Pavers, gravel base and bedding sand for a patio, path or driveway — the whole materials list
from two measurements.
How the estimate works
pavers = ceil( area × (1 + waste) ÷ paver sq ft )
base = area × base depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27 (cubic yards)
sand = area × 1″ ÷ 12 ÷ 27
polymeric ≈ 1 bag per 50–75 sq ft (varies by joint width)
Excavate deep enough for base + 1″ sand + paver thickness, sloped 1″ per 8 ft away from the
house for drainage. Edge restraint (plastic or concrete) around the perimeter keeps the
field from spreading — don't skip it.
Pavers per square foot by size
| Paver | Per sq ft | Per 100 sq ft (with 10%) |
|---|
| 4×8″ | 4.5 | 495 |
| 6×6″ | 4.0 | 440 |
| 6×12″ | 2.0 | 220 |
| 12×12″ | 1.0 | 110 |
| 24×24″ | 0.25 | 28 |
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 12×12 patio?
A 12×12 ft patio is 144 sq ft. With standard 4×8″ pavers (4.5 per sq ft) that is 648 pavers, plus 5–10% waste for cuts — order about 700.
What goes under pavers?
From the bottom up: compacted soil, landscape fabric (optional), 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base (crushed stone with fines, e.g. paver base or road base), then 1 inch of bedding sand, then pavers, with polymeric sand swept into the joints.
How much gravel base for a paver patio?
4 inches compacted for foot traffic, 6–8 inches for driveways or clay soil. A 144 sq ft patio at 4 inches needs about 1.8 cubic yards of base — order 2 to allow for compaction.
How much sand goes on top of the base?
Exactly 1 inch of concrete/bedding sand, screeded level — never more, or the pavers will settle unevenly. That is 0.31 cubic yards per 100 sq ft.
Do I really need to compact the base?
Yes — in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor. Skipping compaction is the #1 cause of wavy, sunken patios a year later. Rent a compactor for a half day; it is not optional.