When installing pavers, it is important to choose the right gravel for the paver base. This guide will help you choose the right size gravel to use for your paver base.
Gravel to Use for Paver Base’ style=”display:none”>
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Introduction
Pavers are a great addition to any home, whether it’s a backyard patio or a walkway leading up to your front door. But before you can start laying down yourpavers, you need to make sure you have a solid foundation to work with. This is where gravel comes in.
Gravel is typically used as a base for pavers because it provides a sturdy foundation and drainage for your pavers. But not all gravel is created equal, and different types of gravel will work better for different applications. So how do you know what size gravel to use for your paver base?
The answer depends on the size of the pavers you’re using and the type of soil in your yard. In general, you’ll want to use ⅜-inch gravel for your paver base, but there are some exceptions. Read on to learn more about choosing the right type of gravel for your paver base.
The Different Sizes of Gravel
There are many types and sizes of gravel, and they all have different uses. The size of the gravel is an important factor in how it will be used.
Smaller gravel is often used for walkways and paths because it is easy to walk on. It is also a good choice for driveways because it does not get stuck in tires the way that larger gravel can.
Medium-sized gravel is a good choice for drainage applications because it drains well and does not get caught in tires or clog drains. It is also a good choice for paver base because it packs down well and provides a stable foundation.
Larger gravel is often used as decoration or to fill larger areas. It is not a good choice for drainage applications because it does not drain well and can get caught in tires or clog drains.
How Much Gravel Do I Need?
The first step is to measure the area you need to cover with gravel. Use a long measuring tape or a string and some wood stakes to mark out the length and width of your project area. Once you have those measurements, multiply the length times the width to find the square footage of gravel needed. For example, if your project area is 10 feet wide by 20 feet long, you’ll need 200 square feet of gravel.
Now that you know how much gravel you need, it’s time to determine what size gravel to use for your paver base. The most common sizes used for this application are 3/4 inch, 1 inch, and 1 1/2 inch. These sizes are typically available in both bags and bulk.
The size of the gravel you use is directly related to the size of the pavers you want to install. For example, if you’re using 12-inch pavers, you would need to use a 3/4-inch or 1-inch gravel for your paver base. If you’re using 18-inch pavers, you would need to use a 1 1/2-inch gravel for your paver base.
Once you’ve determined how much gravel you need and what size gravel to use for your paver base, it’s time to calculate how many bags or how much bulk gravel you’ll need to complete your project.
The Cost of Gravel
The cost of gravel varies depending on several factors such as type, quality and quantity. You can purchase gravel in two main ways: by the ton or by the yard. The majority of retailers sell gravel by the ton, but some also sell it by the yard.
When you purchase gravel in bulk, there are two common options for sizes: 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch. Some retailers also sell 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch sizes, but these are less common for pavers base layer.
The price of gravel varies based on the type you choose. For example, one type of gravel may be priced at $35 per ton, while another may be $50 per ton. At first glance, it may not seem like there is much of a difference between the two, but when you factor in that you need about four times as much 1/4 inch gravel as 1/8 inch gravel for the same size area, the price becomes more significant.
Gravel for Paver Base
-3/4” clean gravel – This size of gravel is the most popular for two reasons. First, 3/4” clean gravel looks great and second, it is really easy to work with.
-1 1/2” gravel – If you are looking for a little more stability or want a paver base that will drain a little better, you can use 1 1/2” gravel.
-2-4” gravel – This size of gravel is often used as a paver base because it provides great drainage and is easy to work with.
Conclusion
After you have determined the correct gravel base size and thickness for your pavers, you can calculate the amount of gravel needed using a standard formula. To find the square footage of your project, multiply the length by the width. Once you have this number, multiply it by the depth or thickness of your gravel base to find the cubic yards of gravel needed. Finally, divide this number by 27 to find the number of cubic yards needed.
