ProjectCalc (working name)

Paver Calculator

Pavers are the easy part — this also figures the base system underneath them: crushed stone, bedding sand, joint sand and edging.

Feet
Feet

ItemAmount
Pavers to buy
Base gravel ( crusher run / 3/4″ minus)
Bedding sand (1″ screeded)
Polymeric joint sand (50-lb bags)
Edge restraint
Excavation depth

Base and sand are figured with a 10% extra for compaction and spillage — gravel goes down loose and compacts thin, so order by the compacted depth shown.

🛒 Shopping list

ItemQty
Pavers
Base gravel, bulk
Concrete bedding sand, bulk
Polymeric sand, 50-lb
Edge restraint + 10″ spikes (1 per ft)
Landscape fabric (under base, poor soils)

✅ Project checklist

  • Call 811; excavate to full system depth (base + 1″ sand + paver thickness)
  • Compact the soil, then the gravel base in 2″ lifts — this step decides if the patio lasts
  • Screed exactly 1″ of bedding sand; don't walk on it after screeding
  • Lay pavers from a corner, snug; cut edge pieces with a rented saw
  • Install edge restraint before compacting the field
  • Plate-compact, sweep polymeric sand into joints, compact again, mist per the bag

How the math works

Pavers = area × pavers-per-sq-ft for the size, plus the pattern waste factor. The base is real volume math: area × compacted depth ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Total dig depth = base + 1″ bedding sand + paver thickness (~2⅜″) — the number everyone forgets until the pavers sit proud of the lawn.

For estimation only. Base depth requirements vary with soil and climate — freeze/thaw regions go deeper; check local practice.