Pave precisely.
Pavers, base gravel, and sand for any patio or path. Accounts for cuts, pattern waste, and the underlying base layers.
How we calculated this
Paver count is calculated by dividing the project area by the area of a single paver, then multiplying by a pattern-specific waste factor. Running bond and stack bond patterns have minimal cuts (3-5% waste). Herringbone requires diagonal cuts at all edges (15% waste). Basket weave sits in between (8%).
A proper paver installation is a three-layer system: compacted gravel base (structural), bedding sand (leveling), and the pavers themselves. The calculator computes all three. Base depth depends on use — 4-6 inches for pedestrian patios and walkways, 8-10 inches for driveways that bear vehicle weight.
Base gravel is typically crushed stone #57 or #3 (angular, self-compacting). The calculator uses density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which covers most crushed aggregate. Order by the yard for large jobs (over 3 yd³); by the bag for small patios.
Bedding sand is coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33) spread 1 inch deep and screeded level. Never use play sand or masonry sand — they hold moisture and cause pavers to sink or heave.
Joint sand (polymeric or regular) fills the gaps between pavers. 1 pound per square foot is a rough estimate for standard 1/8" joints on 4×8 brick pavers. Larger pavers with the same joint width use less; wider joints use more. Polymeric sand hardens when activated with water and prevents weeds and ant invasion.
The calculator does not include: edge restraint (plastic or metal edging at the perimeter, typically 1 linear foot per linear foot of edge), geotextile fabric (recommended under base on clay soils), or drainage provisions. Budget those items separately.
Sources
- ICPI — Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute — Industry standards for base depth and bedding sand
- Belgard — Paver Installation Guide — Pattern waste factors and coverage recommendations
Frequently asked
How many pavers do I need for a 10×12 patio?
For a 10×12 ft patio (120 sq ft) using 4×8 brick pavers in a running bond pattern with 5% waste, you need about 570 pavers. Larger 12×12 pavers reduce count to about 126 for the same area. Use the calculator above with your specific paver size.
How deep should the base be?
Pedestrian patios and walkways: 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, plus 1 inch of bedding sand. Driveways: 8-10 inches of compacted gravel minimum, plus 1 inch of bedding sand. Insufficient base is the #1 cause of paver failure — sinking, heaving, and uneven surfaces almost always trace back to thin or improperly compacted base.
What's the difference between base and bedding sand?
Base is compacted crushed stone (structural layer that supports load). Bedding sand is 1 inch of coarse concrete sand on top of the base, used to level the pavers. Don't skip either — just sand on dirt will fail within a season.
Do I need polymeric sand?
Recommended for most installations. Polymeric sand hardens when wetted, preventing weeds, ants, and washout between pavers. Costs 2-3× more than regular sand but the install stays clean for years. Don't use it on permeable pavers or with irrigation that wets the surface daily — it breaks down.
What pattern uses the least pavers?
Stack bond (pavers aligned in grid) has the lowest waste (~3%). Running bond (standard offset pattern) is similar (~5%). Herringbone at 45 degrees is the highest (~15%) because every edge paver needs a diagonal cut.
Can I install pavers over existing concrete?
Yes — it's called an overlay. You need thin bedding sand (1/2 inch) directly on the concrete, then pavers. Edge restraint is trickier — you can't stake into concrete, so use adhesive edging. Drainage becomes critical since water can't filter through the slab.
How long do pavers take to install?
Rough DIY estimate: 1 person can do about 50-75 sq ft per day including excavation and base prep. A 10×12 ft patio takes a full weekend from start to finish. Pros installing only (with excavation and base done) lay about 200-300 sq ft per day.
Do I need an edge restraint?
Yes — without it, outside pavers slowly shift outward and the pattern unravels. Plastic or metal L-shaped edging spiked every 12 inches is standard. Concrete curb works for permanent installations but costs more. Never skip this step.