Paver Base Gravel & Leveling Sand Estimator
Estimate 4 inches of sub-base gravel and 1 inch of bedding sand for paver installations.
Interactive Material & Cost Estimator
HomeYardMath.com — Hardware Store Shopping List
Estimated Material Needed 192 sq ft @ 5" depth (+10% buffer)
Bulk Volume (Cubic Yards) 3.26 88.0 cubic feet
Estimated Total Weight 4.40 US Tons (8,800 lbs)
Store Bag Count 176 bags
Pallet Estimate (56 bags) ~3.14 pallets
Estimated Project Material Cost Bulk Saves $539
Retail Package Total $792.00 Before local sales tax
Bulk + Truck Delivery $252.96 Includes $90 delivery
Quick Reference Coverage Chart (Gravel & Stone)
Instant pre-calculated material estimates for common US residential project sizes before compaction buffer:
| Typical US Project | Area | Depth | Volume | Weight | Store Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio Paver Base (12 ft × 14 ft) | 168 sq ft | 5" Total | 2.92 cu yd | 3.94 tons (7,880 lbs) | Bulk Recommended |
Engineering Formula & Material Density Constant
Sub-Base (4") + Bedding Sand (1") = Total 5" Excavation Volume
Standard paver installations require a 4-inch compacted crushed stone base plus a 1-inch screeded layer of coarse concrete sand.
The 4-to-1 Rule for Pavers
Never lay pavers directly on topsoil. Always excavate 5 to 7 inches total, lay geotextile fabric, compact 4 inches of crushed stone, screed 1 inch of sand, lay pavers, and lock joints with polymeric sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sand is used under pavers?
Coarse washed concrete sand (ASTM C33). Never use fine playground sand.
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