Paver Calculator
Pavers, gravel base and sand for a patio or walkway.
Pavers needed
538 pavers
Patio area
192 sq ft
Pavers
538~0.375 sq ft each, incl. 5% waste
Gravel base
3.2 tons4" compacted base
Bedding + joint sand
32 + 3 bags1" bedding sand + polymeric joint sand
Paver cost (est.)
$806~$4.00/sq ft material
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A paver patio or walkway is the most forgiving hardscape project — no concrete to rush, and mistakes can be lifted and reset. The whole job lives or dies on the base: a deep, compacted gravel base is what keeps pavers flat for decades.
DifficultyIntermediate
TimeA weekend or two for a patio, most of it base prep
SkillsLots of digging and screeding; patience for getting the base dead flat
PermitsUsually permit-free, but check setbacks and drainage rules for large patios near the house or property line.
Tools you'll need
- Plate compactor (rent it)
- Shovel and wheelbarrow
- Screed pipes and a screed board
- Rubber mallet
- 4-ft level
- Masonry saw or splitter for cuts
- Broom
Step by step
- ExcavateDig out about 7–9" total — enough for ~4–6" of gravel base, 1" of sand, plus the paver thickness. Slope it ~1/4" per foot away from the house.
- Build and compact the baseAdd gravel in 2" lifts and compact each lift until firm. This is the step everyone shortcuts and regrets.
- Screed a sand bedSet screed pipes, spread 1" of bedding sand, and screed it perfectly flat. Don't walk on it after.
- Lay the paversStart from a straight edge and work outward in your pattern, leaving tight joints. Tap each level with a rubber mallet.
- Edge, sand, and compactInstall edge restraints, sweep polymeric joint sand into the gaps, compact the pavers, then mist the sand to set it.
Common mistakes
Skimping on the gravel base
A thin or un-compacted base causes sinking and heaving. Compact 4–6" in lifts — it's 80% of the job.
No slope for drainage
Pitch the whole patio ~1/4" per foot away from the house so water runs off.
No edge restraint
Without edging, perimeter pavers spread and the field loosens. Always restrain the edges.
Plain sand in the joints
Use polymeric joint sand — it locks pavers together and resists weeds and washout.
Safety
- Plate compactors are heavy and vibrate — wear boots and ear protection.
- Lift pavers and gravel with your legs; pace the digging.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a paver base be?
4–6" of compacted gravel for a patio (more for a driveway), plus 1" of bedding sand under the pavers.
How many pavers do I need?
Enter your patio size and paver size above — the calculator returns paver count plus base gravel and sand.
Sand or polymeric sand for joints?
Polymeric. It hardens when wetted, locking pavers together and keeping weeds and ants out.
Next steps for this project
Gravel
How much gravel you need for a driveway, path, or base — in tons and cubic yards.
Concrete Slab
How much concrete you need for a slab, driveway, or patio — in cubic yards and bags.
Retaining Wall
Blocks (any size), poured concrete, timber, or stone — with caps and base gravel.
Excavation
Cubic yards of dirt to dig and haul, plus truckloads.
Sources & references
- Follow the paver maker's base and installation guide