Paver Base Panel Vs Gravel

What size gravel to use for paver base.

Paver base panel vs gravel. Crushed stone makes a solid paver base because it allows water drainage and is easy to work with. So with these typical hassles removed from the mix there s plenty of time to focus on perfecting the overall installation. 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. After laying about half of my patio i decided i didn t like how it was turning out.

Gator base was designed to save hardscape contractors from headaches like needless excavation costly dumping fees and having to maneuver large pieces of equipment in tight spaces. The 5 worst mistakes you can make during a gator base installation. When the two are head to head i d have to choose the base paneling. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6 inch deep layer of compacted gravel.

Stone aggregate comes in a variety of sizes but most experts recommend 3 4 inch gravel for paver bases. The brock system involves removing the sod digging an inch or so putting a small amount of sand to level and than placing the brock system that is a 2 x. While gravel gives more of a classic look paver base paneling has plenty of benefits. The major difference is how much easier installation is.

For a typical 10 x 12 foot patio that means carting away about 2 1 2 tons of soil and hauling in the same amount of gravel. The panels are expensive but definitely make it easier if you want to pick up some of the pavers. As the sand is below the pavers you can place and reposition a paver without affecting the sand. The best aggregate for paver bases is a quarry processed dense grade aggregate.

For that same patio you would need only 24 paver base panels weighing a total of about 30 pounds to replace the 2 1 2 tons of gravel. The paneling not only takes less work but can save you time and money as well. Measuring almost 3 inches thick pavers are available in various shapes. Let plastic panels take the place of the gravel base.

But there s an easier way.