Paver Base vs. Paver Sand: What Should You Use
Paver base vs paver sand: How do these materials shape your outdoor projects? Both play a key role in creating durable surfaces for walkways, driveways, patios, and more. Understanding how each material contributes to your paver installation can help you pick the right option to achieve the best results for your space.
Paver Base vs. Paver Sand Overview
Paver base and paver sand are ideal materials that create a strong foundation for installing pavers. The base provides stability, preventing shifting and settling over time. The sand complements the base by filling gaps and creating a smooth surface for the pavers to rest on.
Our team at Aviara Pavers installs a solid base using premium base and sand while strictly adhering to ICPI standards. walkways, driveways, pool decks, or patios – we build compact, long-lasting surfaces that enhance your outdoor space.
Paver Base Overview
Also called a crusher rock or a roadbed gravel, a paver base is the material you'll use beneath pavers to provide a stable foundation. This layer keeps pavers level and interlocked to maintain a durable, level surface.
It's typically made up of various rock types, like limestone or granite, to provide excellent stability beneath your pavers. To create a compact base, prioritize even distribution. This preparation supports your pavers' weight, preventing shifting and sinking.
Advantages
A properly installed base promotes efficient water drainage, reducing the risk of water pooling and damage.
It creates smooth paving, making it easier to achieve a professional and polished look.
Rough edges and varying sizes of the gravel provide a strong foundation that prevents pavers from shifting or settling over time.
Disadvantages
Installing a base requires significant time and effort, including excavation, compaction, and layering, which can be physically demanding.
If not installed correctly, the base can accumulate water.
Paver Sand Overview
Also known as C-33 or leveling sand, sand is a key component in installing pavers. It's the fine material placed between the joints of pavers, providing stability and resistance to weed growth and water seepage. Compact installation using quality sand can prevent issues like paver movement or sinking.
When laying pavers, your choice of sand is vital for the bedding layer and the filling of the joints. For the bedding, it's typically coarse-grained sand that aids in leveling and cushioning the pavers. Meanwhile, polymeric sand is often favored for filling the joints.
Advantages
It helps lock the pavers, reducing movement and shifting over time.
It enables water to pass through, preventing pooling.
It creates an even surface on which the pavers can rest, giving it a polished and professional finish.
Disadvantages
Over time, the sand can erode due to wind, rain, or pressure washing, leading to gaps between the pavers that may require regular maintenance.
If the sand isn’t compacted properly, weeds can grow between the pavers, affecting their appearance and stability.
Comparison Between Paver Base and Paver Sand
The two materials have differences and similarities worth noting before beginning your project. Here are the similarities and differences:
Similarities
Paving base and sand share some aspects that contribute to the stability and longevity of pavers.
Both are key materials used in preparing and installing paving stones.
Both serve to create a stable foundation that prevents shifting or sinking.
Both can impact a paver’s longevity, with proper use extending the lifespan.
Both require careful work, including proper leveling and compaction, to enhance the project's long-term success.
Both play a key role in preventing water accumulation and damage.
Differences
As you see the difference between paver base and sand, you can have the proper material selection to achieve structural integrity and your desired aesthetic.
The main function of a base is load distribution, while the sand's primary role is to provide a screeded layer for precise paver height and to lock them together.
The base of a paver is typically made of crushed stone or gravel, providing a solid foundation, while sand is finer and used to fill gaps.
The base offers structural support, preventing the pavers from shifting, while the sand helps level and secure the pavers in place.
The base is installed beneath the pavers to form the foundation, whereas the sand is spread on top of the base and between the pavers.
The thickness of the base is significantly greater, typically 4-12 inches, compared to the sand, which is usually 1 inch or less.
Major Distinguishing Factor
The major distinguishing factor between the two is their function: The paver base provides the structural foundation, offering stability and support. Paver sand, however, fills gaps and builds a compact reinforcement, helping to secure the pavers and improve drainage.
When to Use Paver Base
You'll want to use a solid base for outdoor projects, particularly when installing patios or driveways. A solid base is key for long-term stability and preventing the shifting or sinking of your pavers.
When to Use Paver Sand
The sand is best utilized when laying paver patio stones or pavers in your outdoor space. Think of it as the cushion between pavers; it provides a stable base and helps lock them in place.
Which Hardscaping Material Is Better?
When choosing whether to use a paver base or paver sand, you need to remember that each of them fulfills distinct roles in installing pavers. A paver base is a better option for forming the structural foundation. Meanwhile, paver sand is a vital component in a precise leveling bed for the pavers.
Related Questions
What Is the Best Base for Pavers?
The best base for pavers is usually a well-compacted layer of gravel over prepared soil to promote proper stability for your house's outdoor areas. This foundation prevents the settling and shifting of the pavers.
Do You Need Sand or a Road Base for the Pavers?
You need both sand and road base for pavers. A crushed rock road base provides the primary structural support. It’s complemented with a thin layer of bedding sand for fine leveling of the paver stones.
Can You Use Paver Base by Itself?
You generally can’t use a paver base by itself. While it helps, a proper base system for a paver patio still requires a compacted sub-base of gravel over the existing soil. This promotes long-term stability and prevents issues for your house.
How Many Inches of Sand Can Be Under a Paver Stone?
You should have approximately 1 inch of sand under a paver stone. This layer of bedding sand (not play sand) should be evenly spread and then lightly screeded. It creates a level surface before the pavers are laid and subsequently compacted.
What Do You Put Between Pavers to Make Them Stable?
Put polymeric sand between the pavers to make them stable. Once activated with water, this specialized sand hardens to lock the pavers in place. This prevents shifting while inhibiting weed growth around your house.
Can You Use Concrete as a Base for a Paver Patio?
You can use concrete as a base, especially if pursuing a more permanent paver solution. A concrete slab provides a firm, stable foundation when it’s properly installed and allowed to cure, preventing pavers from shifting.
How Thick Should a Paver Base Be?
The recommended base thickness typically ranges from 4 to 6 inches for a paver patio or 8 to 12 inches for a driveway.
Do You Need Gaps Between Pavers?
You need gaps to enable the expansion and contraction of the pavers. The size of the gaps will depend on the type of pavers used. Fill these gaps with the right sand, which helps lock the pavers and prevents weed growth.
Conclusion
When selecting between paver base and sand, consider your project's long-term durability and maintenance needs. Each material plays a unique role, and choosing the right one for your paver work will help create a strong, stable, and long-lasting patio, driveway, or walkway.