of base. If you plan on driving your lawn tractor over it sometime, 6 inches. If you plan on using the paver as a driveway or parking space, 12 inches. Regardless of your choice, the sand layer should be 1 inch thick in all cases.
How do you place stepping stones in gravel?
Just place the stone into the sand base and pound it with a rubber mallet. Ensure they?re all on the same level and spread dry mortar 2?4 inches beyond where the stepping stones are being laid. Finish the process by raking the gravel over it.
To summarize, what size gravel to use for paver base? There is no definite best base for pavers but our list just showed us the most ideal ones for specific situations and scenarios in your household. Remember: laying pavers without a base will cause you trouble later on, so it?s better that you consult a paver installation guide so you can know how to keep pavers straight before it?s too late.
