How deep to go
| Use | Published figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway or patio, base | 4 to 6 in | unilock.com |
| Residential driveway, minimum base | 6 in | cmha.org |
| Driveway, base | 8 to 12 in | unilock.com |
Unilock says there is no absolute rule for base depth, but its guideline is 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian walkways and 8 to 12 inches for driveways. Unilock also tells you to dig 6 inches past the edges on every side, so a 20 × 10 ft patio is excavated 21 × 11 ft. Add that margin to your length and width.
Working it out
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard.
Example: 16 × 12 ft at 6 inches with 10% extra is 3.91 cubic yards of crusher run, about 5.87 tons at 1.50 tons per cubic yard.
Rochester Concrete Products' install guide adds 10% for compaction and uneven ground.
Common questions
How much gravel do I need for a paver patio base?
Measure the area, choose a depth from the table above and enter both in the calculator. It gives cubic yards, tons and bags.
Should I order extra?
Rochester Concrete Products' install guide adds 10% for compaction and uneven ground. Loose stone also compacts, so a compacted layer needs more loose material than its finished depth suggests.
Related calculators
Sources
- https://unilock.com/diy/dos-and-donts-of-paver-installation-base-preparation-23/
- https://www.cmha.org/news-and-insights/proper-concrete-paver-base-and-depth-what-to-know-and-why-it-matters/
- https://rochestercp.com/resources/installation-manuals/installation-manual-vintage-6.pdf