Paver Patio Calculator
Determine exact paver counts, compacted crushed stone road base, bedding sand depth, and polymeric joint sand.
Plastic snap-edge restraint spiked into base
Total Pavers to Order
1,418 Pavers
300 sq ft (Includes 5% Cutting Waste)
Crushed Stone Base
5.2 Tons
3.7 cu yd (#21A / Crusher Run)
Coarse Bedding Sand
1.0 Cu Yd
Exactly 1" screeded depth
Polymeric Joint Sand
4 Bags
50 lb bags (locks pavers and blocks weeds)
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
100% Free Tool
Zero Sign-Up
The Anatomy of a Long-Lasting Paver Patio
Failed paver patios that sag and puddle fail from poor sub-base preparation. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) standard cross-section requires:
- Sub-base (4" - 6"): Compacted dense-graded aggregate (#21A / crusher run) compacted in 2-inch lifts with a vibrating plate compactor.
- Bedding Layer (1"): Exactly 1 inch of uncompacted coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33). Never use masonry sand or stone dust, as they wash out and hold moisture.
- Joint Sand: Polymeric sand swept dry into joints, compacted, and activated with a fine water mist to create an elastic polymer lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 4x8 pavers are in a square foot?
A 4" × 8" paver covers 32 square inches. There are 144 / 32 = 4.5 pavers per square foot.
Why must the sand layer be exactly 1 inch thick?
If bedding sand exceeds 1 inch, the pavers will shift, float, and create uneven wheel ruts under foot traffic.
How far past the pavers should the gravel base extend?
Extend the compacted gravel base at least 6 inches beyond the paver perimeter on all sides so edge restraint spikes have solid stone to bite into.